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Teacher and students describe new cross‑grade middle‑school advisories
Summary
At the Dec. 9 board meeting, teacher Maria Paulson and several middle‑school students described a new cross‑grade advisory model for grades 6–8 that meets each morning for about 20 minutes and emphasizes life skills, belonging and peer mentoring.
Maria Paulson, an eighth‑grade language‑arts teacher, told the board the district introduced cross‑grade advisories this year so small groups of 13–14 students can build longer‑term connections across 6th, 7th and 8th grades.
"The benefits of this new approach to advisory have truly been wonderful," Paulson said, describing a classroom setup she called a "cozy little living room" where students discuss topics such as meal planning, email and text communication, and social media. She said advisories meet at the start of the day for roughly 20 minutes.
Students who spoke described advisory as a place to learn life skills and build friendships. "My name is Donna. I am happy in Mrs. Paulson's advisory class. She is very nice and cares about me. I like to see my friends each morning. It is a fun way to start my day," one student said.
District staff and board members asked how advisory outcomes connect to the student‑climate survey and KPIs. A staff member explained the district surveys students in the fall, winter and spring and that the survey now records adviser assignment so results can be cross‑referenced by adviser rather than only by grade. The administrator said that detail allows administrators to identify advisers who are strong supports for students and to target coaching where identification rates are lower.
Board members thanked the teacher and students for the presentation; Paulson and her students left after the segment and the board proceeded with regular business.
