Building a healthy community is an important part of ensuring a safe learning environment. At the core of any healthy community are healthy relationships. At Building 21, we understand that creating this community and building these relationships requires intentional planning and practice. To create the environment we envision, Building 21 students and staff will devote 3.5 hours a week in Advisory.

Advisories will serve as safe spaces for the community to reflect on personal mastery, teambuilding, short and long-term goals. Every student at Building 21 will have an advisor. Advisors will meet with students regularly to set and to revisit personal mastery goals; to reflect upon successes and failures; and to track individual progress toward graduation. Additionally, advisors will support in the selection of instructional opportunities that are based on individual passions and interests. Last but not least, Advisory teachers and students will investigate, research and create hands-on projects that allow the community to deepen their understanding of Building 21’s Core Competencies and Values.

Description

Advisory will take place for 30 minutes a day Monday thru Thursday and one hour on Fridays. On Monday thru Thursdays students will meet with their advisor one-on-one while the rest of their team reads independently a book of choice that is on grade level.

On Fridays, the advisor and/or peer leaders will facilitate one hour lessons based on Building 21’s competencies of power. During this time, the entire school is having the same experience: A competency driven lesson designed to foster positive relationships within our school community as well as connect students to a deeper understanding of social justice and their impact on the world.