Grades 6-8

Overview   Capstone Projects   Grade 7/8 Advising   Community Service

7th and 8th Grade Advising

All 7th and 8th grade students are grouped according to interests into small advising groups or teams (6-8 students per team). The advisors were matched to the groups also according to interests and strengths. We choose to form these smaller groups so that each student can receive more attention from his/her advisor and so students with similar interests can find a way to turn those interests into community service.

Within these groups, the advisors and students work on several things throughout the year. All advisors will help plan and monitor individual community service projects that are inspired by the monthly virtue. The advising groups also plan and carry out group community service projects that are based around the common interests of the group. 8th graders will all complete a Capstone Project, which must include a content/research component as well as community service and character reflection components.

All students set SMART goals each term. A SMART goal is Strategic and Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-Based, and Time-Bound. Parents are encouraged to talk with children about the goals that they set for themselves and become involved in helping their children be successful in reaching their goals.

In addition to community service (both individual and group) and goal-setting, at least one period each month is spent discussing the school-wide virtue of the month. Groups discuss the meaning of the monthly virtues, what they look like in everyday life, and how they can work to make each virtue a part of their individual character. Activities are also planned to illustrate each virtue.

The 7-8 advising program is designed to deliver a strong Character Education and Community Service program to our students and provide them with guidance and a chance to work with different teachers on these important aspects of their education.