Traci Burke   Course Title: Advisory/Activity Period Section: 998-20 Objectives: One of the distinguishing features of Shorecrest Preparatory School is the rapport it establishes between students, teachers, parents, and administrators. The advisor system plays an important role in the creation of that rapport for the advisor acts as an essential point of communication between students and teachers and between home and school. The classroom teachers will continue to initiate contact with parents regarding specific issues of student performance in their class -- whether concerns or congratulations for a job well done. But the advisor is a critical part of the “safety net” Shorecrest provides to ensure both the student’s academic success and his or her personal growth. At the least, this means regularly checking on advisees’ academic standing and helping advisees become aware of strategies and resources to maximize their scholastic achievement. The advisor will also take a “big picture” view of the student’s overall performance and presence at Shorecrest, building a positive, caring relationship in which other issues -- school policies or social problems, for example -- can be discussed -- in confidence, where necessary and appropriate. In any event, the advisee should know that there is always an adult, the advisor, watching over his or her welfare. Advocacy includes sitting in on disciplinary meetings as a supportive presence for the student, making sure that communications between teachers, administrators, parents, and students are open and accurate so that the student’s best interests are served, helping the student understand the logic and philosophy of the school community, and intervening on the student's behalf to determine the nature and the circumstances of any troubles the student may be experiencing. Parents who wish to discuss a matter concerning their child may also contact the student’s advisor. If necessary, the advisor will then arrange a conference which might include the child’s teacher(s), the Dean of Students, and Upper Division Head, or anyone else who should be consulted. Students, too, should look first to their advisor for help in resolving matters of concern. Philosophy and Goals 1. To provide a system of immediate and accessible support for each student; 2. To create secure and trusting relationships between students, faculty, and parents; 3. To ensure that the lines of communication between students, teachers, parents, and, when necessary, administrators remain open, active, and effective; 4. To help students grow in self-esteem; 5. To help students become increasingly more independent; 6. To listen carefully and to try to help students resolve various academic problems; 7. To help students develop the ability to make decisions which will enhance their overall personal growth.