Advising in the Middle School

What a Difference Advising Makes

The relationship among the advisor, the student, and the families is the linchpin of everything we do at KO.  These relationships enable the advisor to understand the student: the student’s needs, goals, learning style, social relationships, and emotional development.  The relationship between the advisor and the parent/guardian facilitates an important exchange of information between home and school and enables both the advisor and the parent/guardian to be more effective in their work with the student.  Children are very different people at home and school, and the window into the other environment can help families and teachers work together to design the optimal learning environment for students. 

What a Difference a Family Makes

A FAMILY/SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

Strong and steady communications between school and family are key to student success. Our advisors continually communicate with families and most importantly, they come to know their advisees well and work with a comprehensive understanding of each student’s progress and potential.

Forging the Advisor-Advisee Relationship: Opening School Trips

To facilitate building the advisor-advisee relationship, we can’t confine ourselves to the four walls of the classroom.  Profound learning happens when our students are engaged, active, and outside their comfort zone.  Our students take part in activities that complement and support our advising program.  When learning is experiential (action and reflection), students’ understanding of cooperation, risk-taking, leadership, and self-awareness is deeper and more meaningful.  KO Middle School trips provide all students the ability to experience nature firsthand, use their minds and bodies in new ways, and learn how to trust and care for one another. 

• Upper Prep (6th Grade) travels to Camp Jewell in Colebrook, CT, for 2 nights and 3 days.

• Form 1 (7th Grade) heads to The Hulbert Outdoor Center in Fairlee, VT, for 2 nights and 3 days.

• Form 2 (8th Grade) travels to Camp Chewonki in Wiscasset, ME, to camp for 3 nights and 4 days.

The best aspect of the KO teachers is their availability. They teach us concepts in class but then provide extra help if we need it through emails, study hall, and after school. They help you approach problems in different ways, so you really understand. I feel very comfortable going to my teachers and advisor because they are there to help me, and they know me as a person.

— Saaya, seventh grade

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