Over the past few weeks, advisory has introduced new ways to give back to the community and benefit not only students but teachers as well.

“I think volunteering and service projects provide a healthy boost to self-esteem, self confidence and a natural sense of accomplishment. Allowing students to identify a need and work collaboratively to develop a plan,” said advisory teacher Meyon Burns. 

Some advisory classes constructed “goodie” bags for the homeless that contain hats, gloves, deodorant and winter coats, but others have explored other options during February since Feb. 17 is the day to celebrate National Random Acts of Kindness.

On Feb. 15, 2023, Heather Sipe’s advisory class began to sponsor beach bags to donate meals to students in need at Ocean Lakes Elementary. The class raised $63 for beach bags, and their advisory packed the beach bags during advisory on March 15, 2023. 

“My advisory students chose to support Beach Bags as a way to help our community and give to those in need,” said Sipe.

In early March, many advisory classes participated in collecting supplies to donate to the Seton Youth Shelter, which is the program Founder’s Week sponsored and a program that serves runaways, homeless and all youth in crisis. 

Taylor Slagle and Lauren Mclntyre’s advisories helped create the “one pod, one purpose” sticky note wall in the gym foyer that has over 600 notes. Students from all over the building shared what they loved about Founder’s Week.

”Mrs Mclntrye and I wanted to have an advisory lesson that put the emphasis of Founder’s Week back on the importance of community,” said Taylor Slagle.

When people do for others, it tends to reap unexpected rewards.

“I think that this advisory project has opened up discussion in my class and allowed us to come together as a team,” said sophomore Savannah Steffens.

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Teresa Manwell

Teresa Manwell's advisory class hold Valentine's Day cards up that they created for senior citizens at the Sullivan House Retirement Community.