Dr. Carolyn Hondo
For the past few years, Burley High School has been involved in implementing an advisory period in which every student has a thirty-minute block of time with the same teacher every day. The purpose of the advisory period is to help students interact positively with a small group of peers as well as an adult in the school. While not perfect, it is our goal to build strong connections with school that will help each student complete high school, graduate on time, and be prepared to enter the adult world with many of the necessary skills that contribute to success in our society.
Many activities are encouraged during advisory time, including watching and discussing the news, working on homework, checking attendance, encouraging better grades and no missing assignments, character education, team building and service to others. We also encourage all students to become involved in sports, clubs, organizations or other programs at BHS, and the advisory period is used to promote participation in these extracurricular activities. According to research, students that are involved in extracurricular activities are more successful.
On the first day of school, Burley High School students watched a short video titled “212 Degrees.” (www.212movie.com). In the presentation the point is made that while water is hot at 211 degrees, at 212 degrees it boils and turns to steam. Steam has the power to generate electricity and move locomotives. The one extra degree of heat made the difference, and one extra degree of effort can separate good from great. It is our hope that by encouraging involvement and building strong connections between peers and school staff, BHS students will make that extra degree of effort, becoming the best they can be.
Sometimes becoming the best you can be means taking advantage of the opportunity to work for something greater than yourself. “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: The ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” (Albert Schweitzer) Albert Schweitzer (thinking of teenagers, I’m sure) also said, “One does not have to be an angel to be a saint.” With that thought in mine, on the afternoon of October 14th, BHS students and staff members will be out in the community performing “random acts of service.” Almost every advisory class has found a service project that will, hopefully, make a difference in our community. But if you have a project that needs about 20 willing workers, please give us a call (878-6606). We can always do more. One task more, one project more, one degree more.
“We are here on earth to do good to others. What the others are here for, I don’t know.” (W. H. Auden)
By: Dr Carolyn Hondo
