The decision to replace Rewards and Remediation with a Teacher Advisory period evoked mixed reactions from both students and staff.

Students of all grades have reacted differently towards the new system, which instates a separate class known as eleventh period, commonly called Teacher Advisory. The basic premise of this class is that one teacher will serve as an adviser for a group of randomly selected students, who will meet with their class once every Seahawk Seminar cycle.

The teacher is there to help students with any struggles they face both inside and outside of the classroom. It also provides an opportunity for students in class to bond with each other and learn new skills, as students of all grade levels are mixed into one class.

“Advisory period is new and we are evaluating the various ways we can use that time,” Principal Kim Retzer said. “I’m a strong believer that positive relationships among students and staff, and students and students, are key to a successful high school experience.”

Teachers additionally expressed support for the new system.

“I like it,” math teacher David Chase said. “It gives the kids a chance to bond over a four-year period and get to know kids they would normally never meet.”

Students also expressed their enjoyment of the extra time that eleventh period allows.

“I really enjoy the period,” sophomore Ceasar Howe said. “It gives me time to think and catch up on work.”

Sophomore Andrew Creekmore agrees.

“I feel that in my Teacher Advisory period, that, to date, we have not done very much, but this class can grow to be something more that can help with my education,” Creekmore said.

However, reception towards this new period has not been completely positive.

“I think it’s stupid and a waste of time that I feel like we can use for more productive things,” senior Blaine Bossie said.

Other students agree, claiming that Teacher Advisory could be better used for more productive means.

“It’s boring, and wastes my very valuable educational time,” sophomore Nathan Stone said.

Freshman Loobi Samman shares a similar opinion.

“It’s a good place to get your work done, but there’s really nothing special about it,” Samman said. “In my terms, there’s nothing really needed for the period other than getting homework done.”

Even some teachers would like to see changes made.

“I think for advisory, it would be nice to have some of my students in there, or from the grade level, so that after doing PBIS, I can help them do topics that I know, or know through the grade level team,” math teacher Kathryn Pfahl said. “But it’s also nice to know the other faces of the older kids, and their names and stuff, but there is not much I can help with.”

Despite the concerns of students and teachers, Retzer still supports the program and would like the remind students that the Teacher Advisory period is still being evaluated, much like R & R was last year.

“If students have feedback on advisory period, I encourage them to talk with Mr. Washington, or their grade level administrator,” Retzer said.