advisory changes

As the School Administration worked hard to reimagine what on-campus learning would look like physically, there were also many meetings, conversations, and planning done to ensure that the programming for 2020–2021 reflected the changing world. In March of 2020, Director of Health and Wellness Hope Rupley was asked to provide remote programming to support the mental and physical well-being of students. There were opportunities for students to participate in everything from virtual boot camp to discussions centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

After a summer of careful planning, Belmont Hill welcomed students, faculty, and staff back to campus four days a week while using Wednesday as a day for remote learning and deep cleaning of campus. To minimize contact with other students and faculty, the school day on campus was divided into three longer class periods with an hour break for advisory and lunch. During this time, students meet with their advisor and same group of students each day. Originally designed to assist with contact tracing, students and faculty alike began to enjoy having a consistent part of their day among so many other changes. The Advisory Program has become a place for students to create and foster deeper friendships as well as an opportunity for advisors to learn more about their advisees on a deeper level. “The balance of free time and intentional social-emotional learning programming together has really resonated with the boys,” said Mrs. Rupley.

SCHEDULED ADVISORY TIME REPRESENTS A FOCUSED APPROACH FOR EACH DAY

Monday is used as “Community Time” where students can eat lunch and have less structured time during their day. There has been a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. In the nicer weather, there were opportunities for the boys to be outdoors, and to play socially distanced games such as Spikeball, Wiffle ball, soccer, and more. In the late fall, Belmont Hill became home to a nine-hole disc golf course, which provided a fun way for the boys to be competitive and stay outside. As the weather changed, an outdoor ice rink was created and installed as an added safe, outdoor student activity.

Tuesday became a more structured social-emotional group learning experience or activity. At the beginning of the year, these groups livestreamed talks about academic integrity, bullying, and other pertinent topics that are traditionally covered at the start of each year. This year, there have been different community service initiatives that were organized by advisory groups, such as the DOVE “adopt a family” program, in which advisory groups had the option to contribute to the holiday wish lists of families affected by domestic violence. Other programming ranged from watching and reflecting on a video on mental health in the sports world to an activity about connection circles that advisory groups across all grade levels participated in to help learn more about each other and find commonalities. One week featured a talent show for which each group submitted a video highlighting an unusual or unique talent or performance. Students then voted for their favorite video from the Middle and Upper School advisories.

Thursday Advisory block is designated for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), with the curriculum developed by the Belmont Hill DEI team. Every week brings a dedicated time to listen, learn, and discuss different topics. Being able to have these discussions with a group that spends so much time together has added value and fostered openess. In this time, there have been student speakers, visiting speakers, book and movie suggestions, Belmont Hill election polls, and many discussions about ongoing racism and issues in America today. A very special highlight to this year’s visiting speaking program were the presentations by Caroline Randall Williams and Ibram X. Kendi. (See page 17 to learn more about the School’s Speaker Program.)

Friday is reserved for a virtual Chapel/School Meeting. While the boys have been anxiously awaiting the return to packed Chapels, the livestream and speeches allow everyone to stay connected. This year, the students have heard regularly from Mr. Schneider, School President Tim McCormack ’21, as well as visiting speakers. There have also been musical performances by Mrs. Hamilton and Mr. Schneider, as well as remarks from faculty and alumni to keep things light.

In the fall and winter, since Wednesdays were remote and all classes meet, Advisory is not scheduled.

“This Advisory block has been an amazing change to the Belmont Hill community. It has helped create time to have difficult conversations and has also allowed the boys some unprogrammed time to learn from each other and catch up on their day,” said Mrs. Rupley. “Most importantly, it has been an incredible way to keep the mental health of our students at the forefront of what we do. With regular check-ins and scheduled time to build a bond with a smaller group of students outside the classroom, we have seen this program emphasize what we do best at Belmont Hill – develop men of good character.”

The Advisory Program has become a place for students to create and foster deeper friendships as well as an opportunity for advisors to learn more about their advisees on a deeper level. “The balance of free time and intentional social-emotional learning programming together has really resonated with the boys,” said Mrs. Rupley.