Featured Story
Successful Student-Led Advisory Conferences
Putting their leadership skills into action, Upper School students recently led their own Advisory conferences. This program, piloted by the 9th grade last spring, worked so well it was expanded to grades 9-12 this fall.
Dean of Students Matt Ward said, “These conferences put the students in the driver's seat regarding their education.” He continued, “The feedback from students, parents, and faculty has been overwhelmingly positive and we look forward to taking the constructive feedback to improve the overall experience in the future.” Some of the comments included the following:
From faculty:
"I really like this idea and I hope it continues in the future. Job well done!"
“Most kids knew how to run it but some were still uncomfortable and needed prompts even with all the training.”
"Good learning experience for the students."
From students:
"It was good that I got to share my educational experience with my parents and my advisor, and get help with things that could be improved."
"I was able to organize my thoughts and figure out my goals and what to focus on this year."
“I feel that the focus for the senior student-led conferences should be significantly different than for students at lower grades.”
"I think it was a good way to start the year and made me more comfortable with my advisor and the work for the upcoming months."
From parents:
"The experience with my 12th grade daughter was completely different. I reveled in seeing the relationship she had with her advisor."
"I thought it was great as an intro to the year. Great confidence builder and way to motivate self-reflection and goal setting."
"I am thrilled that these conferences transition responsibility and ownership of the student's education to the student."
St. Luke’s School is a secular (non-religious), private school in New Canaan, CT for grades 5 through 12 serving over 40 towns in Connecticut and New York. Our exceptional academics and diverse co-educational community foster students’ intellectual and ethical development and prepare them for top colleges. St. Luke’s Leading with Humanity curriculum builds the commitment to serve and the confidence to lead.
