BLASTBuilding Leaders and Stars for

Today and Tomorrow

If even one person in a school knows him well enough to care, a student's chances of success go up dramatically. In small groups that can focus on a range of subjects, teachers and students are forming new bonds and setting new standards for a personal education.

“Broadly defined, advisory programs are configurations in which an adult advisor meets regularly during the school day with a group of students to provide academic and social-emotional mentorship and support, to create personalization within the school, and to facilitate a small peer community of learners” (Cushman, 1990; Galassi et al., 2004; Galassi et al., 1997; Juvonen et al., 2004; National Association of Secondary School Principals, 2006; Stevenson, 1998).

What is Middle School Advisory?

What’s Has Advisory Done for the Students of

Rockingham Middle School?At Rockingham Middle School, advisory has been the primary vehicle for creating a more personalized learning environment where all students are well known by at least one adult.  Moreover, advisory has provided Rockingham Middle School a structure and a set of practices for monitoring and supporting students’ academic progress and college and career readiness as they prepare for their high school career.

Blast Goals1) Build respectful relationships2) Provide and adult advocate for every

student3) Support 21st century learners4) Improve academic achievement to

prepare for college and career readiness

5) Create a sense of ownership for our school

BLAST Schedule

Each day, beginning at 1:20, all students of Rockingham Middle School

participate in BLAST. Monday – Character EducationTuesday – 6th Athletic Intramurals, 7th Discovery, 8th Academic IntramuralsWednesday – 6th Academic Intramurals, 7th Athletic Intramurals, 8th Discovery DayThursday – 6th Discovery Day, 7th Academic Intramurals, 8th Athletic IntramuralsFriday – Drop Everything and Read

Topic/Activities Include:

RespectSelf-Esteem

BullyingDrug Awareness

Conflict ResolutionPositive Friendship

UNOTopple

CheckersPaper Football

IN CONCLUSION

Through the Schools to Watch Initiative, Rockingham Middle School is striving for EXCELLENCE. The implementation of the Advisory Program (BLAST) has academically challenged our students and ensured that our school is developmentally responsive and sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence. Rockingham Middle School continues to be socially equitable, democratic and fair; providing every student with high-quality teachers, resources, and supports.

References