Silver-Linings Playbook
It was March of 2020, and Melissa Van Wingerden was starting to hear worrisome talk in the news and among her colleagues at Parsippany High School in Parsippany, NJ, about a perplexing virus from China. There were rumors about the district’s response, then came word her school would close early before spring break. “I think...
Advise, Advise: Volume 50 (2021-2022)
Losing Control
As an educator, fully giving over the reins to students to accomplish a goal was somewhat daunting. I found myself asking: How will it reflect on my leadership and expertise? Will they focus? Will they be organized and mature and punctual in their planning and execution? Is saying “yes” to their ideas—which are sometimes lofty,...
Advise, Advise: Volume 50 (2021-2022)
Take 10: Summer 2021
Ease Transitions Advisers can play an important role in making the many transitions students experience as smooth as possible. Consider these tips for pandemic transitions: Create activities that encourage at-home students to turn on their cameras and engage. Maintain a sense of community. Recruit students in promoting student wellness. Offer virtual learners “bonus days,” when...
Advise, Advise: Volume 49 (2020-2021)
Lessons Learned
Like every other function in schools, the plans of student leaders were disrupted dramatically during the pandemic as face-to-face meetings were canceled and activities and projects that are the lifeblood of most groups ground to a halt. Looking back, advisers have had a chance to reflect on their work and reset their approach to meetings,...
Advise, Advise: Volume 49 (2020-2021)
Take Ten: October/November 2018
Find Hidden Gems There are plenty of students in your school who would be fantastic additions to your Honor Society chapter or student council and bring value and variety into the mix. Use these best practices to reel them in: Explain the fit. Why is this student good for your organization and vice versa? Describe...
Advise, Advise: Volume 47 (2018-2019)