Isabella Schwartz (285)
Staff Writer

The phrase “back-to-school” is synonymous with “back to routine.” This year at Central High School, we are not going back to the routine of open advisory that this school has been accustomed to for years. But could closed advisory be a blessing in disguise?

Going from the freedom of open advisory to a more restrictive closed homeroom was a drastic change for Central students. Although some may not agree, the implementation of closed advisory was rooted in only positive intentions. When the transition was announced, one 285 student believed that“not being able to go to an environment where [they] can feel ‘more productive’ ruins [their] motivation” (285). This new schedule was not meant to be suffocating. Administration sent out a letter to all the advisors with guidelines regarding how lenient they should be with students to ensure that they are able to relax and make the most of their time in advisory. President Davis said in regard to the transition, “that change is always difficult, we get used to something and then it changes, there is always going to be a period of adjustment.”Advisory is a crucial period for multiple reasons. It gives students who travel long distances time to arrive at school without missing class, and allows students a designated time to study material or complete assignments before the day begins. Last year, there were many who students were cutting advisory on a daily basis. Having open advisory gave students the ability to make excuses in order to skip advisory and spend time in the hallways instead. Ms. Snyder claims, “I could just say, ‘Why are you in the hallways?’ and they would say, ‘It’s my open day.’” Closed advisory was designed to make this period of the day as organized as possible. Ms. Snyder says that now “the hallways are far more manageable” and that “it’s much more conducive to kids getting things done.” Administration is “finding a lot more students reporting that they are more productive in advisory when they are actually in their space as opposed to out.” Closed advisory creates a better environment for concentration and social interaction: by being with your advisory students each morning, stronger connections can be made within advisories.

Teachers and students are also enjoying the new closed advisory. Teachers have seen the impact of the designated work time each morning as marks are increasing since closed advisory was put into place. President Davis states that “from faculty, [she has] heard that closed advisory has reintroduced a level of professionalism and a focus on a stronger academic environment.” Not only are grades increasing, but so is attendance. President Davis claims that administration has “actually seen some students really improve not only their attendance for advisory but also first period.” It may only be the beginning of the school year but the benefits of the closed advisory policies can already be seen.