Building Character through Community in Middle School Advisory

Advisory offers middle school students a calm, familiar space, and, much like in the lower school, each day in the middle school begins and ends in community. Each morning opens with a ‘Circle of Power and Respect’ meeting, or CPR. Students are greeted with a morning message, read updates about their schedule or school day, talk through questions or prompts together, and engage in an activity or game. Guided by middle school faculty advisors, these meetings set a tone of respect, thoughtfulness, and fun, while also reinforcing routines and expectations. CPR meetings are intentionally designed to be safe, inclusive spaces where students can express themselves, ask questions, and grow alongside one another. It also offers students a time to talk through any questions or concerns present on their minds before diving into classes, reaffirming that their voices and thoughts are valued and heard, and giving them the space to get their bodies and minds ready for learning. 

In addition to the advisory meetings each morning and afternoon, each week there is a dedicated advisory period. Throughout the week, advisory provides a space that is used for reflection and meaningful discussion—often on topics that fall outside traditional academics and lean into SEL and the Quaker principles at the heart of FCS.

This year, the middle schoolers have explored themes of:

Students are frequently presented with thought-provoking or character-building questions, and each topic is approached in a way that encourages open dialogue, empathy, and critical thinking. 

The advisory program at FCS offers students more than just daily homeroom structure. It provides a daily reminder that we learn best when children feel known, supported, and part of something bigger than ourselves.