Building School Community through "Family"
The Brentwood Middle School advisory program has evolved from grade level homerooms to cross-grade "families" which include parents, staff, and community members. While grade level homerooms provided contact time and developed some sense of community, our expansion into cross-grade families has allowed for even deeper community building. Younger students are mentored by older students as they get ready to transition from elementary to middle school through our 7th grade/5th grade buddy program. As new sixth graders begin at BMS, they have already developed relationships in families. Having members of the community supporting our Families has been a tremendous asset to our program. Current and former school board members, custodians, secretaries, parents, and grandparents join families for events, celebrations, and activities. Families work on academic skills, goal setting, teambuilding, book studies, portfolio development, service projects, student-led conferences, and character education activities. High school students are invited back for "family reunions" to continue the bonds formed and encourage mentoring at the high school level.