Shaler Area Middle School is building on the success of “The Advisory Period,” a program introduced last year that gives students dedicated time throughout the school day to connect with peers and staff. “It is a period that we do regularly throughout the school day that allows us to build the relationships with the students, for students to build relationships with each other, and for us to have that connection within the school,” said Principal Shannon Howard in an interview with WTAE. “Middle school is a time of great change, and we want to have a place where kids can really learn to be themselves and also to build that relationship with a trusted adult.” Howard noted that school leaders track a range of measures, including attendance, behavior, and academics, to ensure the program is making a real difference. “It’s a whole-child approach, so we want to make sure that every kid is being their most successful selves,” she said.

See more in coverage from WTAE.