ADVISORY PROGRAM
The Advisory Program at STMS offers an opportunity for students to meet with an adult and a small group of students regularly for academic guidance, to coordinate between home and school, and to find ways for the student to be successful, as well as to connect to a peer group.

The goals of our Advisory Program are:

· to help the student adjust to school,

· to decrease bullying behavior in school,

· to encourage community building among students and with teachers and staff, and

· to provide academic advising and coaching.

Encouraging a sense of belonging and respect, while decreasing alienation, is an important part of our Advisory Program and the Olweus Anti-Bullying Program.  Through advisory classroom meetings, students will interact with peers and learn various strategies for combating bullying behavior in school and develop the confidence to stand up for what is right.  The advisory program, developed by teachers, provides students with a safe place to address concerns and build relationships with peers.  In addition, the program encourages students to have a positive spirit about the school community and make appropriate decisions.

STAR LEADERS

Students Accepting Responsibility (STAR) is a program to develop leadership skills and abilities in students and to promote positive values, strong character traits and a healthy school environment. This program is designed as a preventative approach by building a positive culture starting with the incoming sixth grade class while providing leadership and mentoring opportunities for 7^th and 8^th graders. Under the guidance of staff members it is the intent that the program will:

•  improve school culture and reduce incidents of negative behavior
•  improve academic performance
•  improve discipline
•  increase self-esteem
•  increase leadership
•  increase social skills and character traits

The STAR program may at times work in collaboration with, but does not supersede, the function of existing programs/policies such as Oleweus, Homework Club, or other programs.

Participants
Interested rising 7^th and 8^th grade students may choose to apply on a voluntary basis. STAR Leaders will be selected by the Coordinator and a panel of teachers and staff.  The Principal/Assistant Principal will approve the final list.  A minimum of 24 and a maximum of 30 Leaders is desired.  STAR Leaders may not be on student council.

Selection
Selection of STAR Leaders will occur in May of each year.  All students who are interested in the program are encouraged to apply.   7^th grade STAR Leaders will need to re-apply to be an 8^th grade STAR Leader, but have preference over new applicants.

Once the deadline for applications has passed, a panel of teachers will convene to review the applicants.  The panel will judge each applicant based on the following factors:

• Demonstration of Character Counts pillars
• Academic standing
• Disciplinary record
• Leadership potential
• Teacher recommendations as indicated on the application