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Fun Aspects of Freshman Advisory


Ring! Third block just ended at Woodland Regional High School. Students hustle down halls to go to advisory, a designated time in the school day for fun activities, pizza parties, and relationship building. For many students, advisory serves as a break from the never-ending school day.

Advisory is a unique way for students to express themselves. Students and staff around the school participate in fundraisers such as the door-decorating contest and Dr. Mulligan’s sock fundraiser. Advisories show what concepts they can express, like teamwork, creativity, and achievement.

“My favorite activities have been cup pong, pizza parties, and donuts,” expresses freshmen, Jenna Mierk.

Since the beginning of freshman year, advisory dynamics have changed drastically. Over this time, students forge bonds with their peers and advisors, almost like family.

“When you meet up with the same group of people for 20 minutes for four years, in the beginning, you might not have a connection,” said Bill Carangelo, the head of applied technologies department and tech ed teacher.

Connections take time to be created. When first meeting someone, it’s difficult, especially when attending a new school.

Advisors are designed to be diverse with every student to participate in different activities and have different lifestyles. Someone might want to become a fashion designer, while another person may want to become a chef.

“You’re paired with students with different diversities, and that’s what it is based on,” said Carangelo. “Students develop social skills and teamwork. Towards junior and senior year, students mostly focus on what they want to do after high school.”  

No matter what students want to do with their life in the future, they can still have similar interests. Juniors and seniors tend to take courses that relate to their interests after high school; however, freshmen and sophomores don’t usually prioritize that right now.

Advisory can open a door for underclassmen. Their peers and advisor can help them find possible interests in careers after high school. Between the development of interests and relationships, the legacy of a Woodland student’s advisory can last long after they’ve exited these doors for the last time.