Enhancing Student Potential in a Rural School District
Black River Falls High School in Wisconsin is committed to supporting its diverse student population by implementing programs like daily advising sessions and a structured bell schedule. With a focus on personalized attention, regular check-ins, and community-building activities, the school strives to help every student reach their full potential. By fostering a culture of engagement and support, the district aims to empower students academically and socially, creating a welcoming environment for learning and growth.
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Small City, Big World: Helping our students reach their potential in BRF Mary Byrns -HS Business Teacher/Tech Integration Sue Leadholm -HS Counselor
BRF - Small City, Big World School District Demographics The School District of Black River Falls is located in a rural setting in west central Wisconsin. Our school district serves over 1750 students K - 12 with the help of 300+ dedicated staff. Our diverse population includes: 68.8% White/Caucasian, 24.2% American Indian, 3.1% Hispanic, 2.5% African American, and 1.4% Asian. 15.5% of the district s population qualifies for special education services. 52.6% of the district s population is considered economically disadvantaged. (2016)
How did we get here? Our ACP path through Advising In 2007, faculty-student groups were established to build a culture of school engagement . These 9 - 12 grade families met once a month for counselor - created topics of discussion. In 2009, our advising program met once a week on Wednesdays to check in on academics, social concerns, and overall discussions of how is it going? In 2012, we moved advising to every day during our focus at the end of the day. This homeroom approach allowed teachers to see their students each day for a more consistent check in process. In 2016, we landed on the best arrangement yet. Our bell schedule changed to include a morning advising program for 39 minutes with a short focus of 20 minutes at the end of each day. Each year, we continue to evaluate and review our advising program, but this new initiative is here to stay.
Black River Falls High School - Bell schedule 1st Block - Breakfast Advising 7:50 AM 8:29 AM 2nd Block 8:35 AM 9:53 AM 3rd Block 9:59 AM 11:17 AM 4th Block - 1st Lunch 11:17 AM 11:57 AM 11:51 AM 1:15 PM Class 4th Block - Class 11:23 AM 12:41 PM 12:41 PM 1:15 PM 2nd Lunch 5th Block 1:21: PM 2:39 PM Focus 2:45 PM 3:05 PM
Morning Advising Number of Teachers: 40 Announcements (GM97 and Principal) Number of Students: 517 (9 - 12) Check Email Average Advising Group Size: 15 students Check Grades No travel -- restrict activities, movement, and interruptions Check Attendance 1:1 Meetings at least every two weeks - Specific grade level activities each week Same students over 4 years - add new freshmen each year as we lose Seniors -- Builds a great family atmosphere Attendance Wars GPA Competition - building goal
Examples of weekly advisory activities Tiger Weeks --all students (9 -12) (at least twice a month) Individual grades - Freshmen Weeks First one: First week -schedule, transcripts Monday: Study skills, Organization Wednesday: Involvement Homecoming week --school spirit In November: October 2017 --PT conference - student- led conferences Monday: QPR discussion Wednesday: Have each other s back Advising Calendar 2017/18
Advising -- ACP -- specific grade level work 9th grade activities and shared information 10th grade activities and shared information HS Transition Goal-setting Goal-setting/Time Management Strengths/Weaknesses Study Skills Involvement - your role Stress Reduction Resume building Involvement Career Cruising Learning styles Support systems -QPR Career Matchmaker Career Cruising Career/Life Goals
Advising -- ACP -- specific grade level work 11th grade activities and shared information: 12th grade activities and shared information: Goal-setting Graduation requirements Academic strengths/weaknesses (ACT prep) Future planning -college applications Involvement - your role Financial planning -college, living on own, job, career, savings/checking Future planning -college visits, job shadows Involvement - your role Resume building Resume/Exit portfolio Career Cruising Career Cruising Learning styles School selector Career Matchmaker
Senior Exit Presentations Seniors This is your BIG CHANCE. This is your opportunity to leave a lasting impression on Black River Falls High School. Here it is .the SENIOR EXIT Presentation . This is your Time in the spotlight . Individualized, Personalized, Honest, Opportunity to Reflect Senior Exit Presentation Example
Future Programming/Activities There are always ways to improve: 1) Career Development opportunities -- Job Shadows, Internships 2) More guest speakers, professionals with experience 3) More time - to meet all individualized needs/wishes We are only as strong as our advisors...
