Over the summer of 2017, many teachers met to talk about the culture of Mineola High School and how to make it better. After meeting with Ms. Fahey, Ms. Dvorak and Ms. Misciagno, I learned about the ideas that they came up with. During July and August, teachers came into school to create activities and write lessons that will all build up to a new program here at MHS. Once a month, for a full period, teachers will hold “advisory groups.” Each teacher will host 10 or so kids on the same grade level. The students will be able to view their teacher as a mentor in the building, and the instructors will be able to teach things about life, outside of their curriculum. This program will feature the idea of Growth Mindset that has been promoted building and district-wide for a few years now. 

Teachers will discuss what they think Growth Mindset looks like, such as learning from mistakes. For students, it will be a unique experience as well. They will get to spend time with teachers and kids they don't know and build more relationships within Mineola High School. They will be welcome to talk about struggles academically or socially/personally, if they feel comfortable. Their peers and their mentor will be there to help them talk through it and hopefully find a solution. One of the main themes of this program, according to Ms. Misciagno, is giving yourself challenges. The teachers will encourage kids to work towards things if they really want them, even if obstacles may present themselves. Ms. Misciagno said, “When you hit a wall, that's your opportunity to grow. What you do there determines who you are. Once you break through, you become more intelligent, and you become more of who you want to be.”

 All of the groups will meet on the same day every month, and to make time for this, there will be a pep rally type of bell schedule with shortened class periods. Students will be able to see these meetings as a break in the usual, stressful, packed academic routine. The first day will be on October 10th, 2017, with a guest speaker and assembly as a kick-off event. The first actual advisory meeting will be on Monday, November 6th. 

Students are asked to stay open-minded when it comes to this new idea. Though it may seem foreign, adults in the building would love to see kids giving it a chance.  Thank you to Ms. Fahey, Ms. Dvorak and Ms. Misciagno for talking to me about implementing this exciting new program. If you have any questions, you can contact them via email or in their rooms/offices.