Middle School Communication

The transition from the elementary grades to a middle school environment can be very exciting as well as challenging to students and parents alike. It is with this in mind that Santa Catalina has in place a successful means for communication among school, student, and home.

Our advisory program provides an adult advocate for each child. Each student is assigned a faculty member who will serve as that student's advisor for the entire school year. In advisory period, which meets twice a week, students may explore any needs they have, both academic and personal, with their advisor. This may encompass such topics as current curricular expectations, assistance with organizational and study skills, personal conflicts that may be causing difficulty, homework assignments, and the status of any long term projects.

The advisor is also available to meet one-on-one if he or the student feels the need. The size of the group allows the advisor to address needs on an individual level and to keep parents informed of any issues that may arise. The advisor serves as an intermediary between the parents and teachers. Parents are always encouraged to speak directly to their child's teachers when there are questions or concerns; however, parents know that they may also communicate a message through their child's advisor to the teacher. This course of action may save time for all concerned.

Parents formally meet with their child's advisor twice a year for parent conferences. During conferences, the advisor represents various subject area teachers and informs the parents of the child's progress in each subject. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with individual subject area teachers if they need further clarification about their child's report.