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Rationale
The advising system at Gann Academy has three basic tenets:
- Every student is worthy of attention and a watchful eye..
- Every student deserves positive guidance when making critical decisions.
- Every student is entitled to an adult advocate within the school community.
Role of Advisor
At its core, the advisor’s responsibility is to help guide students in matters
of academic and social adjustment to school life. One principal avenue in meeting
this obligation is through regularly scheduled weekly meetings. During this
time the advisor checks in with his/her advisees and offers guidance on whatever
issues may be of concern, academic or otherwise. Should an advisee ever confront
issues of a significant nature, the advisor consults with the class dean (see
below) and others to coordinate appropriate strategies.
 Advisee Groups
When a student enters Gann Academy, s/he is assigned to an advisee group of
approximately five to nine other students. Most students choose to remain with
their group for the duration of their time at Gann Academy, although freedom
to move is always present. Advisee groups meet weekly. As a result, advisors
find themselves in a unique position to encourage diverse groups of students
to form special group bonds. On occasion, the advisor uses this time to set
up individual meetings with students as well.
Academic Advising
As the principal academic counselor to their advisees, advisors consult with
teachers to keep track of their advisees’ progress in class. If the need presents
itself, the advisor will call a meeting of the advisee’s teachers, the school’s
learning specialists, and if necessary, the advisee’s parents to discuss appropriate
strategies. Advisors are familiar with the school’s graduation requirements
and serve to ensure that students remain on track to meet those standards.
 Advisor as Advocate
The advisor serves as a student’s chief advocate in all school matters, whether
in the realm of discipline or otherwise. For example, if ever a student should
be in need of special administrative consideration (such as receiving permission
for an extra college visitation day or dropping a course in the middle of a
term for medical reasons), the advisor helps the student navigate the proper
channels of administration. If disciplinary action should ever be called for,
the advisor is the messenger and advocate—never the judge.
Class Deans
The advising system is coordinated by class deans, who are principally responsible
for monitoring academic and social issues for each grade. They keep track of
any significant student concerns and address them in an appropriate fashion.
Class deans conduct regular grade level faculty meetings to discuss grade level
issues as well as to discuss individual student needs. Class deans also work
closely with Student Council representatives from each grade, as well as with
other faculty advisors, to develop appropriate social activities.
2006-2007 Class Deans:
- 12th Grade - Ms. Rachel Riemer
- 11th Grade - Mr. Joshua Neudel
- 10th Grade - Ms. Julie Koven
- 9th Grade - Ms. Laila Goodman
Collaborating with Parents
Since both parents and advisors want only what is best for the student,
Gann Academy holds that it is vitally important for the advisor to establish
an atmosphere of true collaboration with parents. Though advisors write
summary letters for each of their advisees twice yearly, communication
takes place on an ongoing basis throughout the year. Through regular contact
with students, their teachers, and their parents, the students are served
in the most supportive fashion possible.
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