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Common Programs in Middle School ** The Advisory System. ** Every teacher in grades 6 – 12 has a group of advisees for whom he or she is responsible. These groups meet weekly in the middle school to provide opportunities for informal conversation. Topics already explored in the classroom find themselves revisited during advisories. Because the group is small and the time less structured, the advisory session is perfect for reinforcing character issues, including the honor code and the pillars of our school. Also, during advisory time, the girls and their teachers explore and read together from **Junior Scholastic** magazine, beginning the process of looking outward, of seeing how other children live in other parts of the world. During this time, the school recycles together, every advisory group being responsible for at least one area of the school. Along with the ACT of recycling are discussions on being good stewards of the environment.

** Middle School Assembly. ** This break in the day provides another opportunity for communication. The assembly is opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a “motivational moment,” a time of sharing, caring, and coming together.

** Learning Center/Skills Class **. Taken by all 6th graders but available to all grades, this class teaches, among other areas, effective organizational skills including goal setting, time management, and personal responsibility. ** Retreats and Field Trips **. Because middle schoolers are undegoing transitions, GPS offers retreats at the beginning and end of the school year and various field trips throughout the year. The retreat is intended to begin the process of unifying the class. The field trips begin the process of introducing the girls to experiences outside of their comfort zones. The grade-level teams investigate and plan activities and field trips that link to the curriculum and mission.