Advising Retreat

November 19, 2008

Dear Families,

I love class meeting. I might be the only one in the room at times that does, but by golly, it helps me feel like the Trillium experiment is really working. We hold class meeting every Wednesday and they often last the entirety of the period. Students bring announcements, proposals, and discussion items. Today, after debating the pros and cons of the lounge/study space at the end of the hall, we transitioned to a discussion that could best be titled, “This year’s struggles.” Students candidly relayed concerns and confusions they had encountered, or heard about, during this first quarter of the year. Much of it revolved around communication, both student to student, and staff to student, as well as what is seen as the changing face of Trillium as our school further defines itself, becomes more established, and how that translates to school culture and expectations.

Our advising group has faced its share of interpersonal challenges as students attempt to define themselves and their roles within our school culture. We have been navigating social barriers between friend groups and sometimes the communication has been healthier than others. Sometimes it is kind and direct. Sometimes not so much. Sometimes we mediate. Sometimes we process as a whole group. But, we never seem to have enough time to get through as much as people would like.

I echoed the importance of the issues students brought up, and realize that advising is simply not enough time and space to sift through those topics effectively. I believe our group could benefit from dedicated time in which to address some of the issues. I proposed an overnight advising retreat to the students. Students overwhelmingly supported the idea. The other high school advisors, Elizabeth, Jess, and Will, as well as Polly, Stephanie, and I have been discussing the idea for some time. This is not a campout. The retreat will have an agenda that reflects the students concerns and will be facilitated by a group of staff. Polly, Rob, Stephanie, and I will be co-facilitating. This retreat will be just for our advising group.

I cannot require that everyone attend. But such an event is truly only successful if everyone agrees to participate. I strongly encourage each student to come and engage. I feel hopeful, based on the response at today’s meeting, that this will happen.

We have made arrangements at Silver Falls State Park, outside of Salem, for Thursday, December 4th. Each of the students will be excused from their classes for Thursday and Friday. We will leave Trillium in the morning on Thursday and return in the early afternoon on Friday. We will be staying in a cabin, not camping. I have attached a list of suggested supplies students should bring.

There will not be any fee for this event. We think we can cover everything but transportation for about $200. The funds to cover it will come partly out of the activity fee, and partly out of my own budget. As this was not a budgeted expense, I am asking any parent who might be able to contribute to make a small donation. You can do this at the front desk, or directly with any of the staff involved.
We need help with transportation. Anyone who might be able to drive, please contact Polly.

I consider this a great opportunity and look forward to using this time to support students in expressing their ideas, and finding solutions, in safe, comfortable, productive ways. Please feel free to contact me or Polly with any questions.

Best,

Ken
Ken@TrilliumCharterSchool.org – 503-348-9849
Polly@TrilliumCharterSchool.org – 503-459-1504


Retreat Details:

Where:
We will be traveling to Silver Falls State Park, outside of Salem. It is located 70 miles south of Portland, about 25 miles east of Salem on OR-214. We are staying in a large heated cabin with bunk beds, indoor plumbing, fireplace, and kitchen.

What to Bring:
• Bedding: Sleeping bag or blankets, pillow.
• Towel, toiletries
• Warm clothing: layers, jacket, hat, gloves, rain gear or poncho
• Sturdy walking shoes: boots or sneakers for outside. Slippers or warm socks for inside.

Meals:
Meals are being planned by staff, but each student is expected to contribute to cooking and/or clean-up.

Ground Rules:
All Trillium and PPS policies apply; absolutely no drugs or alcohol.

Draft Agenda:
Thursday, December 4
7:30 Leave Trillium
9:00 Arrive and settle in, continental breakfast.
9:30 – 12:00 Large/small group retreat activities: including ice breaker, discussion, reading, and
journaling.
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch
1:00 – 5:00 Experiential activities facilitated by staff
5:00 – 6:00 Free time
6:30 Dinner
8:00 Evening activities – poetry, talent show, campfire.

Friday, Dec. 5
8:30 – Breakfast
9:00-11:00 Retreat activities
11:30 Clean up and leave by noon
1:30 Arrive back at Trillium