To the Administration of Thomas S. Wootton High School,

We, the students of Wootton, respectfully urge you to reconsider the recent decision to eliminate advisory from our daily schedule. Advisory has been an invaluable cornerstone of our academic and personal development.
Advisory time is not merely a break in the day; it is a critical period that allows us to prepare for quizzes and tests, complete necessary assignments, and seek academic support. Many students rely on this time to take retakes, attend club meetings that enhance our extracurricular involvement, and receive vital one-on-one help from teachers. Without advisory, these essential opportunities are lost, forcing students to sacrifice their lunches, after-school time, or even their well-being to meet basic academic needs.
The administration has consistently emphasized that students are the top priority at Wootton. Unfortunately, the removal of advisory directly contradicts this message. The absence of this dedicated time makes it significantly more challenging for us to excel academically and personally. For many, thirty minutes can mean the difference between a C and a B, between feeling overwhelmed and feeling supported, or between missing out on a formative club experience and building a résumé for college.
Moreover, advisory fosters a sense of community and belonging. It is a time when students can connect with peers and trusted adults in the building, fulfilling the administration’s own stated goal of ensuring every student has a meaningful relationship with an adult at school. The bonds and support systems built during advisory are vital for our emotional and mental well-being.
The abrupt nature of this decision has left students feeling confused, frustrated, and unfairly penalized. After an already tumultuous previous year, this change only exacerbates our stress and undermines our trust in the administration’s commitment to student welfare. We respectfully request a clear explanation for this decision and urge you to prioritize open communication with the student body.
We believe that restoring advisory is not just a matter of convenience, but a necessary step in demonstrating that the administration truly values and listens to its students. By reinstating advisory, Wootton can reaffirm its dedication to student success, well-being, and the creation of a supportive school environment.
We, the undersigned, urge you to bring back advisory in full and to engage in meaningful dialogue with the students whose lives are most affected by these decisions.
Respectfully,
The Students of Thomas S. Wootton High School