Advisory Seen as Success

With a year to test out the advisory period, students, teachers, and administrators feel it has been a beneficial addition to the schedule.

“Advisory was multipurpose: give students an opportunity to make-up missed work and to help students who struggle with TAKS,” vice principal Synthia Kirby said. “The students did have the extra time to make up assignments. We will have to wait until TAKS results arrive before we will know if it improved TAKS scores.”

Kirby feels that most students and teachers were glad to have the extra time in the morning.

“I think some students appreciated the time during the school day to get more help from their teachers, but others did not take proper advantage of Advisory,” Kirby said. “For the most part, teachers were able to see the value in the Advisory period.”

Students feel like advisory is a beneficial addition to the schedule.

“If someone forgets their homework or needs to study, advisory gives them the time that they need,” sophomore Cali Barton said.

Coach Todd Chamberlain thinks advisory is a good class especially for students who can’t go for help after school.

“I’ve had several students come for help this year,” Chamberlain said.

As for changes, Chamberlain thinks advisory is perfect the way it is.

“I like how it’s at the beginning of the day,” Chamberlain said. “It’s good how juniors and seniors don’t have to come if they don’t need too.”

Kirby says there are some possible changes, “but nothing is carved in stone at this point.”

Kirby Joins Administrative Staff

One of the many administrative changes this year includes new assistant principal is Synthia Kirby.

Kirby grew up in Durant, Oklahoma and now lives in Henrietta, Texas.

In college, she got an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Health and Physical Education. She earned her graduate degree in Counseling and Educational Leadership.

“I attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University for my undergraduate,” Kirby said. “I went to Midwestern State University for my graduate.”

Before making the move to Rider, Kirby was a counselor at Old High. A year and a half ago, she decided to complete Educational Leadership.

“So far, the transition [from Old High] has been easy,” Kirby said. “The students, staff, and parents at Rider have been very welcoming. The students, staff, and parents from Old High are proud that I received a promotion.”

She has already made herself a common face in the classrooms and halls of Rider.

“I love being in the classroom seeing students learn,” Kirby said. “Being in the halls is a pro-active measure and it gives me the opportunity to be amongst students.”

Kirby has a young student of her own as well.

“I have a five year old son,” Kirby said. “I also have three stepsons and two granddaughters.”