These Idea Labs have been most beneficial and fruitful for planning the 8th grade advisory curriculum for this academic year. As previously mentioned, I have the privilege to work with new additions to our community and to the advising program. One of my personal goals is to create a milieu of comfort and ease for these new arrivals. Burkes has been generous to me in supporting my ongoing training as an advisor; I attended a workshop sponsored by the Institute of Social Emotional Learning. This opportunity has given me more confidence in my role as advisor as well as a leader to my advisory team. Most of today's work focused on research and planning of the 8th grade retreat that happens at the end of September. As we embark upon the beginning of the final year of our students' middle school experience and move away from the grips of a pandemic, it is important to celebrate the accomplishments of our eldest students. I worked on an outline that will serve as the foundation of the 8th grade retreat. Last year's retreat was a great success; I took activities from the previous year and I created and explored different opportunities to give vitality to the event. I spent time searching for resources that our city offers (interesting hiking paths, beautiful spaces for exploration, and fun activities). In the end, I was able to come up with diverse options that I will take to my division head and to my advisory team. I am excited and eager to engage in my duties as advisor and to also serve as guide to my team members.🌞