Last year, Pentucket was reviewed for accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) where they came to a conclusion that Pentucket was missing an advisory program. This led to our advisory class implementation into the 2025-26 school year.

The class has brought many mixed reactions with some students saying it’s unnecessary to have an advisory class, while others think it will boost students’ mental health.

However, without a doubt, the class conflicts with our regular daily schedule. One teacher, Ms. Macleod, commented, “I can see how advisory would disrupt core academic class schedules and plans, but I do think it is a great way to bring the community together.” 

Advisory isn’t a frequent class, yet it still bothers many students as they find it unnecessary and time-consuming. On the other hand, students also enjoy it because they get time off from class periods they don’t like. Sophomore Monica Shinners said, “I think it’s boring and it’s not necessary, but at least I have some time off from my class so I’m not using all my energy into an assignment first thing in the morning.”

One concern about having an advisory is whether students will actually take it seriously. During the first day of advisory, students were prompted to figure out ways to make people’s days better. Some students did what they were told, while others made jokes. 

Despite the beneficial meaning to having an advisory class, the idea doesn’t click in every student’s head. This poses the question: Is it helping?

Everyone at Pentucket is wondering the same thing: Is it a social block or an emotional support class incorporating regular classroom etiquette? The answer isn’t simple because it depends on what students will do with their time.

One student was prompted on whether she took advantage of the advisory class or if she treated it as a social block. Senior Hannah Bub answered, “I feel like for the younger grades it’s helpful because you use that advice through high school, but for seniors I think it’s pointless because we only have one year left.”

With mixed answers among faculty and students, the decision lies in the hands of future students. Will Pentucket use advisory wisely, or will it be used as a social block and end up being useless? 

There is no definite answer yet, but based on the words of students and staff, it can be implied that the results will be very different.