On Jan. 21, Branson students led conferences with their mentors, advisers and guardians. Extending the already three-day weekend with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the student conferences occurred during a Tuesday off from school. 

Students worked with their mentors and advisers to create a presentable summary of their first semester of the school year. To prepare students for their presentations, designated time was set aside during advisory to brainstorm key sharing points about their academic, social and personal growth over the past semester.

“I had time in advisory to talk to my mentor and prepare to talk to my parents about my year,” said Colette Winslow ‘28, who is also on the Blazer staff. “Ultimately, my conference was very productive and helped me get on the same page with my parents about all of my classes and social life.” 

Student-led conferences reinforce the importance of reflection and collaboration with each student’s support system. They provide an open door for students to communicate with guardians, express concern, ask for help and build self-advocacy skills.

“I was able to make a plan with my mentor and parents in the areas that needed growth,” said Winslow.