Last year, MTA’s Guidance Department launched Advisory groups for freshmen and sophomores. The program, which has become increasingly popular among talmidim, offers small groups led by a faculty member, where talmidim can connect, develop relationships and engage in meaningful conversations. In these cohesive groups, talmidim discuss important topics and learn essential skills, including how to properly communicate with their rebbeim and teachers, time management, how to get involved in extracurricular activities and the impact they can make on both the MTA community and the Jewish community at large. “Advisory is an excellent social-emotional learning opportunity,” explained MTA’s Director of Guidance Tamar Sheffey. “The goals of Advisory are threefold: To provide education through conversation around critical topics that are otherwise not discussed, to create a relationship between our talmidim and another faculty member who can be there to support them, and to help talmidim develop in their personal, social, and emotional growth. It’s also a place where they can have incredible conversations and process the things that are happening to them and around them in their everyday lives. The response from talmidim has been overwhelmingly positive and we are thrilled to offer such a meaningful experience for them.”