AVID OVERVIEW

What AVID does...

Helps teachers relate to students from diverse backgrounds

Challenges teachers to have high expectations for all students

Helps teachers use collaboration, inquiry, and organization in their teaching

Prepares students for college-level classes
Creates an environment that encourages learning and performance
Provides professional development, resources, and ongoing support to schools

AVID's beliefs...

AVID's approach to closing the opportunity gap is based on:
- Relational capacity
- High expectations
- Collaboration, inquiry, and organization
- Layering on existing curriculum

You can learn more about AVID at AVID.org.

ALCORN MIDDLE SCHOOL SITE TEAM

An AVID Site Team is a group of school staff members, including administrators, counselors, teachers, and sometimes students, who work collaboratively to implement and sustain the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program across their entire school, aiming to close achievement gaps and promote college and career readiness for all students by utilizing AVID strategies and philosophies throughout the school environment.

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AVID AT ALCORN MIDDLE

Program Goals

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Program Goals

Increasing Enrollment in the AVID Elective
Goal: By the end of the first quarter, we aim to increase student enrollment in the AVID Elective through targeted recruitment. A progress monitoring system will be put in place by the start of the second quarter, allowing us to track student performance with updates every two months. Monthly meetings will be held with key school leaders to review and adjust the program for effectiveness.
Embedding AVID Critical Reading Strategies in Teaching
Goal: By May 2025, all core content and related arts teachers will be using AVID critical reading strategies in their classrooms. This will be demonstrated through lesson plans, student work samples, and teacher reflections on their practices.
Staff Training in AVID Strategies
Goal: By May 2025, 100% of school leadership and at least 75% of teachers will receive training in AVID instructional strategies. This training will take place through in-person sessions, virtual meetings, monthly faculty meetings, weekly professional learning communities (PLCs), and ongoing support from the district's AVID Site Team.

School-Wide Binder Check

School-Wide Binder Check: Fostering Organization and Success

At our school, we conduct a scheduled school-wide binder check twice each quarter to help students stay organized and on track with their academic goals. During these checks, teachers review students' binders to ensure they are maintaining organized notes, assignments, and materials needed for success in each class.

This practice reinforces the importance of organization, responsibility, and time management, all key skills that will help students excel both in school and beyond. By holding these regular binder checks, we support students in developing habits that contribute to their overall academic achievement and success.

AVID at AMS Newsletter

AVID at AMS: Building Pathways to College and Career Success

Welcome to the latest edition of the AVID at AMS newsletter! We are excited to share the progress and achievements of our AVID program this year, as we continue to support our students in their journey toward college and career readiness. Through AVID’s rigorous academic strategies, engaging activities, and strong community involvement, our students are developing the skills they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom. From weekly tutorials to our school-wide binder checks, every part of the AVID program is designed to empower students to take ownership of their learning. Stay tuned for more updates, as we highlight upcoming events, successes, and the continued growth of our AVID students at Alcorn Middle School!

November - December

January - February

March - April

AVID IN ACTION

Highlights

Highlights

AVID HBCU Week

Our HBCU Spirit Week was a vibrant celebration of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), filled with exciting daily activities that engaged students and staff alike. Throughout the week, we featured trivia about local HBCUs, helping everyone learn more about the rich history and impact of these institutions. Each day, students participated in a variety of fun and educational events, culminating in a schoolwide service project. For the project, we came together to create care packages for college students, showing our support and appreciation for those pursuing higher education. It was a week of learning, community-building, and giving back, inspiring our students to continue the tradition of excellence and service that HBCUs represent.

AVID Impact Day

AVID Day is a day dedicated to recognizing the incredible work of educators who are committed to closing the opportunity gap and making a difference in students’ lives.

We used this day to ask our all of our students to show us how they want to make an impact!

AVID Induction

AVID Induction Ceremony: Welcoming Our New AVID Students

Our AVID Induction Ceremony was a memorable and inspiring event as we welcomed a new group of students into the AVID program. The ceremony celebrated their commitment to academic excellence, college readiness, and personal growth. During the event, students, families, and staff came together to recognize the hard work and determination of our new AVID scholars. The ceremony marked the beginning of an exciting journey, where students will be equipped with the tools and strategies to succeed in school and beyond. We are proud of our new AVID inductees and look forward to supporting them as they take on new challenges and achieve their academic goals!

AVID Family Night

AVID Recruitment Day

AVID APPLICATIONS 2025-2026

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a proven national program designed to support and assist all students to succeed in a college preparatory path for admission to universities and colleges.

Our goal is to provide all students with the essential resources needed to be successful in rigorous courses and to promote an awareness of the significance of higher education, as well as the limitless opportunities for their futures. As an academic support elective, AVID seeks to prepare students for college eligibility and empowers them to strive for academic excellence.

In the AVID class, students are educated on the numerous skills required to achieve academic success. Students receive daily instruction in note-taking, time management, organization, reading, writing, and study skills,

Students also learn about colleges and universities (the application and financial aid processes) through college field trips and are encouraged to explore career opportunities through curriculum, research, and guest speakers. AVID is offered here at Alcorn to students in grades 6, 7, and 8.

*Students need to apply and be accepted to this program.

Characteristics of an AVID Student

Students must....

Have a typical GPA range of 2.0-3.5 when entering AVID
have little to No attendance or discipline problems
be willing to devote themselves to a minimum of one hour of homework each night
Desire to attend a four year college or university
be a first generation college student (first member of the family to attend college)
Voluntarily decide to enter and stay in the program
Complete an application and be accepted to this program

How to Apply:

Students must complete the provided application online and complete an in person or virtual interview with members of the Alcorn Middle School AVID Site Team.

After completing the application students and parents will be notified via email/phone call to schedule the interview. Once the interview is complete students and parents will be notified via mail no later than April 11, 2025.