AVID - Alcorn Middle

What AVID Does

AVID helps create a school environment where all students can succeed. Here’s how:

Supports strong student–teacher relationships so every student feels seen and valued.
Encourages high expectations for all students, no matter their background.
Gives teachers tools to help students work together, ask questions, stay organized, and think deeply.
Prepares students for advanced and college‑level classes by teaching key academic skills.
Builds a positive learning environment where students are motivated to do their best.
Provides schools with ongoing training and resources to help teachers support students effectively.

AVID’s Core Beliefs

AVID believes students succeed when schools focus on:

Strong relationships between students and teachers
High expectations for every student
Collaboration, inquiry, and organization as everyday learning tools
Building on lessons and curriculum already in the classroom, not replacing them

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.

AVID AT ALCORN MIDDLE

Program Goals

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2025 - 2026 AVID Goals

Our goals for the 2025–2026 school year are focused on student achievement, teacher practices, and administrative support:

Student Achievement:

By the end of the 2025–2026 school year, 80% of AVID elective students will earn a grade of “C” or better in their core content classes, as measured by interim student reports and report cards.

Teacher Practices:

By the end of the 2025–2026 school year, at least 80% of teachers across the school will routinely incorporate WICOR-based instruction (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, Reading) to engage students in rigorous content. Evidence will be collected through lesson plans, teacher portfolios, and classroom walkthroughs.

Administrator Support:

By May 2026, 100% of middle and high school administrators will actively support AVID implementation by:
- Attending at least 80% of AVID Site Team meetings
- Conducting monthly classroom walkthroughs focused on WICOR strategies, including AVID Elective classes
- Participating in quarterly progress monitoring of AVID site goals, using data to drive continuous improvement

These goals reflect our commitment to creating a culture of academic excellence, engagement, and continuous improvement for students, teachers, and leaders alike.

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

2024-2025 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

2025 - 2026 Highlights

10 Days of WICOR

Alcorn Middle’s 10-Day WICOR Rollout: Building a Culture of College Readiness

To kick off the school year, Alcorn Middle launched a dynamic 10-day school-wide AVID rollout focused on WICOR strategies—Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading. Each day introduced a targeted activity designed to build student engagement, academic skills, and classroom community.

Day 1: Community Building – Students connect through the interactive “4 Corners” activity, fostering collaboration and movement.
Day 2: Writing – Quickwrites and exit slips encourage reflection and low-pressure writing.
Day 3: Inquiry – “Think–Pair–Share” promotes critical thinking and peer discussion.
Day 4: Collaboration – “Give One, Get One” helps students exchange ideas and build collective knowledge.
Day 5: Reading – “Mark the Text” introduces annotation strategies for deeper comprehension.
Day 6: Organization – Students set up binders and planners to support academic organization.
Day 7: Note-Taking – “2-Column Notes” provide a scaffolded entry into Cornell note-taking.
Day 8: WICOR in Every Class – Teachers spotlight WICOR strategies during instruction to reinforce their use across subjects.
Day 9: Goal-Setting – Students create academic and personal goals using SMART templates.
Day 10: Celebration – A gallery walk and AVID Passport activity showcase student work and reflect on WICOR growth.

This rollout set the tone for a year of intentional learning and college readiness, empowering students with tools to succeed across all content areas.

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!

IMPACTDAY.mp4

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a national program that helps students stay on track for success in middle school, high school, and college. AVID gives students the skills, encouragement, and support they need to take challenging classes and plan for their future.

In AVID, students learn practical tools like note‑taking, organization, time management, and strong study habits. They also explore colleges, career options, and the financial aid process through lessons, guest speakers, and field trips.

AVID at Alcorn is open to 6th–8th grade students, and students must apply to join.

Who Is a Good Fit for AVID?

AVID students typically:

Have a GPA between 2.0–3.5
Have good attendance and behavior
Are willing to spend at least one hour on homework nightly
Want to attend a four‑year college or university
May be the first in their family planning to go to college
Are committed to staying in the program and working hard

Students must complete an application and be accepted.

How to Apply:

Complete the AVID Application with your student by March 25, 2026
Student interviews will be scheduled and held up until April 2, 2026.
Acceptance letters will be sent by May 30, 2026.