AVID is a college preparatory program for motivated students that have the potential to succeed.  It is an academic support program for grades 9-12 that prepares students for college eligibility and success.  This program enables, empowers and challenges the average student to greater heights.

 Student Goals:

1. Academic success in college preparatory courses.
2. Successful completion of college eligibility requirements.
3. Enrollment in four-year college or university after high school graduation.

Student Responsibilities:

1. Maintain satisfactory citizenship/behavior and attendance in all classes.
2. Maintain an academic Grade Point Average of 2.5 or above.
3. Have strong and ethical work habits.
4. Carry an open-mind and positive attitude.
5. Willingness to be challenged.

Class requirements:

v  The AVID Binder – this is your ordinary 2-3 inch binder BUT is organized AVID style.  (See Binder Requirements)

v  Planner – keep up to date with all assignments, homework, projects, tests, tutoring and extracurricular dates.  This will be checked!

v  Tutorials- twice a week we have AVID tutorials with extraordinary college tutors.  You must prepare for these tutorials the night before by writing down exactly what concepts you would like to focus on in a higher level thinking format.

v  Literature Circles- we will be reading various books throughout the semester in which you will have the opportunity to discuss and collaborate with your fellow classmates.

v  Community Service- each student will be required to join either Key Club or Interact (Knights & Diaconians) service organizations or both and complete in a minimum of 20 hours of community service per semester.  Community service is an important part in building leadership and gaining experience that will eventually be necessary for college.

v  University Research Project- each student will conduct a university research project and learn how to create and give a professional presentation.

v  Fundraiser- in order to continue visiting colleges, universities, etc each class needs to sell to help fund AVID.

v  Group Projects- a major component of college is the ability to work as a group and communicate via a presentation.  Throughout the year and for years to come we will be engaging in various projects to help prepare for post secondary studies.

Final Thought:  This course will require an honest effort and a considerable amount of work.  I am confident that we will both succeed in creating a positive and enjoyable environment in which we all can learn from each other.  This is your class.  The more energy you put into it, the more you will gain out of the experience. 

“One important key to success is self-confidence.  An important key to self-confidence is preparation.”        --Arthur Ashe

So the journey begins . . . lets have a blast!