AVID

AVID is a college and career readiness program used throughout the United States.  Reynolds Middle School has been using the AVID program with our students for more than a decade.  AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.   

While the pandemic has brought some changes to our program for this year only, we are still whole-heartedly using the main ideas and concepts to prepare our students for high school, college and career.  Our focus at RMS within AVID this year will be to help students ask questions, take notes and fully engage during their classes, even if they are online.   

Under normal circumstances students would have to apply to the program, maintain a C or higher GPA, and behave as a positive role model at school plus commit to participating in the program for two years as full-year elective classes.  Again, because of the pandemic and the arrangement of class schedules, the program has changed a bit.  However, these changes will allow more students to access the AVID curriculum.  This year, students will be presented with a condensed program as a semester elective class.   

If you have any questions about AVID, you may contact Melissa Evans, RMS AVID Program Coordinator, at MEvans@rsd7.net  

What is AVID?

AVID (Advancement via Individual Determination) is an internationally recognized program designed to prepare middle and high school students for success in four-year universities. AVID students enroll in rigorous college-preparatory classes such as Pre-Algebra & Algebra and in an AVID elective class.

The Reynolds Middle School AVID curriculum focuses on developing study skills and academic skills necessary for success in high school and college. The AVID program offers in-class college/career exploration, personal mentoring, tutoring, and opportunities for service and leadership development.

National studies show that the majority of students who participate in AVID for four years meet their goals of college enrollment.

At RMS, students are encouraged to apply for the program in 6th grade, if accepted, then participate in both 7th and 8th grade. 8th grade students will apply to continue the program through high school.

Success depends on individual determination and personal responsibility. The AVID program values academic excellence, service and leadership. AVID is for students who are serious about succeeding in school.

What will I do in AVID?

• Skill Development: You will practice study skills such as note-taking, organization, time management, and test-taking. You will also work to improve academic skills including critical reading, writing, and public speaking. You will develop technology skills through AVID activities requiring word processing and internet research.
• College/Career Counseling: You will be introduced to a variety of colleges and universities, and we plan to have two field trips each year. (George Fox for 7th grade and OSU/PSU for 8th grade.) You will also learn about different college requirements and may explore college entrance tests such as the SAT and ACT.
• Personal Mentoring: We will help you set future goals and monitor your progress toward those goals. Together, we will discuss your high school scheduling options and keep you informed of opportunities such as Summer Boot camp, AP classes and RHS offerings.
• Tutoring: Twice weekly we will have college tutors who will go over difficult material and help you study for tests. During tutorial you will bring in questions from Math, Science, Language Arts, or Social Studies classes depending on your academic needs.
• Leadership Development: You will develop your leadership skills through classroom activities and projects, both individual and collaborative. You will be encouraged to get involved in extra curricular activities either in or outside of school.

What else you and your parents need to know:

1. The AVID class is a year-long academic elective. There is an application and interview process to get into the program. DETERMINATION is key for admittance.
2. Your son/daughter will be taking and turning in weekly Cornell Notes (8-10 pages per week).
3. There are weekly binder checks: binders should be organized and shakable! Day planners should be filled out every day for every core class and AVID.
4. We will have college tutors every week to help AVID students. Please help your son/daughter prepare for tutorials each week by bringing in his/her homework, necessary handouts, Cornell notes, and 2 tutorial questions.