FALL 2012
Dear AVID Families,
Hello, families!! For new families, I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Ange Martens and I am the AVID coordinator and teacher at Anwatin Middle School. I have been teaching for 17 years in the Minneapolis Public Schools district. But, this is my first year teaching in the AVID program. I am excited about this opportunity and hope to meet you soon.
For those families who are new to AVID: AVID is a college preparatory program in which students become the facilitator of their own academic success. AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. AVID provides weekly study groups directed by professional tutors. The AVID curriculum includes rigorous lessons focusing on critical thinking; literacy; inquiry; and writing. Also, structured note taking; time management; organizational skills; and advanced writing instruction are all strong components of AVID. Also, guest speakers, field trips, and interaction in community and cultural activities, enhance the AVID program. Family involvement is critical to students’ success in the program, although the true motivation to succeed in AVID, as well as in all classes, comes from the students themselves.
AVID comes from the Latin word avidus, meaning “eager for knowledge.” Since its beginning in California, the success of the program has been reflected in increases in students’ grade point averages, SAT scores, college placements and self-esteem. As a member of the AVID team, you can participate in developing the academic and personal strength of students who have made a commitment to becoming actively involved in their own education.
What are AVID student expectations? AVID students maintain at least a "C" average; study every night (at least 1 hour; [2 hours is encouraged] & read/write as much as possible). The AVID student's goal is to successfully pursue a postsecondary education.
What are AVID parent expectations? AVID parents/families should encourage their students to do the following: read every evening; write 3x/week; read their Cornell Notes/revise their Cornell Notes; complete homework every night; put forth their BEST effort; communicate consistently with the AVID Teacher, demonstrate cooperative behavior in the classroom/following the SOCIAL CONTRACT; and become involved in AVID sponsored activities.
What does the research say about AVID? Independent research, together with AVID's own data, validate that the AVID college-readiness system works?! AVID students are more likely to take Advanced Placement classes, to complete their college eligibility requirements, and to obtain admission into four-year colleges, than students who do not take AVID classes. Almost all AVID students who participate for at least three years are accepted into college, with roughly 75% being accepted into four-year Universities. AVID also helps to ensure that students possess the high-level skills they need to be successful in their lifelong academic pursuits. AVID high school graduates complete course requirements for college entrance rates at 87%-93% regardless of ethnicity or socio-economic status, compared to the national average of 36%. This high rate of success for AVID students contributes dramatically to closing the achievement gap.
Where is AVID? AVID isin 4,500 schools in 47 states as well as theDistrict of Columbia and 16 countries/territories.
Please feel FREE to contact me with any questions or concerns. or call me at Anwatin (612-668-2450). Finally, please read the BACK of this sheet for AVID weekly requirements. Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Angela Martens
Weekly Requirements for ANWATIN AVID STUDENTS
• Cornell Notes: In the AVID program, all students are required to be taking CN’s every week. If they are NOT taking them in class, they can take them while reading text books/class materials, etc. at home; using notes/reading; etc.
• Weekly or Monthly Learning Logs: Students in the AVID program must complete weekly learning logs. This may include learning logs in the planner; however, we will typically complete them on Fridays in the AVID classroom.
• Organized Binder: ALL AVID students are required to keep an organized; neat; clean; and complete binder with NO loose papers.
• Weekly Assignments/Class work: All AVID students are required to complete their weekly assignments cooperatively (M/W/F). If work is late, there will be a deduction in their grade. It is imperative that AVID students realize the importance of putting forth a consistent effort for all school assignments.
• Tutorial Request Forms (TRF’s): AVID students MUST complete2 TRF’s every week.These are due at the beginning of each period on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, I encourage students to try to complete their TRF’s earlier. In AVID we talk about doing homework earlier, than later. Their TRF’s should be taken very seriously and should take students at least 20 minutes to complete.
• Reflections/Journal Writing: Grade 8 students will be keeping a Curiosity Journal. If other students would like to start keeping a Daily Reflection Journal, let me know. If students can buy notebooks for this purpose, I’d appreciate it.
• DAILY HOMEWORK: AVID students are required to put effort into maintaining all of their subjects by doing consistent homework, every night (M-TH), thereby facilitating their ability to keep up with ALL of their classes. This is also great practice for high school and University. If students ever say, “I don’t have homework.” please encourage them to do any of the following: Cornell Notes on ANY reading; revise/review their CN’s in their binder (these are used for studying); learning logs; journaling; and PLEASE encourage DAILY READING (novels; school books; internet; magazines etc.).
• Extra Credit: AVID students at Anwatin can bring up their grades in several ways. Currently, some students are keeping reading logs and vocabulary logs. However, they can come to me and let me know what they’d like to do for extra credit; and if it’s reasonable, it may be allowed (independent projects, etc.)