AVID
Advancement Via Individual Determination
AVID Mission Statement
AVID's mission is to close the opportunity gap by providing students with a sense of agency, academically rigorous work, and opportunity knowledge so that all students are prepared for success in a global society.
About AVID at TMS
Thompson Middle School is very proud to offer AVID as an elective choice for 7th and 8th graders. Since each school community is unique and has different demands, we strive to tailor our AVID program to our community's needs. Explore the content below to learn more about what AVID looks like in St. Charles.
6th Grade Identification
Students may apply to be in AVID or they are identified by their teams as being a student who embodies the AVID attitude, or who would do well in AVID. Please see below to read more about what AVID is and what it is not. AVID is an invitation-only program, so not all students can apply.
6th grade identification for AVID starts in March
6th Grade Presentation
The students identified by their teams as potential AVID candidates will attend an informational meeting during their lunch tutorial period to get more information. Students will be given an AVID application at this time. Students must turn this application in to indicate interest.
Interviews and Selection
Any students wishing to interview for AVID will turn in their application at Student Services. Then, we will notify students about their interview times and dates. We will notify students afterwards to let them know if they are invited to the class next year, or if AVID is not a good fit.
AVID Interviews take place in April
What AVID is
AVID is an acronym that stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.
AVID offers students a chance to practice academic skills by assigning rigorous, academic work.
AVID prepares students for success in academically advanced classes.
AVID is a class that replaces one of the elective choices offered during the school day.
What AVID is not
AVID is not a mandatory program, students apply for AVID themselves, or they can be recommended.
AVID is not a free ride. We do rigorous, academic work and may be frustrating for students who do not wish to take on this challenge.
AVID is not an intervention or remedial program.
AVID is not a college or career outreach program.
AVID is not a class for students who struggle with group work.
Student Created Explanation of AVID
The 7th grade class of 2023 created a slideshow to present to the 6th graders explaining what AVID is in order to encourage other students to join AVID. They did an amazing job!
AVID Club
Don´t forget about AVID Club! AVID Club is a once-monthly opportunity for all AVID 7th and 8th graders to get together and build community, practice leadership, and make connections to their school community. We do a variety of activities ranging from projects to benefit our neighbors to doing seasonally themed crafts.
AVID club meets in the AVID classroom (Room 220) right after school. Check the monthly Parent Newsletter or Friday Forecase for dates! Students may take the activity bus home if they need a ride. Check the Friday Forecast for more information about what we will be doing in AVID club!
AVID Celebrations & News
The latest news from AVID classrooms is that our 7th graders made signs for all the staff to complete and hang on their door in order to promote school community and belonging. Every teacher has made one to display their interests and teaching experience!
Here are some of the tutorials we have done so far this year!
AVID Tutorials 2022-2023
7th grade AVID students have been working hard to learn the tutorial process.
Identify a problem or concept you do not understand from a class.
Fill out a TRF to process your thinking.
Present this question or concept to a small group of your peers.
Your peers will ask you questions to help you deepen your understanding of this topic.
Reflect on what you learned!
I enjoy spending time with my family (especially my niece and nephews), gardening, outdoor sports and camping. I also spent 4 years teaching English in Spain and love learning new languages.
