Collaborative Study Groups
Collaborative Study Groups
SacState College Visit
AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Student success has always guided AVID’s mission. All the funding, requirements, new technology, educator trainings, and curriculum are meaningless unless students can achieve their college and career goals. Passionate teachers with genuinely high expectations are creating lifelong connections and positively impacting the trajectory of their students’ lives every day because of the AVID Effect.
Golden Sierra is in their 6th year of offering the AVID program. We have prepared our students for future success and many of our graduates have gone off to 4 year universities. Our program has provided our students with rich opportunities and memories that will last a lifetime. As a school, we have received accreditation to our AVID program by becoming certified. This shows that our students and staff demonstrate a remarkable dedication towards delivering and learning the AVID content which leads our students on a path towards incredible success.
Program Teachers and Support Staff
Ms. Makar
7/8 AVID Teacher
My name is Julie Makar. I went to ARC and UC Davis and studied Nutritional Biochemistry. I love traveling, reading, and cooking. My greatest adventure is when I went to Jordan for a month as a volunteer archeologist. I enjoy reading Nonfiction and autobiographies. I consider myself a 'foodie' and enjoy trying different foods from around the world. Pursuing knowledge is an important value of mine. I am a nerd and proud of it. I currently live with my 3 cats, dog, and I am a caretaker for my mom. In 7/8th AVID, I hope to include a variety of lessons that can expand student interest and creativity in the students. I also will be implementing social/emotional grounding, resilience, and advocacy.
Mr. Sammons
9/10 AVID Teacher
Mr. Bill Sammons has been teaching in BOMUSD since 1997. It is not uncommon for him to now teach children of former students. Currently, his 9/10 AVID class is focusing on virtual college tours. These tours have replaced actual college field trips during the pandemic, but actually allow his class to learn more about the many different colleges, many being further than a bus ride away. The students are selecting which colleges they would like to visit. Mr. Sammons is incorporating the AVID strategies of TRF's, 1 pagers, Cornell notes, philosophical chairs and socratic seminars into week long units for each virtual college tour.
Mrs. Smallwood
11/12 AVID Teacher
Hello! This is my third year teaching AVID at Golden Sierra and we have become like a family! I love watching my students grow and overcome obstacles on their journey to college! Right now AVID 11th graders are working on the Opportunity Scholarships through CollegeBoard and preparing for a presentation on Philosophical Chairs for the middle school Grizzly Pride classes
Mrs. Altavilla
AVID Coordinator/Counselor
Ms. Altavilla has been a school counselor at Golden Sierra Jr/Sr High school for the past 10 years. Ms. Jacoby coordinates the AVID program and supports students and staff in the program. Mrs. Altavilla goes into AVID classes to teach various lessons from exploring career interests, college talks, and various other topics. This is such a valuable program to Golden Sierra and she encourages many students to apply to gain the diverse skill set that AVID curriculum provides. "This is an exciting opportunity," Mrs. Altavilla.
AVID students are educated on various topics that are scaffold throughout each grade level. Students learn skills, behaviors, and techniques for academic success, especially when teachers have been trained and coached in effective instructional strategies to build a college-going culture. AVID has taught us that one of the best strategies for building academic mindsets is to create an environment of high expectations.
Students will learn note taking skills, study skills, community service skills and various other techniques throughout their AVID career that prepares them for college. Students also get to attend college field trips to explore college campuses and get a feel for the college environment.
Want to learn more?
Visit AVID's website:
https://www.avid.org/