Vandegrift High School AVID Program Recruitment Information

What AVID is

• an acronym for “Advancement Via Individual Determination”

• an in-school academic support college readiness system for 4th-12th grade that prepares students for college eligibility and success

• AVID serves approximately 6000 schools and two million students across the nation

• for all students, but “traditionally” targets those in the academic middle (supports high school success and college preparation)

• implemented school-wide and district wide

The Mission of AVID

“AVID's mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.”

• will succeed in rigorous curriculum;

• will enter mainstream activities of the school;

• will increase their enrollment in four-year colleges; and

• will become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society.

AVID Student Selection Criteria

• Completed AVID Application/Interview  

• State Standardized Test Scores 

• Grades 

• Citizenship 

• Attendance 

• Other Special Circumstances 

• Desire and Determination 

Traditional AVID Student Profile

Students with Academic Potential:

• Average to High Test Scores

• 2.0-3.5 Unweighted GPA

• College Potential with Support

• Desire and Determination

Traditional AVID Candidate Meets One or More of the Following Criteria

• First to Attend College

• Historically Underserved in 4-year Colleges

• Low Income

• Special Circumstances

Other Things to Note

While all of the criteria are considered for acceptance into the AVID system, no single criteria will necessarily eliminate a student from consideration. The AVID system should reflect the demographics of the school it is serving.

Students participating in special education, gifted and talented programs, and ELL will be considered for AVID based on the criteria listed above. 

What AVID is NOT

• a dropout prevention program

• a remedial program

• a free ride

• a school within a school

• a quick fix

• for a student who consistently earns F grades

• for unmotivated students

AVID at Vandegrift High School

• serves about 100 students 

• supports 9th-12th grade students

• provides additional in-class support from adult AVID-trained tutors

• supports Best Practices for every VHS teacher on campus

AVID Per Grade Level

9th grade AVID-  This is the first high school course of the high school AVID program prepares students for success in classes in high school, future college level coursework and beyond. This class focuses on writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading as well as Students also work on communication, collaboration, self-advocacy and leadership. AVID students will work on Focused note taking, peer lead tutorials (otherwise known as Collaborative Study Groups), time management, organization and planning and the importance of community service. Students also begin to create their personal resumes for college admissions.

10th grade AVID-This course is a continuation from 9th grade. They build upon what they learned and gained from the previous year. Students begin to explore more about their lives beyond high school (trade school, military, college, etc.). 

11th grade AVID- This is the third course in the AVID high school sequence. They build upon what they learned and gained from the previous years. Students focus even more on the upcoming PSAT and start focusing upon their lives beyond high school. Students also prepare for AP exams.

12th grade AVID- This is the last course in the AVID high school sequence. They build upon what they learned and gained from the previous years. Students are supported during the entire college application process. They apply to colleges, apply for scholarships, and FASFA. Students also focus on preparing for AP exams. It is designed to prepare students for college and beyond by developing the habits needed to succeed. Lastly, during this last year of AVID, students will also explore career choices. 

IMPORTANT INFOrmation:

Please read the following important information: 

1. Grades are updated routinely. However, grades are FULLY UPDATED at the Progress Report and End of Cycle dates.

2. For your information, assignments for this class are always listed on the whiteboard, major assignments are listed on the “two week” whiteboard, homework is regularly updated and posted on my website, the class gets oral reminders in class every day and Remind text messages are constantly sent out to your child. This will continue when we go back to in-person learning.

3. When grades are entered and your child is missing an assignment, I will always search through the entire pile of work to see if this assignment was missed. I truly want your child to earn the grade that he/she deserves. 

4. In my class, there is a “NO NAME” folder with items that have been turned in but still have not been claimed. Your child may want to check this folder. 

5. Also, before your child contacts me, please have him/her look through ALL his/her belongings. Experience has shown me that over 99% of the assignments that students state they turned in are found in backpacks, binders, folders, pockets, etc. 

6. If you still feel that your child's grade is not correct, please coach your child to come see me during my set tutorial times and/or PIT. 

VHS HONOR CODE:

OPEN HOUSE 9th-12th Grade AVID: