Taylor Jr. High AVID Program Advancement Via Individual Determination

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1 Taylor Jr. High AVID Program Dear Parent and Sixth Grade Student: It is our pleasure and privilege to announce our recruitment of the Taylor Junior High 7 th Grade Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program for the school year. This will be our eighth year involved with AVID and we are excited that your student has been recommended to apply to join our Taylor AVID Family. The AVID Program is a highly successful college prep program for underserved students in our colleges and universities. Begin in the Taylor AVID Program and Carry On at Mesa High School. The mission of AVID is to ensure that all students, especially students in the middle academic range with potential will: succeed in rigorous curriculum, complete a rigorous college preparatory path, enter mainstream activities of the school, increase their enrollment in four-year colleges, and become educated and responsible participants and leaders in a democratic society What is AVID? AVID is a program that identifies students in grades 7-12 and is designed to support students who might not otherwise attend a 4-year university. AVID is not an at risk program. AVID is a program for middle to upper middle academic students. These students show promise and have the potential for Advanced Placement and Honors work in high school, but can benefit from the academic and emotional support of this special program. AVID is an elective class that students attend daily. AVID combines the student s hard work and individual determination with a support system of teachers, college tutors, parents and other AVID students. Twice a week, students engage in tutorials in the AVID elective classroom. Developed at San Diego s Clairemont High School in 1980, AVID is now fulfilling college dreams for this school year in over 2,700 schools nationally and throughout the world. One of the most impressive and consistent indicators of AVID s success is the rate at which it sends students to fouryear colleges. Seventy-five percent of 2006 AVID graduates were accepted to four-year colleges.

2 AVID Offers Opportunities to serve the community Instruction in the Cornell note-taking method Rigorous curriculum Pre-Advanced Placement and AP courses Preparation for college entrance exams AVID students are provided an opportunity to visit colleges and universities throughout Arizona. Guest speakers are invited to discuss careers. Students are encouraged to explore career options. Requirements to be in AVID The goal of attending a four-year university GPA between and the potential to maintain that GPA throughout the school year. Above average potential, commendable work habits and citizenship, and must be a team player with a positive attitude. Teacher/Counselor recommendations Commitment to education as evidenced by above average attendance and behavior MEETS or EXCEEDS AIMS scores The application process is: Sixth Grade Teacher recommendation Student and Parent/Guardian complete the Taylor AVID application packet. Parent/Guardian contact Taylor Counseling Department at for AVID information overview. Student returns the application packet to 6 th grade teacher before: end of April (applications are also available on the Taylor website under counseling) Teacher will submit completed applications and teacher recommendation form via district mail to Taylor Counseling by : First week of May Thank you in advance for your efforts and support of our AVID program. We re excited to begin this year s recruitment! Sincerely, Ms. Pappas Mr. Van Holten Mrs. Castillo AVID Teacher/Coordinator AVID Counselor AVID Counselor

3 Taylor Jr. High AVID APPLICATION FORM Due to 6 th grade teacher before the end of April Instructions: Please write legibly and answer ALL questions completely and accurately. The information on this application is for participant selection purposes only. Student Information Last Name: Current School: Date of Birth: Date: First Name: 6 th Grade Teacher: Ethnicity: Parent/Guardian Information Parent Name: Home Phone: Parent Name: Home Phone: Other Phone: Other Phone: back

4 Family Information and Educational History Household Status: Single Mother Single Father Two Parent Grandparent Legal Guardian Number of children in your family: Ages of children: Mark the column with an X to indicate the highest level of Father/ Mother/ Sister(s) Brother(s) education COMPLETED by each family member. Guardian Guardian Elementary (K-6) Junior High (7-8) High School (9-12) Graduate High School (9-12) Non-Graduate General Educational Development (GED) Vocational/Technical School Community College Graduate Community College Non-Graduate University College Graduate University College Non-Graduate I, am interested in participating in the AVID college prepatory program in Mesa Public Schools. Student Signature Date I, the Parent/Guardian of the above student give permission for them to apply for the AVID college preparatory program in Mesa Public Schools. Parent/Guardian Signature Date

5 Taylor Jr. High AVID QUESTIONNAIRE Due to 6 th grade teacher by March 30 th Student, Please answer the following essay questions in complete sentences: 1) Why do you wish to be in the AVID program? 2) Why do you want to go to college? 3) What do you do if you have difficulty with a subject or assignment? 4) What do you like the most about school? 5) What do you like least about school? 6) What is your favorite subject in school and why? 7) What is your least favorite subject in school and why? 8) What does the word SUCCESS mean to you?

6 Taylor Jr. High AVID ESSAY Due to 6 th grade teacher before the end of April Candidates for AVID will complete a 2-paragraph essay answering the following prompts. Use this paper as your final copy. Remember to organize correctly, give details to explain, use correct conventions, and neat handwriting. Use additional paper if needed. Junior high is preparation for high school. In the first paragraph, describe at least one personal goal and one academic goal you have for junior high school. In your second paragraph, explain your plan on becoming a successful student and how you will accomplish this task.

7 AVID Student Recommendation Form (Completed by the teacher- Due to Taylor Counseling by first week in May You are recommending this student to apply for the AVID academic program at Taylor Junior High School. Please take a few minutes to complete the form and inter-office mail to Taylor Junior High Counseling Department. Student s Name Date: Teacher s Name: School: Weakest Strongest 1. Work Completion Positive Attitude Self-motivated and disciplined Handles pressure well Organizational skills Peer Relationships Teacher-Student interaction Extra-curricular participation and involvement 9. Parent involvement/support st semester Core GPA (please express as 3.2 etc) is: 11. AIMS-MEETS or EXCEEDS in Math YES NO 12. AIMS-MEETS or EXCEEDS in Reading YES NO 13. Attendance: student has less than 5 absences to date YES NO 14. Discipline: student has consistent classroom behavior issues YES NO 15. Discipline: student has multiple office referrals YES NO 16. Teacher recommendation: STRONGLY RECOMMEND RECOMMEND WITH RESERVATION DO NOT RECOMMEND Additional comments that may enhance our understanding of this student: