*Overview: AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an
internationally recognized program designed to prepare students for success in
colleges and universities. AVID students enroll in rigorous college
preparatory classes and in an AVID elective class.
The AVID curriculum focuses on developing the study skills and academic skills
necessary for success in middle school and beyond. These skills include
reading, writing, critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and
organization. The Sunnyvale Middle School AVID program offers college
preparatory activities, skill development, career building, personal
mentoring, and group tutoring.
*Class Expectations: Respect, responsibility, integrity, safety,
communication, organization and dignity are the “rules” of the class. Good
citizenship and participation are attributes that all AVID students are
expected to demonstrate as well.
*Student Agenda: All students are expected to follow the school guidelines in
the student agenda. Students are also expected to fill-in their homework
assignments for all classes every day. If no homework is assigned that day,
“none” should be written in the space provided for that class. Parents are
encouraged to use the agenda to stay informed about what their student is
doing in his/her classes.
*Required Materials: Suggested Materials:
3-ring binder with dividers for each subject colored pencils
2 pens (blue or black ink) small pencil sharpener
2 or more pencils with erasers basic calculator
a good supply of binder paper highlighters
*Assignments: Assignments will include class work, tutorials,
binder/organization checks, Cornell notes, research papers, and projects.
*Homework: As the class is designed to help support students in their core
academic classes, little homework will be assigned for the AVID elective.
*Make-Up Work: Please refer to the school guidelines in the student agenda.
No make-up work is allowed if an absence is not cleared.
*Grading: As our district is venturing into the world of standards-based
assessment and reporting, your flexibility and understanding are greatly
appreciated. Students will be receiving letter grades on their report cards
and on most of their assignments. In addition to academic achievement,
homework and personal responsibility will be included in the student’s overall
grade for the course. Grades are determined on the following components:
Class work
Cornell Notes
Binder/Organization Checks
Tutorials
*General Procedures:
***What to do when you enter the room: Enter the room quietly and find your
assigned seat. Please read the front board for instructions which may vary
from to day.
***Sharpening Pencils: Please sharpen your pencils prior to the beginning of
class. You should have a back-up pencil if yours breaks during class.
***Leaving the room with a pass: You must have a valid pass to leave the room
during class. Always check with the teacher before leaving the room for any
reason.
***Bathroom Use: Students should ask to use the restroom at appropriate times
during class. Be sure to take bathroom pass to bathroom (not the hall pass)!!!
***Agendas and Friday Progress Reports: If you have an agenda or Friday
Progress Report to be signed, please leave it on my desk at the beginning of
class. I will
fill it out during class and get it back to you.
