![\"Landstown](\"http:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/IMG_2102.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nMeanwhile, the seventh-grade AVID class, which meets after the elementary school\u2019s dismissal time, are still involved by creating projects. For example, they have created audio recordings of themselves reading some of the elementary school student\u2019s favorite books. Those audio links will be shared with teachers to share with students.<\/p>\n
But AVID is more than a leadership class.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal of AVID is to get you not just to college, but through college,\u201d according to Erwin. \u201cOnce [students] get to college, they might not have strong study or leadership skills or don\u2019t know how to network. That\u2019s what AVID does.\u201d<\/p>\n
Each class centers on building students\u2019 writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading skills.<\/p>\n
They write reflections which helps their writing and reading skills.<\/p>\n
They also help build each other\u2019s inquiry skills. For example, a student might share a problem with other students who are seated in a horseshoe arrangement listening and helping.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe student at the board might say \u2018I have a problem with this and this is what I tried,\u2019 and students ask guiding questions to help him discover his own answer,\u201d Erwin described.<\/p>\n
Students also have to be active participants.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey get points for participating and asking questions,\u201d Erwin said.<\/p>\n
Organization is another important skill that they learn.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have to have all of the materials in class so that they are ready to help so even if they don\u2019t present that day,\u201d Erwin explains. \u201cI might say \u2018well he is going to present a math question so I might have my math book and I can help him this way.\u2019 So it\u2019s having everything all the time. Being prepared.\u201d<\/p>\n
Just like in college, she also emphasizes that students might not have tutors so teaming with study buddies is another skill that is taught.<\/p>\n
Although these skills are important for all students, Erwin states that AVID classes takes a lot of hard work and dedication, particularly since the class is their elective unless they sign up for zero bell electives.<\/p>\n
Students also have to make a commitment to maintain a good grade point average.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf their grades fall below 2.5 they go on a watch list and if it falls below a 2.0 then they\u2019re on probation and we have parent meetings on how they can get their grades up,\u201d Erwin states.<\/p>\n
But what makes it all work is that they are an AVID family, according to Erwin.<\/p>\n
They see each other every day and they also spend time together outside of class, like attending volleyball games.<\/p>\n
Although students have to apply to be in the class and commit to succeeding, enrollment continues to grow each year.<\/p>\n
Two years ago 75 students were enrolled.<\/p>\n
Last year it grew to 92 and this year 106 students are in the classes.<\/p>\n
Regardless of the numbers, Erwin says that that true success is the individual growth that she sees in students \u2013 whether in the ground gained in their grade point average during the course of the school year or in their personal growth.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have students who are incredibly shy and this class brings them out of their shell,\u201d Erwin said. \u201cThis becomes their community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eighth-grader Courtney Anderson, who has been in AVID three years and plans to continue the program into high school, agrees and even says that there is one more reason why she was excited when she heard about the partnership added this year.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe get to be kind of like their mentors. It\u2019s nice to see the younger students smile when you come in. It helps us when we\u2019re helping them.\u201d<\/p>\n
For information about the AVID program at specific schools, contact the building\u2019s AVID coordinator or counselor. The school division has the AVID program in the following middle schools and high schools:<\/p>\n
Bayside Middle School<\/p>\n
Bayside Sixth-Grade Campus<\/p>\n
Bayside High School<\/p>\n
Brandon Middle School<\/p>\n
Corporate Landing Middle School<\/p>\n
Cox High School<\/p>\n
Great Neck Middle School<\/p>\n
Green Run Collegiate<\/p>\n
Green Run High School<\/p>\n
Kempsville Middle School<\/p>\n
Kempsville High school<\/p>\n
Landstown Middle School<\/p>\n
Landstown High School<\/p>\n
Larkspur Middle School<\/p>\n
Ocean Lakes High School<\/p>\n
Plaza Middle School<\/p>\n
Salem Middle School<\/p>\n
Salem High School<\/p>\n
Tallwood High School<\/p>\n