Sustained Silent Reading (Advisory period)
At the start of the school year every student (grades 9 – 12) generates two SMART Reading Goals.
After a purposeful book search they are able to use Title 1 Federal money to purchase two books.
The books arrive before Thanksgiving.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 12:40 PM to 1:20 PM students, teachers, staff and administrators drop what they are doing and read for 40 minutes.
Each year teachers add 50 – 100 books to their own classroom library, also funded with Title 1 money.
As teacher libraries grow so does student ‘READING’ choice.
Study Skills Curriculum
All study skill curriculum is derived from the AVID program. Our school is designated as a ‘Whole-school’ AVID school. Every student takes four full years of AVID. [https://www.avid.org/]
AVID 1: The ninth grade AVID Elective course will serve as a review of the AVID philosophy and strategies. Students will work on academic and personal goals and communication, adjusting to the high school setting. Students will increase awareness of their personal contributions to their learning, as well as their involvement in their school and community. There is an emphasis on analytical writing, focusing on personal goals and thesis writing. Students will work in collaborative settings, learning how to participate in collegial discussions and use sources to support their ideas and opinions. Students will prepare for and participate in college entrance and placement exams, while refining study skills and test taking, note-taking, and research techniques. They will take an active role in field trip and guest speaker preparations and presentations. Their college research will include financial topics and building their knowledge on colleges and careers of interest.
AVID 2: In the 10th grade year, students will continue to refine their academic learning plans and goals, increasing awareness of their actions and behaviors, as well as develop an increased ability to self-monitor, self-regulate, and manage time. Students will expand their writing portfolio to include: analyzing prompts, supporting arguments and claims, character analysis and detailed reflections. Lastly, students will narrow down their college and careers of interest, based on personal interests and goals.
AVID 3: The 11th grade AVID Elective course is the first part in a junior/senior seminar course that focuses on writing and critical thinking expected of first and second-year college students. In addition to the academic focus of the AVID seminar, there are college-bound activities, methodologies and tasks that should be undertaken during the junior year to support students as they apply to four-year universities and confirm their postsecondary plans.
AVID 4: The AVID Elective 12th grade course is the second part in a junior/senior seminar course that focuses on writing and critical thinking expected of first and second year college students. This course continues around the theme of “Leadership as a Catalyst for Change in Society.” Students will complete a final research essay project from research conducted in their junior year in AVID. In addition to the academic focus of the AVID senior seminar, there are college bound activities, methodologies and tasks that should be achieved during the senior year that support students as they apply to four year universities and confirm their postsecondary plans. All AVID seniors are required to develop and present a portfolio representing their years of work in the AVID program, as well as complete the requirements for the seminar course.