The last week I have been visiting AVID classes to see how they work and function for those interested; here’s what I’ve got.
Mr. Edmunds is the 9th grade AVID teacher, and also teaches Honors 10 English, and at my time of visit, he was explaining the agenda for the day. He had presented it on Canvas, having links for all the videos watched and files for the papers he passed out for the day. As I have had him before, he was kind enough to allow me to join the lesson and learn as well. The notes for the day were how to do Cornell notes, and what information is best to have on the layout. He humored his students and was able to relate to them as he has been a long time favorite teacher for years and has had experience with students. 4/10 experience, the students were rowdy and slightly disrespectful to the tables as those in the back comfortably laid their muddy shoes on them. 1000/10 for the teacher, he gave proper warnings and if you didn’t listen, Mr. Edmunds was kind enough not to shame you and guided students through the assignment.
The AVID 10 teacher is Ms. Jefferson, who is also a US history teacher and teaches AP Macroeconomics. The day I entered with my friends Andrew and Diane, it was a TRF (Tutorial Request Form) day, and college tutors had paid a visit. Students would group up in classes they needed help with, and ask questions about geometry, algebra, English, history, etc. While there, the sophomores didn’t shame their peers for asking questions, if they knew how to do the problem, they’d offer small hints, and if they didn’t understand, they’d share that they too couldn’t figure out the problem. They were so kind to each other, and even to me when I sat down to watch them. They clarified what they did, and were such sweet angels, and the college tutor especially, who praised the students when they managed to solve their work. They focused intently, and took notes on the work, and not once did I see a student’s phone out on the desk unless used to figure out the question they struggled with. The students and college tutors were wonderful. 10/10. Ms. Jefferson was kind to me, and allowed my friends and me to stay and participate. 10/10.
AVID 11 is taught by Ms. Lopez. While I didn’t get to join her, I have been told she is kind and if ever thought of (by her teacher friends) they’d ask her to join them for lunch. She has 0 and 5th period AVID, periods I was unable to join her in, so my apologies for being a journalist without proper evidence. But she is just as well-liked as the other teachers, so I will revisit this story when I get the chance to update you like a proper journalist. No rating will be given due of my lack of participation in her class.
AVID 12 is with Mr. Stevens. The day I entered there had been a TRF day, so a college tutor was present and circling around the groups. The seniors were much like the freshman, rowdy and loud, though much easier to quiet with a single ‘hush.’ My friends in the class offered me help, but I assured them I would enjoy sitting and watching, so they could act natural. So they did and spoke to me often. I enjoyed the ambiance of the room, the laughter that would follow with silence and then more laughter. I was able to see their origami, and these papers were filled with goals of the students. The students were kind, though not always to each other as several of them have known each other for years. Always a joy. 8/10 class, they did their work and were nice, a bit too loud for comfort though. 10/10 teacher, Mr. Stevens has been tired of me since the 2023 summer, but he did treat me as a good student.
AVID is open to everyone, as long as you put in your work, do your notes, and and are open to frequent binder checks.
AVID is also currently having a cookie dough sale! $25 for each order, and these forms must be turned in soon, so make sure you find someone to buy cookie dough from!
