WMS AVID Newsletter
February 2020
What is AVID?
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination and is a program designed to help underachieving students with high academic potential prepare for entrance to colleges and universities.
Students in the AVID program receive strategies to foster better organization, problem solving, note-taking, studying, collaboration, writing, public speaking, goal setting, etc. that will help them to be more successful on their way to post-secondary education.
Strategy of the Month: Interactive Notebooks
Visit MyAVID.org for more information on Interactive Notebooks and how to use them in the classroom
7th Grade Math Interactive Notebook
Interactive Notebook used in Mrs. Mlynczak's class
Socratic Seminar in Action
Dr. Freiheit visited Tommy Sawyer’s social studies classroom to participate in a Socratic Seminar about the newly proposed dress code. Students used this AVID strategy to compare the current policy to the one proposed and gave input about the pros and cons of each.
Students participating in a Socratic Seminar use critical thinking and listening skills to discuss and/or debate their ideas after reading a common piece of text. During this discussion students listen to the perspectives of others and respectfully question one another while developing communication skills. Students must produce evidence supporting their ideas and responses. Before responding a student must paraphrase the information presented by the opposing viewpoint to check for comprehension before sharing their response.
Holiday Store Success
The 2nd annual AVID holiday store raised $443.36 for the Winona Community Warming Center! Thank you to all staff who donated items and helped to set up, wrap, or work in the store. We plan to continue the tradition, and will be taking donations to sell all throughout the year. Keep us in mind when doing your spring cleaning! (Items can be brought to the 8W office area.)
Students shopping at the store
The wrapping station
Presentation of the check to Lynette Johnson, representing the Warming Center
AVID Concessions
AVID students are raising funds by selling concessions at WMS home basketball games. Come support the teams and AVID by purchasing popcorn or assorted beverages and candy while cheering on the team.
Home games dates
February 7, 11, 13, 20, 28
Tutor Spotlight
Name: Courtney Brom
Age: 22
College Name: Winona State University
Major/Minor: Secondary Math (5th-12th grade)
Expected Graduation Date: Fall 2020
Must See Movie: Good Will Hunting
Favorite Quote: In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
Advice to AVID students: You get what you work for, not what you wish for. Set goals and work hard to achieve them! Your hard work will pay off in the future.
Best Thing about College: My favorite thing about college is the field experience I get to do. I’ve always wanted to be a teacher, so it is fun to meet students and experience how different teachers manage their classrooms!
Upcoming Field Trips
On March 5, 7th and 8th grade AVID students will be visiting UW-La Crosse and Western Technical College
7th Grade AVID students will visit Minnesota State College Southeast for the first of two visits (dates TBD). This first visit includes an opportunity to learn about the programs offered at MSC Southeast and tours of the campus. The second visit (in 8th grade) is an opportunity for each student to select an area of study that they may be interested in and shadow a student in that area for a day.
Don't Forget...
Show off your college gear on Wednesdays!
Give students time to fill out planners during each class period and remind them to take them home every night.
Encourage students to use binders and stay organized!
Staff Resources
Request a MyAVID account at My.AVID.org for curriculum ideas, strategies, professional development opportunities, and tons of resources
Check out the AVID Educators Facebook page to communicate and share ideas with other AVID educators
Contact a WMS AVID representative
AVID District Director: Mark Anderson
WMS AVID Coordinator: Amber Mlynczak
WMS AVID Administrators: Mark Winter and Jolene Danca
WMS AVID Counselors: Kerry Randall, Lisa Mullen, Mitzi Storm
WMS AVID Site Team Members: Joseph Cynor, Jen Snook, Melissa Shields, Cody Weadge, Callie Haugen, Scott Mlynczak, Stacy Gobler, Cassidy Wade, Tommy Sawyer, Eileen Dahlin, Bill Braun, Rose Carr, Brenda Svendsen, Trisha JohnsonEmail: avidwms@winona.k12.mn.us
Website: https://www.winonaschools.org/wms/academics/avid
Phone: 5074941000