AVID Update
November 2019
2019-2020 Wheeling AVID Site Team
New AVID Staff
I have been teaching for 19 years (17 at WHS)! I graduated from University of Illinois and regularly teach math. I used to teach the junior level of AVID and am now back teaching freshmen! I have been on the AVID Site Team since its inception and I love being part of a program that truly changes the trajectories of our students' lives!! I love AVID and our WHS program!
Henry Brown
Henry D. Brown is our new Associate Principal of Operations and Student Services. He was born in Cuba (Spanish is his first language) and immigrated to the U.S. with his parents and younger brother at the age of 6. Prior to arriving to WHS, he served as Dean of Students for nine years, and before that as a School Psychologist in the same district for nine years. He received a M.Ed. degree in Administration from Concordia University, a M.E. in Educational Psychology from Loyola University Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts from NIU. He has been active in the field of education for over 19 years and has been a frequent contributor to Race & Equity discussions and changes amongst school staff and students.
Tyler VanVleet
This is my first year teaching AVID, second year at WHS, and ninth year teaching overall. I received my Bachelors of Science in Mathematics Education in 2010 from Western Illinois University and my Masters of Science in Mathematics Degree from Central Methodist University in 2019.
Antonia Arismendis
My name is Antonia Franco and I am a WHS graduate. I graduated with my class in 2016, and I’m currently enrolled at Harper College in Palatine. I’m in my first year studying education. During my time at WHS, I was also enrolled in AVID. I’m excited to be here and look forward to learning more about the students.
Crystal Castellanos
My name is Crystal Castellanos and I’m a tutor for AVID at Wheeling high school. I graduated in 2018 from Palatine high school. I’m now pursuing an elementary education major at National Louis University and earning a bachelors degree in 2022.
AVID Juniors attended the National Hispanic College Fair.
It was held at the Elgin Community Center
They were able to network with over 70 colleges.
Juniors and Freshmen mentoring and mingling on a Friday in AVID
Associate Principal Mr. Brown speaking to AVID
Dr. Stephan Chau talks about his journey in organic chemistry
Guest Speakers
College Visits and Field Trips
AVID Fun
One senior AVID class earned free tacos for raising the most money during our first AVID fundraiser of the year. The students raised $6000 by selling popcorn. The money earned will be used to fund the junior spring break trip, to provide scholarships for AVID seniors, and other AVID opportunities.
AVID Parent Night 101
The first AVID parent night of the year was a success with the help of our amazing AVID Ambassadors, despite having to move the presentation to the hall because of a Tornado warning.
AVID Parent Night Panel
AVID Alumni and an AVID parent shared their insight
and experiences with current AVID students and their parents
Teaching at Juliette Low
Junior Achievement gave AVID students the opportunity to teach elementary students for a day.
AVID featured in the Daily Hearld
Counselor's Corner
Congratulations to the AVID Class of 2020 for completing their College and FAFSA Applications by November 1st.
Course registration is upon us and this is a great time to think about all the future opportunities through https://d214.smapply.io/
Would you like to learn more? Make an appointment with me so we can discuss all your future opportunities.
Wheeling High School AVID
Email: bruce.varela@d214.org
Website: whs.d214.org/academics/avid/
Location: 900 South Elmhurst Road, Wheeling, IL, USA
Phone: 847-718-7000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WheelingHighSchoolAVID/
Twitter: @WheelingHS_AVID