Hamilton High School students enrolled in Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) took a big step toward their college dreams on September 26. Twenty-four freshmen students and twenty sophomore students signed pledges that symbolize their determination to pursue higher education and lifelong learning during the ceremony held at Hamilton High School.
“Ultimately, the goal of this program is to make sure your children are supported. Not just while they’re here, but also for what’s next for them after Hamilton High School,” Hamilton High School Principal Dominic Bauer explained to the students’ family members attending the ceremony.
“The AVID college and career readiness framework relies on high quality instruction, dedicated leadership, intentional systems and a positive and safe culture for students and staff,” shared Hamilton High School Instructional Coach/Reading Specialist and AVID Site Coordinator Kaitlin Schumaker.
AVID supports students in developing skills like communicating, collaborating and thinking critically to gain the confidence and resilience they’ll need to become successful after high school. Students enrolled in the AVID elective course receive additional academic, social and emotional support to help them succeed in their most rigorous courses. AVID can affect an entire school by providing classroom activities, teaching practices and academic behaviors that can be incorporated into any classroom to improve engagement and success for all students.
Hamilton High School Counselor and AVID Site Member Tricia Rigg calls the AVID elective class unique. “The elective class that they take is a unique opportunity because it’s not just a class you take one year,” shared Rigg. “It’s a program that supports these students throughout their entire high school journey. When students join AVID, they become part of a close-knit group of students who stay together each year throughout their time here at Hamilton.”