• AVID at Harrison Park

    Harrison Park is an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) school. We offer an AVID elective class (for 7th & 8th grade, and a quarter long intro elective for 6th grade) as part of a national program that surrounds students with supports, structures, and academic skills that propel them into advanced placement classes and set them on a journey to be college bound as they graduate high school.  At HP, all 6th graders will be a part of a quarter long intro AVID class.  This gives students the opportunity to be exposed to AVID’s mission and strategies and get a “little taste” of what AVID is. Also, AVID strategies are implemented schoolwide through our Advisory time each week for all grades.

    In early February, the AVID coordinator visits all 6th grade classrooms and gives a presentation of AVID and the opportunity to apply for a spot in the Fall 7th grade class.  Students who show interest are encouraged to fill out and return an application.  After the application period has closed, all interested students are given an interview for the AVID teachers to get to know the students better and why they desire to join AVID.  After all interviews are complete, the 6th grade team, the principals, the AVID teachers and coordinator sit down and choose a Fall class.  

    The AVID selection process targets the "middle" student, who has some successes at school, but could really shine with support to fully master class and coursework as well as benefit from the community “family” feel of the AVID elective classes.  AVID's rigorous approach isn't for every student, but those who do join get the help they need to succeed in school and in life.

    We always have more students interested in being a part of the AVID elective then we have spots.  For this reason, we carry a waiting list each year.  For the 2024-25 school year, we are looking to add another section of AVID 7 in order to accommodate more students who wish to be a part of the AVID elective.  Each AVID 7 class loops into the AVID 8 elective the following year. 

     

     

     

    Group photo

     

     

     

    Teachers/Coordinator:

    Coordinator/AVID 7 & AVID 8 Elective Teacher: Conni Brenner (cbrenner@pps.net)

    6th Grade Quarter Elective Teacher: Karen Kempster (kkempste@pps.net)

     

    What do we do in AVID? 

    ● Keep one organized binder for all of our classes. 

    ● Learn college readiness skills and strategies that help us now and throughout   

       college. 

    ● Engage in lessons of Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading 

       (WICOR). 

    ● Challenge and defend our thinking through Socratic Seminars, Philosophical 

       Chairs, Four Corner Debates and Jigsaws. 

    ● Take Cornell Notes each week in our core classes. 

    ● Participate in Collaborative Study Groups that help with core class work 

       success.  

    ● Hear guest speakers, go on learning trips and college visits, and participate in 

       team building activities. 

    ● Create a family of achievers! 

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    Responsibilities of an AVID student at Harrison Park

    AVID is the right choice for students who have both the potential and desire to attend a 2 or 4-year college/university or pursue any post secondary education (i.e. trade school or military) and demonstrates the following: 

     

    • Maintain a successful grade point average of at least 2.0.

    • Maintain excellent behavior inside and outside of class.

    • Attend school regularly and absent only when absolutely necessary.

    • Maintain the AVID binder as outlined in class.

    • Complete all homework assignments and commit to studying at home.