June 3, 2009

News Release

TISD Elementary Students College Bound

            Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year students at Peete Elementary School will learn what it takes to be a college student.  The first pilot program of the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program will be integrated into the curriculum for fourth and fifth grades at Peete Elementary School.  The AVID Elementary pilot program is part of a district-wide effort to create college ready students. 

“The W. A. Peete Elementary faculty and staff are excited to welcome the AVID program to our campus for fourth and fifth grade students,” said Freeman Sterling, Principal of Peete Elementary School.  “It is our vision and goal to have students academically prepared as well as creating the belief that becoming a college graduate is an attainable goal in life for all who desire and work to their greatest potential.  We feel very strongly that planting this seed of thought and goal at the elementary level  through the AVID program is the foundation to begin this process.”

            The focus areas for AVID Elementary are student success skills: speaking, listening, self-advocacy and study habits; and organizational skills.  AVID Elementary curriculum is not taught in a separate classroom, but the curriculum is embedded into a normal elementary school day.  The AVID Elementary program will allow the District to see the effects the program has on the success of the students in the AVID Secondary program. 

            “Implementing AVID Elementary is a continuance of facilitating Tyler ISD’s vision and goals,” said Lillian Bowens, District AVID Director.  “AVID Elementary is the foundation that strengthens the AVID elective and college-ready environments at both middle and high school levels.  The practices, beliefs and culture of AVID allows students to self-monitor their progress, all the while, building respect, responsibility and support in the classroom, among students, community and families.  This is a collaborative effort to enhance student success in the lower grades and provide a smooth transition to the upper grades.”

Currently, the AVID Secondary program is implemented at the following campuses: Boulter, Dogan, Hogg, Hubbard, Moore, Stewart middle schools and John Tyler and Robert E. Lee high schools.           

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