This school year, specifically during the second semester, the Nest is adopting the AVID, Advanced Via Individual Determination, a program for current freshmen Eagles. The purpose of the program is to ensure that current freshmen are well-adapted to achieve academic success in a four-year university post-high school. The program will take place during the duration of each Eagle’s high school career as an elective class. 

The reason why AVID is starting here is because of Skyline’s unique situation. Many Skyline students possess a desire to go to college, but many are not well aware of what it takes to be college-ready. In a survey, of 30 freshmen planning to attend the AVID class, more than half of them stated that they aren’t sure what ”college-ready” really means and what it looks like. “You hear about it all the time, but it isn’t pretty specific and laid out,”  says one response from the survey given.

For one period, young Eagles will receive the additional academic, social, and emotional support that will help them succeed in Skyline’s most rigorous courses, including International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement, and Concurrent Enrollment classes. The survey mentioned previously, seems to suggest those classes are the biggest reason why many young students want to be a part of the AVID program. Young Eagles are interested in taking these classes. But are afraid they may get overwhelmed with the rigor that comes with them. 

Sydney Lott, a history teacher at the Nest, is the current director of the program. To him, this program would have been especially beneficial for him with his family situation. He decided that because of his situation he would go to Skyline High School. “Skyline was amazing for me, I got a great education, I learned all about college and what it took to get into college, and because of my hard work…I got a full-ride scholarship to Weber State University.” Lott goes on to say that after graduating from Weber State, he decided to come back to Skyline to help other students in the college process. 

The elective class, AVID, will have a teacher that will help with the weaknesses and strengths of each AVID student. They would be equipped with tools to help students raise their grades and support students by celebrating their strengths. 

The class motives range from giving time for students to complete homework during school and resources on how to pay for four-year universities. This would be especially beneficial for students who are rather busy after school whether for family, work, or other reasons, and are not comfortable with the financial process. 

We are excited to see  AVID’”s success in helping our young Eagles!

For more information on the AVID program, please see a school counselor, Freshman Success teacher, or Sydney Lott.