Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Former AVID Parent Testimonial
We received this recently from Tammy Jones, whose son Jarrett was in AVID here for two years . . .
Hi Ms. Pienta,I wanted to thank you and Ms. Sibayan again for all you do in AVID. We are settled in here in Lexington Tennessee and Jarrett has made it through 2 grading periods with flying colors. He has consistently received A's and B's (mostly A's) and his study skills are light-years ahead of the rest of his peers. Although the counselors have never heard of AVID here, it would be an excellent area to start it.He is in Art this year as well and is enjoying every minute.Thank you again!!Tammy Jones
Friday, November 21, 2008
Educational Ops by State
There is a WEALTH of information on these state sites for veterans that include educational opportunity (grants, scholarships, etc.) for children of veterans or active duty as well. Check out your state now to see what is offered!
Military K-12 Partners
"As military families move to accept new assignments, children often face many challenges related to education. The Interstate Compact on Education Opportunity for Military Children is working to remove barriers to educational success for children of military members. The Compact was developed by the Council of State Governments, education and military family experts, and the Department of Defense. States that sign on to the compact agree to work collectively with other compact states to create uniform standards of practice regarding the transfer of records, course placement, graduation requirements, redundant or missed testing, entrance-age variations and other transition issues."
Check out this great new websites that benefit military families and kids: Military K-12 Partners
Saturday, November 15, 2008
AVID Students Moving On to New Locations
For better or for worse, we all know that life in a military community means moving or PCSing. In AVID, we are always sad to see our students move away, but we know that they will be prepared to succeed academically at their next school thanks to the skills they have learned, the tools they have acquired, and their attitude of "individual determination." They also have their AVID College Portfolio filled with the things they need to continue their journey. Ninth-grader Justine C. was our first student to leave us, way back in September. Justine had been in AVID for two years in middle school and was just starting high school. She was an honor student and a wonderful contributor to the AVID program. She often volunteered to help at Family Workshops. Luckily, Justine and her family were moving to Yokosuka, Japan, and another DoDDS-AVID school!
Junior AVID student Drew G. left recently for Florida. Drew had been in AVID just one year previous to this one and had made great progress academically. He was also a member of this year's varsity football team. Drew's great sense of humor and creativity will be missed.
Aica D., a fifth-year AVID student in her junior year, also recently left Sigonella. Her family is moving to southern California, where she will hopefully be able to continue in the AVID program. Aica was active in several varsity sports, National Honor Society, and student government. Aica was on the honor roll every quarter she had been in AVID! She has been a model AVID student with the perfect binder, Cornell notes, tutorial questions, and assignments. She will be greatly missed! Peter D., a new AVID student in his senior year, was a wonderful new addition to our senior cadre. Peter had no problem jumping right into AVID and AP English. He also was active in varsity sports and school activities. We wish him well in this, his senior year, as he continues his college application process in California.
Arrivederci, studenti! And buon fortunato!
Not "Just Another High School Play!"
We thoroughly enjoyed the comedy "Just Another High School Play" last night at Sigonella MS/HS. It was hilarious!
Congratulations to participating AVID students: Adam B., Summer G., Brittany B., Sara J., and Michael A.
Thank you, Mr. Minning and Ms. Ali, for a job well-done!
Congratulations to participating AVID students: Adam B., Summer G., Brittany B., Sara J., and Michael A.
Thank you, Mr. Minning and Ms. Ali, for a job well-done!
Friday, November 14, 2008
AVID in British Columbia, Canada
"Think about it: Once a day from Grade 9 to Grade 12, you take a class that is preparing you for university in a way you would likely never have been prepared otherwise. You're visiting universities. You're talking to classmates about schools they might attend. Because of the tutorial help you're receiving, you suddenly find yourself taking courses you once thought were for only the "brainiacs" or those always destined to go to university."
This is an excerpt from a recent column by Gary Mason entitled "Helping middle-achieving students excel" in the Globe and Mail newspaper in British Columbia. Read the whole story to see how pleased Canada is with the AVID program!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
*****COLLEGE NIGHT/AVID FAMILY WORKSHOP November 19*****
Dear AVID Parents & Students,
In lieu of a separate AVID Family Workshop, please plan to attend Sigonella's College Night on November 19, from 17:00-19:00 at the high school.
This first-time event is a great opportunity to do what AVID students and parents should do--explore colleges, attend breakout sessions, and gather a lot of free information about colleges.
We will register this as a Family Workshop, so be sure to sign-in at Ms. Pienta's room (170). In addition, this is the opportunity for parents of new students who were unable to sign the AVID Contract to do so (also in Ms. Pienta's room).
We look forward to seeing you at this great event! The next AVID Family Workshop will be scheduled after the holiday season.
AVIDLY,
Maryellen Pienta
Jan Sibayan
Patricia Novak
_________________________________________
Maryellen Pienta | AVID Coordinator | Sigonella MS/HS, Sicily
| DSN 624.3207 | CELL 347.8979.441 | maryellen.pienta@eu.dodea.edu
P Please consider the environment before printing this email.
