by Shawn Nowlin
With a mission to empower all students to dream and reach their full potential, Roanoke City Public Schools (RCPS) has more resources to utilize than ever before.
One initiative is Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). The non-profit college-readiness program was created to help students who are traditionally underrepresented.
Four schools offer AVID as an elective: Lucy Addison Middle, James Breckinridge Middle, Patrick Henry High and William Fleming High. In addition to vocabulary development, students who complete the program also improve their oral presentation and test-taking skills, among other things.
Those who can handle college preparatory coursework and will be the first in their family to enroll in a four-year university are usually good fits for AVID.
“The objective is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society,” its website states.
Last week, Fleming and PH seniors involved in the program were recognized during a celebration at Melrose Plaza. In addition to students and their families, School Board members, division leadership and principals and staff from each high school were also in attendance.
“AVID helps students succeed by developing habits and skills now for the future. As part of the ceremony, students received a pin that will be worn on graduation day,” RCPS wrote on its Facebook page. “We are proud that once again, 100 percent of our AVID cohort is projected to graduate, and 100 percent already have post-graduation plans.”
According to its webpage, AVID is part of the RCPS Student Success & Support Team led by Dr. Hayley Poland and Dr. Cyndi Williams.
Since its inception, here is a breakdown of the numbers: 98 percent of seniors have graduated on time, 94 percent have attended college and 93 percent have completed college entrance requirements for a four-year degree.
The role of an education administrator is multifaceted. As the RCPS Superintendent, Dr. Verletta White understands that for many teenagers, confidence grows from the adults in their lives who empower them.
“We have had a fantastic school year and are almost at the finish line. Here is what I know: the student who finishes strong is the student who carries that strength forward. You are building habits right now that will follow you for years to come,” White said in a video message uploaded to the division’s website.
