Recent Guest Speakers

During the past two weeks our AVID classroom has hosted three different guest speakers who came to share their experiences with the students.

Last week Ms. Monique Paige, 8th grade science teacher, and Mrs. Leann Hooper, a district

technology facilitator, both spoke about their experiences as college

basketball players. Ms. Paige played basketball at the University of Arizona. She shared her experiences with the recruiting process as well as the particular challenges of being both a student and an athlete at a major university. Mrs. Hooper played at East Texas Baptist University

and shared with students why she chose a smaller school instead of a larger university.

Mrs. Knight, our school's librarian, visited this week to talk about different kinds of alphabet books. The AVID students are working on putting together two of these books with a college theme to keep in the front office for visitors to read.

AVID In the News

The AVID program in Mesquite ISD was mentioned in the most recent addition of the Mesquite News and our AVID program at A.C. New was mentioned specifically! It is always good to get the "good news" out about our AVID program.

Star Local News Mesquite News News Mesquite ISD keeps it AVID

QuickWrite: Believing in Yourself

Our second QuickWrite (a short timed writing to help get ideas on paper quickly) of the year centered around a quote from Henry Ford. "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right". Students were asked to respond as to what Ford meant. While not everyone came to the same conclusion, most responses dealt with the importance of believing in one's own abilities to succeed. Conversely, when you doubt your abilities, you are often predicting your failure.

For our AVID students, many are just now understanding the hard work involved on the path to college. The outcome of their life has not been determined at this point. With the support provided through AVID, without a doubt these students can achieve their college goals.

Team building: Tower of Power

Being able to work in a group is a skill that will be beneficial throughout someone's life. Through collaborative activities, AVID students are able to learn how to more effectively work with students from a variety of groups.

The challenge this week was called Tower of Power. Students were sorted into groups different from their regular table groups. Each group was given the same set of materials:

• paper bag
• 3 index cards
• 2 pieces of paper
• 2 large paper clips
• 3 small paper clips
• a straw
• 1 rubber band
• a small plastic drink lid
• a ruler
• a paintbrush

Groups were given 20 minutes to build the tallest tower possible with only the provided materials. Towers had to be free standing and remain standing during the measuring process. The group in each class that designed and built the tallest tower won one of our fabu

lous AVID prizes. The tallest structure out of both classes was 34" with second place coming in at just under 33". After the activity, each student was given an opportunity to evaluate the group process and identify areas of frustration. Evaluations will be discussed in groups.

Research: Texas Colleges

Part of the focus of AVID is College Awareness. In order to expose the AVID students to the many colleges here in Texas, the 8th grade students each created a PowerPoint presentation of a particular school. A "lottery" style selection process was used to ensure a variety of schools were chosen. Students were given five days to research their school and put together their presentation. As a part of this process each student will write a letter to their chosen school requesting information. Over the coming weeks, each student will present their slide show to the class.

"Begin with the end in mind."

To start off our new year, the 8th grade AVID students were asked to share their thoughts on this quote: "Begin with the end in mind." Some of the thoughts are shared below:

• Begin with the future in mind; think about how you want the end to be.
• When you start your education, you should always have college in mind.
• Begin with a plan that goes from start to finish.
• Think about your future now because that is going to be where you spend the rest of your life.
• Think about who you want to be and where you want to stand and do what you need to do in order to achieve those things.
• To begin with the end is to already have your plan for the future so you can work towards it.
• Start with the ending and then go from there; always think of the future.

To me "beginning with the end in mind," means to know what you end goal is and begin doing the things now that will help you reach that goal. It is never too early to begin preparing yourself for college. These 8th graders are just beginning an incredible path that will lead them straight to their dreams. In the words of our principal, Mr. Daniel, "Press On!"

End of Summer

Today marks the official last day of summer before heading back to school for the 2010-2011 school year. I hope that everyone has had some chances to relax and have some fun this summer. While my plan for my summer included a lot of this, it turns out that summer was much different than I expected. The third week of summer I got to participate in one of the national AVID Summer Institutes with several other teachers from our school. Just like always this was a great week for getting excited about what we do in AVID.

On the final Friday of the conference my summer took a dramatic change. My father called to tell me that my mother was being rushed to the hospital in Houston where we would eventually find out she had a brain tumor and would have to undergo brain surgery. I ended up having to spend almost a month down in Houston away from my wife and kids. While it was good to be able to be with my mom, it was tough being gone from my Dallas home so long.

The highlight of summer came at the beginning of August when my wife and I were able to spend a week in Ecuador in South America working in an orphanage on the edge of the Amazon rain forest. Both the beauty and poverty of Ecuador was amazing and it really made both of us think about how good we have it here in the U.S.

Now, being back only two weeks, school is beginning once again. I am looking forward to meeting new students in both AVID and Art and to hearing of the successes of former students who are off to high school.

Mr. Temple's Facebook Page

As more and more students begin using the social networking site Facebook, I figured it was a good place to directly communicate with my AVID students. MISD policy states that when teachers use a site such as Facebook, all communication must be done using a separate "professional page" so I have set up one for me to use. If you ever have any questions or need help with anything, please let me know and I will always do what I can to help out. I hope everyone has a great year ahead for them!

Summer Reading

Just a reminder to everyone taking preAP English next year at either West Mesquite or Mesquite: READ! Hopefully by this point you have at least gotten well into either Cold Mountain (WMHS) or The Odyssey (MHS). Remember that you have another self-selected book as well. Be sure to follow the instructions in your assignments carefully.

First impressions are REALLY IMPORTANT in freshman honor classes so don't be the student that begins the first day with your teacher thinking you aren't the preAP type!

Final Thoughts... Finally

The year has finally come to a close and everyone is off enjoying summer vacation by this point. I am certain that no one is missing tutorials and Cornell Notes just yet, but I have to admit that I've been missing my AVID classes. I miss the way 1st period starts out quiet but can get really passionate in a debate and I miss how 2nd period never failed to make me laugh (or laughed AT me)! In order to keep you focused on your success, even as you lay around all summer, let this post serve as a reminder of some of the things said during the last few days of class...

Each of you were chosen for a reason to be a part of AVID. Someone saw in you a potential to be academically successful and the potential to go to college. As you begin getting mentally prepared for high school, remember that being successful takes hard work. You have to want high academic achievement and be willing to do the work that it will take to get there. You have learned some of the skills needed for you to be a stronger student, but now you have to apply those on your own. Set your eyes on your goal and don't let something or someone draw you off the path it will take to see those goals become realities.

No matter what struggle you face there is always someone here to support you. Please stay in touch and I look forward to hearing about your achievements in high school. Good luck to each of you; don't forget about us out in little P-6 when you reach the big-time!

AVID Is...

As one of the final activities in AVID this year, each student was asked to complete a sentence or phrase beginning with "AVID Is...". When you read through them as a group you get a really good picture of what AVID means to the students who are a part this incredible program. Here are just a few of the things students said:

AVID Is...
... a helping hand.
... an awesome program that helps you achieve your goal to go to college.
... swaggerlicious!
... the most help I've gotten in a long time.
... a place for me at school to get help with my academic struggles and even get help with my personal life.
... a class that helps me get ready for my day.
... a program for self-motivated students who have the potential to be successful in life but maybe don't have the opportunity.
... fun, awesome, exciting, adventurous. This program will help you in so many ways - no matter what!
... very helpful and makes us stronger.
... really fun and brings us together to help each other: like a family.

Summer Reading

Even as the school year winds up, for those AVID students going on to preAP English at either Mesquite High or West Mesquite school the work is not entirely complete. Summer reading assignments have been passed out and all students enrolled in preAP ELA are expected to complete their required books. MHS Summer Reading includes The Odyssey while WMHS students are assigned Cold Mountain. If you are one of these students MAKE SURE you complete the assignment before the first day of 9th grade. Both groups are asked to create a dialectical journal while reading which should include quotes from the book and a personal response.

Since the majority of AVID students are going to West Mesquite, I have decided to read Cold Mountain and post of thoughts/comments throughout the summer to help keep everyone on track. Check back occasionally and please throw out your comments so everyone can benefit.

RECOGNIZED!

The official word came down yesterday from the officials downtown that our school will be a Texas Recognized school for this year! Our students and teachers have worked incredibly hard the last nine months and those efforts have certainly paid off.

I have all been so impressed with the AVID students this year in particular. In every category on every state assessment our AVID kids have surpassed the school, district and state averages for passing and commended. The biggest news came in Reading when 72% of our 8th graders were COMMENDED! MISD Superintendent, Dr. Linda Henry visited our room just a few days after the results were in and I got to share them with her personally: she was very impressed!

AVID now on the World WIDER Web

The 8th grade AVID classes have made the switch to the wider world of the internet so hopefully more people out there looking for AVID stuff can find us. It will look like a lot went on in May, but in reality I just copied the posts from this last year over here.

MISD College Week

College Week!

All the hard work of planning for MISD College Week finally paid off the week before Spring Break. With the help of the students and faculty the AVID class was able to raise over $1000 for our scholarship fund. This money will be used to help send a senior from West Mesquite HS to college next year. Over 100 students submitted essays for the College Week Essay contest and 8th grader Rory Duran won a UT football jersey for submitting the most outstanding entry.

Some of the 2nd period AVID students show off their college shirts on Friday.

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AVID and ICT students created banners and posters to decorate the hallways. Each teacher's college(s) were displayed outside the cafeteria.

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A BIG thanks goes to all the teachers who participated in Spirit Day by either wearing their cap and gown or dressing as a college mascot. An extra hearty thanks goes to Coach Shreiner for being the Texas A&M Corpus Christie Islander and Coach Westphal for being the SFA Lumberjack.

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College Week is coming

March 6, 2010 12:56 PM

by Rob Temple

College Week is Coming!

March 8th-12th marks MISD College Week throughout the district. Since the main focus of AVID is getting traditionally under-represented student groups better prepared for college admission, College Week is a big one in AVID. For CW this year, the 8th grade AVID classes will be sponsoring three activities...

Teacher Spirit Day:
The first idea was targeted at teachers. On Wednesday, all faculty and staff are encouraged to either dress as a college mascot or wear their cap and gown throughout the school day.

Essay Contest:
Students are encouraged to submit an essay expressing "What is the Value of College To Me?". Essays should be 200 words or less and are due by Wednesday, March 10th. The winning essay will receive a replica University of Texas #12 football jersey.

AVID Scholarship Fundraiser:
Finally, any student who donates at least $1 to the AVID Scholarship Fund will receive a "jeans pass" to be used on Friday, March 12th. The AVID Scholarship will be presented to a senior from West Mesquite High School who is also a former AC New student. Last year, after reviewing several applications sent from WMHS, the AVID classes chose Jose Perez to be awarded $600 to help cover some of the cost of his freshmen year at Eastfield College.

A Snowy Day

February 11, 2010 2:45 PM

by Rob Temple

A Snowy Day

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This morning everyone in our part of the metroplex woke up to a few inches of atypical snow. Then the news that MISD would be "open and on time" brought everyone crashing back to reality. While it was somewhat more difficult than normal to focus during class, the AVID students still held their regular tutorial sessions during class.

But, not before a few pictures could be taken including our very own AVID mini-snowman: looks like he's headed to college just like the rest of the AVID kids!

A few of the brave 1st period students pose for a quick photo-op

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Our little AVID portable is pictured below

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There is no way this guy is getting lost in the snow drift

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College Students visit AVID

February 3, 2010 12:41 PM

by Rob Temple

College Students visit AVID

Recently two former A.C. New and West Mesquite students visited the 8th grade AVID classes to talk about the transitions from middle school to high school to college. Since the majority of AVID students are the first in their families to attend college, many do not have a clear picture of the academic expectations of not only college but also advanced high school courses. Maggie Paige and Alyssa Jones could speak from direct experience because they had already traveled the paths that the current AVID students will be heading down soon. Maggie is in her first year at The University of North Texas while Alyssa is a freshman at Texas Women's University (which confused some that it's NOT an all-girls school).

Some of the things that the pair highlighted as differences between middle school and high school were:

• higher expectations from teachers including fewer requests for late assignments
• a greater emphasis on self-determination
• classes with older and more mature students
• a faster pace in a bigger place which can lead to a feeling of being "lost" or "just trying to stay afloat"

A few comments about the differences between high school and college were:

• success is completely reliant upon individual determination
• professors expect you to have/do work without reminding you
• so much more freedom it can be tough to adjust
• living on your own can be so fun but takes a lot of responsibility

College Road Trip

November 17, 2009 6:27 PM

by Rob Temple

College Road Trip!

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November 13th marked the 8th Grade AVID group's first college field trip. At the beginning of the school day buses were loaded and the AVID classes headed to Texas A&M University - Commerce, a school of about 9000 students just over an hour's drive from our school.

In order to get a feel for campus, students were broken into 5 groups and participated in a campus-wide scavenger hunt. For over an hour groups could be seen running (some more than others) from building to building gathering clues.

After a quick lunch, students were treated to a presentation by the University Admissions staff and several Student Ambassadors shared about their reasons for choosing TAMU-C and their experiences of being a TAMU-C student.

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The Sentence Smackdown!

The Sentence Smackdown!

Friday, October 30th was the day the AVID students threw the "smack down" on sentence structure. In the midst of a writing unit on persuasive essays, the 8th grade AVID student took time out for some spooky themed learning. The classes listened to a reading of Edgar Allen Poe's poem The Raven and made note of its complex sentence structure. After some discussion, it was noted however, that within each difficult sentence lies the basic elements of a subject and a verb. In teams, students were given a sentence from the poem and were in a race to identify the subject and verb. As is typical, the team that finished first got a point. It was as if they were playing for a Gold Medal in grammar the way they got so wrapped in the competition.

Here are a few sample sentences to see if you can handle the "Sentence Smackdown!"

Ah distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December, and each separate dying ember wrought it's ghost upon the floor.

Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

NASA Engineer Speaks to AVID Classes

October 2, 2009 12:44 PM

by Rob Temple

NASA Engineer Speaks to AVID Classes

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On Friday, October 2nd, the 8th grade AVID classes hosted their first guest speaker of the year. Mr. Alan Joynt, an engineer with NASA spoke to the class about how the things they are learning now are laying the foundation for where they will be able to go in the future. Mr. Joynt

Mr. Joynt is a systems engineer working at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, AL and is currently working on the Ares I rocket. NASA plans on launching this spacecraft in 2020 for the first return to the moon since 1972. Mr. Joynt shared his own journey through college, eventually graduating from Middle Tennessee State University with an engineering degree in 2003, almost 20 years after he started college initially. Students were challenged to never settle for less than their dreams, no matter what bumps come in the road ahead.

During the presentation students got to see a short video outlining NASA's plans for the future moon landing as well as video of an actually shuttle launch. Each student was giving a bag with items from NASA including a mission pin and photos of the last shuttle crew.

For more information on the Ares project, click here.

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Gimmie Shelter!

September 25, 2009 12:45 PM

by Rob Temple

Gimmie Shelter!

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One of the weekly aspects of AVID is "Friday Team Day" activities. For some of our Friday activities, groups are given a task to accomplish in a given time period. While the fun that can ensue is great, the most important part of the exercise is debriefing as a class. Students can talk about what worked, what didn't work, and how they felt about the entire process. Groups that were successful get to share their ideas and groups that maybe weren't as successful get to talk about their pitfalls.

For this activity, groups were given an unlimited supply of newspaper and tape and were instructed to build a shelter big enough to completely cover one member of their group. The structure had to be completely self-standing (could not be taped to the floor, furniture, or held up by the person) and be completed in about 30 min. In the end, 3 groups were able to accomplish the task and 4 were not. As you can see, some just fell flat!

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Unfortunately, Mr. Temple wasn't really thinking while shooting the videos so you will just have to get over the fact they are on their side: looks like it's time to upgrade to QuickTimePro.