ACSS becomes first AVID Site of Distinction in Canada
Students, past and present, walked the halls of Aldergrove Community Secondary School on February 20, as part of an open house to celebrate a pair of major milestones. The school’s AVID program marked 20 years at the school, but more importantly, it was also an evening to recognize the Langley school for becoming the first-ever AVID Site of Distinction in Canada.
The AVID program, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, is a four-year preparatory program where students learn effective academic strategies, engage in discussions and projects that deepen understanding, and strengthen performance across courses. Students work to build their scholarship portfolio through early volunteering and leadership development and explore post-secondary options through class field trips. It’s a popular program in schools all over the U.S. that aims to get students ready for post-secondary education. The program was founded and is currently based in San Diego, Ca.
Long-time AVID teacher at ACSS, Ashley Ross, says that all members of the teaching staff had to complete training in order for the school to be considered a site of distinction.
“What that means is that we have completed a rigorous checklist of academic requirements put on through the AVID program, and we have proven our ability to accomplish AVID systems of beliefs in our school,” explained Ross.
Now that staff have AVID knowledge and instructional practice, this will help students in the program, as well as all Grade 9-12 learners in the school.
“AVID targets students who have a lot of ambition, who want to do something but may be lacking some fundamental skills,” said Ross.
“Maybe their organization is all over the place, maybe they worry about their writing skills, maybe they lack confidence, and so AVID is a program that builds those fundamental skills that supports their academic success,” added Ross.
As part of the open house, current AVID program students took attendees on a tour of the school, making note of important learning spaces, artwork, and historical school achievements over the years. At one point in the evening, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held, along with the unveiling of a plaque signifying the school as an AVID Site of Distinction.
It was an opportunity for students and alumni alike to share their pride in the successful program and in the school as a whole.
“I have had the luxury and the privilege of teaching AVID for 10 years now, and there was almost half of my original class that came back tonight to say ‘Hello.’ Considering they graduated six years ago and they are still connected to the building and the teachers here is such a mark of love and success and so we have 20 years of alum who came back tonight to celebrate with us,” remarked Ross.
The ACSS program is one of two programs in the Langley School District. The other AVID program is at Langley Secondary. To learn more about the program at ACSS, visit the school website here.
