Texas Border Business
PHARR – As part of its mission of preparing students to achieve the highest levels of success, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) is currently in the process of recruiting its second cohort of middle school students for the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program.
AVID is a cohort-based college readiness system offered in PSJA ISD from 6th through 12th grade to support students as they engage in rigorous courses to ensure their success in the college of their choice. The program fosters a safe and open culture, high expectations for teachers and students, and collaboration in all classrooms. Additionally, it helps close the opportunity gap in college graduation rates among diverse and underrepresented demographic groups.
According to PSJA AVID District Director Stella Sanchez, to be part of the program students must meet various criteria, including demonstrating desire and determination, may be the first in their family to go to college, may be learning English as a second language, desire the AVID support system, and could benefit from guidance at school to become college ready. The program was first launched at all eight PSJA ISD middle schools during the 2020-2021 school year with a cohort of nearly 400 6th grade students.
“We are proud to support our students with life-changing opportunities from early childhood through their chosen career and beyond,” said PSJA Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “Programs like these prepare our students for success in our nationally recognized Early College Program and to ultimately complete their post-secondary education for a bright future.”
Current 5th grade PSJA ISD students who meet the program requirements are first recommended by teachers and then asked to apply. PSJA ISD is currently going through the recruitment process for its second cohort of students for the 2021-2022 school year.
In celebration of National Middle Level Education Month, PSJA ISD highlighted the various opportunities available to middle school students, including AVID, during a special PSJA Podcast episode, which aired earlier this month.
According to PSJA Executive Officers Nora Rivas-Garza and Iris Alvarez, PSJA middle schools’ value the development of the whole child offering academic preparation, enrichment opportunities, and advisement that focuses on the social and emotional development of all students. In addition to AVID, PSJA middle school students can get a jumpstart on their future careers by taking College Success courses and earning high school credits through Pre-AP classes like Algebra, Geometry, and Spanish.
“These opportunities prepare our students for high school, college, and beyond and really teach them valuable life-long skills like how to plan, stay organized, and manage their time,” said Rivas-Garza during the podcast. “We bring in the best of the best teachers to have a solid, rigorous, and relevant curriculum to prepare our students.”
In addition to offering students advanced academic and extracurricular opportunities, PSJA ISD also emphasizes the importance of social and emotional development for students through a daily Advisory Class with a curriculum from the district’s Counseling & Guidance Department.
For Alamo Middle School Principal Cristina Esparza educating and supporting students during their early adolescent years is crucial for their overall success.
“The middle level for a child is one of the most critical points in their lives. It is that pivotal time where we must do whatever we can to enrich our students,” said Esparza. “PSJA is a place for every single child. When you have a school and district that’s going to take care of your child’s needs, then there is no other better place to be.”
PSJA ISD welcomes students living anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley. Registration for the 2021-2021 school year remains open. For more information or to register, parents can visit www.psjaisd.us/register.
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