A Message From Clay

Good Afternoon,

This is coming a bit late for Shannon (sorry!) but I wanted to send a message to fill you in on a new class/program we’ll be offering at the middle school next year.  Some of you may be familiar with AVID.  Carmel High School has had a very successful program for the last 10 years and we’re excited to be bringing AVID to Clay next year!  AVID can be described as a class for college bound students that helps with the development of organizational skills, critical-thinking skills, and study strategies.

AVID for 6^th grade will be a 9-week elective class open to ALL students.  The AVID course isn’t only for students who may have difficulty with organization or study skills.  As a matter of fact, the typical AVID candidate is a strong student who could benefit from learning strategies to fine tune these skills.  The move to middle school brings about new independence and responsibility when it comes to keeping up with expectations and studying in different classes, note-taking and keeping track of materials and lockers.  AVID will teach skills supportive for students as they make this big transition to the middle school. 

It’s possible that you or your 5^th grade teachers will receive questions regarding AVID as we go through the scheduling process for next year and I wanted to arm you with this information.  I’m including a description of our 6^th grade AVID class as well as a link to AVID information on Clay’s website.  Please share this information with your 5^th grade teachers and let me know of any questions.  As always, thank you for all of your help!

http://www1.ccs.k12.in.us/clm/academics/avid

AVID Exploratory Course – 6^th grade only – 9 week elective
The AVID Exploratory Course is designed to highlight the major skills that students need to be successful in school. This class will expose students to the AVID basic strategies in the areas of writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization and reading that will assist students in becoming more confident in their abilities as well as assist in self-advocacy skills. The AVID Exploratory Course is a nine week elective course open to all 6^th grade students.

*Note that AVID in 7^th and 8^th grade is a year-long course and is available only to those students who apply, interview and are accepted to the program.  6^th grade is the only time we have open availability for students to choose to take the course. 

Erin Naas

Counselor

Clay Middle School