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Denn John Middle School

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AVID

AVID at DJMS – Advancing Excellence Through Opportunity

At Denn John Middle School, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to achieve at high levels and prepare for a successful future. That belief is why we are proud to offer AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)—a nationally recognized college and career readiness system designed to equip students with the academic, organizational, and leadership skills necessary to thrive in school and beyond.

We are also excited to celebrate an important milestone: DJMS is an AVID Certified School. This recognition reflects our commitment to implementing high-quality AVID practices that support student achievement and engagement.

Looking ahead, the 2026–2027 school year marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as DJMS embarks on Year 1 of our journey toward becoming an AVID Demonstration School. This prestigious designation is awarded to schools that exemplify schoolwide excellence in AVID implementation and college and career readiness practices. While this process typically takes approximately three years, we are excited to begin this journey with our students, staff, and community.

What is AVID?

AVID is much more than an elective course—it is a schoolwide framework that helps students develop the skills and habits necessary for long-term success.

AVID focuses on:

  • Academic achievement

  • Student engagement

  • Organization and time management

  • Critical thinking

  • Collaboration

  • College and career readiness

  • Leadership development

Whether a student plans to attend a university, pursue a technical certification, enter the workforce, join the military, or start a business, AVID provides the tools needed to build a successful future.

AVID and Our School Improvement Plan

As part of our commitment to student achievement and our theme, Activate the Blue Flame, DJMS will continue expanding schoolwide AVID implementation through research-based instructional strategies that actively engage students in the learning process every day.

Key AVID strategies include:

  • Structured Conversations

  • Focused Note-Taking

  • Three Corners

  • Four Corners

  • Placemat Consensus

  • Collaborative Learning Structures

  • Critical Thinking Activities

  • Writing-to-Learn Opportunities

These engagement strategies will be embedded across content areas and grade levels to ensure students are actively participating, discussing, analyzing, and taking ownership of their learning.

College and Career Readiness Starts in Middle School

At DJMS, we believe it is never too early to begin preparing students for life after graduation.

Through AVID, students learn how to:

  • Set meaningful academic and personal goals

  • Develop strong organizational and study skills

  • Advocate for themselves and their learning

  • Strengthen communication and collaboration skills

  • Explore college and career opportunities

  • Build confidence and leadership abilities

  • Develop a growth mindset and commitment to excellence

Most importantly, AVID helps students recognize that their future is within reach and that success is achieved through determination, preparation, and hard work.

AVID for All Students

At DJMS, AVID is not limited to a select group of students. We believe every student can benefit from the skills and strategies AVID provides.

As part of our commitment to increasing student achievement, students who score a Level 2 or Level 3 on the FAST ELA Assessment will be scheduled into AVID to receive additional support in developing the academic behaviors and college-readiness skills that contribute to long-term success.

We believe AVID provides students with the tools necessary to improve academic performance, increase confidence, and develop lifelong habits that support achievement both inside and outside the classroom.

Join the AVID Family

AVID is more than a program—it is a community built on support, encouragement, accountability, and excellence.

At DJMS, AVID students challenge one another to grow, celebrate successes together, and develop the skills necessary to become future leaders.

As we begin our journey toward becoming an AVID Demonstration School, we invite our students, families, staff, and community to join us in embracing a culture where achievement, opportunity, and determination are at the center of everything we do.

Together, we will continue to activate the Blue Flame, pursue excellence, and demonstrate that at DJMS:

#LearningIsRequired.

 

AVID Coordinator: Brandy Symes

Email: brandy.symes@osceolaschools.net

Go Dragons! 🔥 #LearningIsRequired 🐉