John Riordan of Riordan Plumbing, a longtime supporter of Culver City schools, has stepped up to the plate once again, donating $1,000 to kick off the fundraising efforts to save the Culver City Middle School Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) Program.

Fundraisers say it will take about $4,000 – raised by September – to save the program, which is designed to help middle and high school students prepare for and succeed in colleges and universities. Students in the program commit themselves to improvement and preparation for college. AVID offers a rigorous program of instruction in academic “survival skills” and college-level entry skills. The AVID program teaches the student how to study, read for content, take notes, and manage time. Students participate in collaborative study groups or tutorials led by tutors who use skillful questioning to bring students to a higher level of understanding.

CCMS AVID students are kids with a GPA of between 2.3 and 3.6, average to high test scores, and the desire and drive to succeed. Students must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Historically underserved in four year colleges
• First in family to attend college
• Low income
• Students with special circumstances

“The AVID program was developed to help students in the academic middle get on track for college. It prepares students by focusing on study skills, organization, note taking skills and critical thinking. It also builds their level of self-confidence and ability to take on challenges that prepare them for a successful future no matter what they pursue. They learn skills that last a lifetime,” said Annie Zarrinpar, AVID Coordinator. “In addition, AVID focuses on creating a ‘college bound’ culture at CCMS.”

AVID has been successful at schools around the world. In fact, its results are pretty impressive:

• More than 2,300 schools in 40 states and 15 foreign countries offer the AVID program.
• More than 200,000 students have graduated from AVID programs.
• Approximately 75 percent of AVID students were accepted to a four-year college in 2005.
• Approximately 11 percent of AVID students attend University of California’s (UC) nine undergraduate campuses.
• Approximately 35 percent of AVID students attend California State University (CSU) campuses.
• Approximately 85.7 percent of AVID students complete the a-g requirements for UC and CSU

Unfortunately, the program has been slated for cuts as a result of the state’s budget crisis.

“AVID is a terrific program for teaching organizational and study skills, which can make all the difference in turning a smart kid into a great student,” said parent Jody Reichel. “Many teachers have told me that they see AVID making a tremendous difference for students who go through the program. Budget cuts have limited AVID availability, and that is terrible.”

To make a contribution to “Saving the AVID Program” please send a donation to Panther Partners of CCMS (designate AVID on check) at 4601 Elenda St. Culver City, CA 90230 or email questions to bonniewacker@yahoo.com.