AVID at JAMS: Closing in on Almost Two Decades of Supporting Student Academic Success

  • JAMS is proud to have an AVID Elective option for students in grades 7 and 8, which it has been offering for almost two decades. JAMS AVID teachers begin working with students to help them develop skills and habits to prepare them for success in their high school classes. In particular, students are taught study skills, note taking, time management, writing, and research skills. The class will also include access to tutors from nearby colleges.Once students transition to Santa Monica High, they are taught how to deepen and apply these skills and support in their academics to help them fulfill their college goals. Specially trained tutors are hired and work in AVID classrooms 2-3 times a week, helping students learn how to tackle difficult academic challenges as well as persistence and tenacity. The district works to have a tutor to student ratio of 1:8 to maximize student support.

    To be considered for acceptance into the program students should have:

    • A minimum GPA of 2.0
    • Grade level performance on standardized state tests in reading, language, and mathematics.
    • Appropriate citizenship in all classes
    • Strong attendance
    • Personal challenges to attending college may such as being the first in family to attend college, financial hardship, underrepresented cultural/ethnic group, family or personal dilemmas, unusual circumstances, etc.
    • Personal interest in participating in the program as evidenced by completing all steps of the application process on time.

     

    The AVID team at JAMS includes Ms. Shannon Hale, Site Coordinator, Ms. Titia Murphy (8th Grade AVID Elective teacher) and Ms. Stefanie Schwartz (7th Grade AVID Elective Teacher) and Ms. Liz Cowgill (counselor). 

Congratulations to our AVID Seniors on Their College Acceptances!

Phone:

Email:

Degrees and Certifications:

Ms. Letitia Murphy, JAMS AVID Site Coordinator

Contact Ms. Murphy, lmurphy@smmusd.org, if you have questions about the AVID Program at JAMS.

Avid Info

  • Attention 6th Grade Parents: The recruitment for next year's AVID class is starting now. The AVID program is an academic elective for good, hard-working students who  want to develop into great students! The AVID class concentrates on organization, focused-note taking, reading and writing, college prep,  and small group tutorials by cross-age and college-age tutors. AVID is a two-year commitment at JAMS and the program continues at SAMO.

     

    Attention 7th Grade Parents: Would you like your student to join the AVID program for 8th grade? The recruitment for next year's AVID class is starting now. The AVID program is an academic elective for good, hard-working students who develop into great students! The AVID class concentrates on organization, focused-note taking, reading and writing, college prep,  and small group tutorials by cross-age and college-age tutors. The AVID program continues at SAMO.

AVID Links