Aguirre Junior High has earned the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program’s highest level of certification as the campus was named a National Demonstration School.

The hard work and efforts of teachers, students and administrators has helped Aguirre become one of six schools in the Houston area and 44 in Texas to be designated as the top 200 programs nationwide. In 2017, Aguirre was honored as an AVID Schoolwide Site of Distinction.

AVID is a program designed to enhance college and career readiness skills among students through pre-advanced placement programs, enrichment opportunities, individual support and tutorials.

“The AVID schoolwide system and has been very influential in providing reinforcement and instructional guidance to ensure our students have a solid foundation,” Aguirre Principal Eric Lathan said. “Our young scholars have grown academically as well as emotionally through the efforts of our staff and the opportunities provided through this program.”

 Aguirre teachers and staff have participated in rigorous training in AVID instructional strategies that emphasize higher-level thinking skills among the students.

 “Our motto is: “Never leave a Bulldog behind.” This is a guiding principle that many of our students boldly declare,” Lathan said. “As part of AVID, our students are an active part of the instructional practices at Aguirre as they share their thoughts with us about what helps them learn. From that open line of communication, it helps us to develop methods to better support their learning.”

As a National Demonstration School, Aguirre will host professional learning opportunities and campus tours for schools across the state and nationwide that are involved in the AVID program.

 “It is exciting to see how the AVID program at Aguirre Junior High has become a model for other districts to follow,” said Greg Ollis, Channelview ISD superintendent. “It’s the reflection of teachers, students and parents all working together together to create a culture of success.”