Southwood Wins National Recognition
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 5:29PM
Editor

The usual studious and quiet atmosphere of Southwood Middle School’s library erupted into cheers Wednesday afternoon as students and faculty learned the school has been named a national AVID Demonstration School.

Southwood is one of only two schools in South Carolina and only 118 nationwide to earn this prestigious honor. AVID, which stands for “Advancement Via Individual Determination,” is an in-school academic support program that focuses students toward the goal of college eligibility and success.

“I knew Southwood would be named a national demonstration school, because the students and faculty here always accomplish what they set out to do,” said District Five Superintendent Betty Bagley.

Southwood began its program in 2006 with a sixth grade AVID class, said Assistant Principal Kathy Dobbins. The school now offers two classes in grades six through eight. The AVID certification and validation process began last spring, according Walter Mayfield, assistant principal at Southwood.

The decision was announced Wednesday afternoon by Julie Elliott, Director of AVID National Demonstration Schools; Ann Hart, AVID Eastern Division Director; and Bob Saunders, AVID Director of Program and Events.

The report summarizing the committee findings states, “Southwood Middle School is clearly focused on student success and academic excellence. The shared belief in the power of high expectations, support, and diverse teaching strategies has produced a school with steadily improving academic outcomes.”

“The warm, welcoming and nurturing environment exemplifies the best of an AVID schoolwide college-going atmosphere where all students are challenged and valued. The staff, core AVID team, the AVID teachers and administrators are to be commended for building a program that is at the heart of Southwood’s transformation.”

AVID programs are in place at ten schools in District 5: T.L. Hanna and Westside high schools, Lakeside, McCants and Southwood middle schools, Varennes, Homeland Park, New Prospect and Whitehall elementary schools, and Nevitt Forest Community School of Innovation. For more information on AVID, please visit  www.Avidonline.org

Article originally appeared on The Anderson Observer (http://andersonobserver.squarespace.com/).
See website for complete article licensing information.