AVID Guest Speaker: Jessica Castillo (01/09)

Ms. Jessica Castillo has served the needs of students for the past four years as a Special Education classroom teacher at Alhambra High School. She is recognized for her outstanding work as a teacher by her students, and as a leader by her fellow colleagues. She now serves as Chairwoman of the Special Education Department.

Ms. Castillo is a graduate of the prestigious Scripps College in Claremont, California. Her undergraduate studies focused on psychology and Latin American history. She received her master’s degree in Education with an Education Specialist Teaching Credential from Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California. During her lecture she talked to her students about her experiences as a college student, and encouraged students to apply to the prestigious Claremont Colleges.

Ms. Castillo's story and personal experiences as shared in her lecture to AVID students on January 09, 2009, focused on her experience in the public education system as a young adolescent, her college career, and now her success as an educator.

AVID Guest Speaker: Al Padilla, 12.12.2008

The AVID Guest Speaker Series began Friday, December 12, 2008 with guest speaker, Mr. Al Padilla. The title of his presentation, "The Making of Champion," featured his recipe and recommendations for having a successful career.

Coach Al Padilla has enjoyed success during his 43 years as a teacher and football coach. He has spent a successful career teaching at Roosevelt and Garfield High School, and then finally, at East Los Angeles College (ELAC). Coach Padilla started his tenure at ELAC in 1970 until his retirement in 1995. He has coached football legends, such as Mike Garrett (Heisman Trophe winner) and Lynn Cain. He has enjoyed a successful career.

Our next AVID Guest Speaker will be Jessica Castillo scheduled on January 09, 2009.

AVID Shakey's Night, 12.02.2008

To help fundraise for field trips and AVID materials, and have an opportunity to share a meal with AVID students and parents, the AVID program at Alhambra High School hosted an AVID Shakey's Night.

(LEFT: Pictured are AVID teachers and AVID supporters, Ms. Dottie Burkhart, Ms. Melissa Fu, Ms. Jessica Castillo, Ms. Katie Burkhart, Ms. Jocelyn Castro, Mr. Jose Sanchez, and Ms. Kristin Keenan).

The AVID program at Alhambra High School had over 100 students and parents show-up for the AVID Shakey's Night. In fact, pictured to the right, is Mr. Sanchez with senior AVID students, Elvy Gonzalez and Robert Dozmati, as they enjoy a pizza and discuss college applications.

The AVID Shakey's Night provides more than opportunity to fundraise, but also an opportunity to socialize outside the classroom. Many of the parents who participated in the Shakey's Night had an opportunity to talk to their respective AVID teacher, and share a meal as well. This has been a valuable time for teachers, parents, and students.

(LEFT: AVID sophomore students, Nikko Boyd and Thalia Franco enjoy a pizza at Shakey's after discussing their future college plans with AVID teacher Mr. Sanchez).

College Door Decorating Contest, 11.27.2008

As part of College Week hosted by the AVID program and Executive at Alhambra High School, AVID Club judged the College Door Decorating Contest. The AVID Club officers were amazed at the number of participating classes, and the creative decorated doors.

1st place for the College Door Decorating Contest went to Mr. Villagomez' 3rd period AVID class. The theme of his college door was "The A-Maze-Ing Journey to College." His door included an actual maze, with obstacles and tasks to be completed throughout the journey. And, the end of the maze led to the "most happiest place on Earth: Occidental College." The judges gave Mr. Villagomez' College Door the "Most Artistically Detailed" award.

The College Door Decorating Contest 2nd Place winner was Ms. Parker's 3rd period Art class. The theme of Ms. Parker's College Door was "Break on Though to College." The door, pictured to the right, features a student "breaking through" a brick wall to achieve his college dreams. The judges crowned Ms. Parker's College Door with the "Most Creative Theme" award.

Without a doubt the winner of the "Most Musical" College Door Decorating Contest award, Ms. Gee-Ryan's 3rd period English class not only had information on how to get into college, but had a class accompanying song. The judges were extremely impressed by the musical component of the college door decorating contest.

AVID Night at the Game, 10.17.2008

All the AVID classes at Alhambra High School participated in a night out by supporting the AHS football team on Friday, October 17 during the football game against the Schurr Spartans.

(LEFT: AVID STUDENTS and teachers show school spirit and flash cards that read "Go Moors, " and "AVID.")

AVID Students congregated and filled an entire section of Moor Field at Friday's game against Schurr. Many students, including teachers painted their faces in blue and gold colors to support the Alhambra football team.

(RIGHT: AVID students, Stephanie Giang & Robert Dozmati show their school spirit by cheering for the Moors.)

As part of the AVID program's goal for the year, AVID teachers are encouraging activities that bring AVID students together, and promote college awareness. "AVID Night at the Game" is just one of many activities planned by the AVID teaching team at AHS.

(LEFT: AVID Teachers, Ms. Burkhart [9th grade AVID] and Mr. Sanchez [12th grade AVID] show their school spirit in their AVID attire and school color facepaint.)