Crockett Elementary welcomed district leaders and community partners this week for its AVID Showcase, an event highlighting the campus’s growing focus on college and career readiness, student leadership, and academic ownership. The showcase demonstrated how AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination, has become a defining part of the Crockett experience from kindergarten through fifth grade, aligning with campus goals and shaping daily instruction.

Principal Tailis Oniwon, now in her fourth year leading AVID implementation at Crockett, shared how much the program has evolved. She noted that the campus has seen significant growth in student awareness of future opportunities and a stronger understanding of multiple pathways for success. She emphasized that campus goals are rooted in data and that when the staff identifies a need, they use AVID practices to guide solutions. She also shared the campus’s strong commitment to ensuring students can read and write at high levels.

A highlight of the showcase was the introduction of this year’s AVID Student Ambassadors. One student is selected from each third through fifth-grade class, and students are nominated by their teachers for leadership, communication, and responsibility. Ambassadors participate in leadership meetings and training with Principal Oniwon and Assistant Principal Jaylene Lemus. They also work with visiting groups who teach skills such as hosting campus tours and serving as positive representatives of the school.

Several ambassadors shared their experiences during the event. Fifth-grader Esteban Guajardo, in his third year as an ambassador, said he enjoys being a leader and that it feels cool to be a role model. Fourth-grader Ryli Starr, who is serving her second year, said she appreciates meeting new people and feels proud that others look up to her and can see what students at Crockett can accomplish. Third-grader Brody Hopkins said his favorite part of being an ambassador is the fun activities that follow the big tours. Third-grader Brinley Ralls said she loves meeting new people, communicating with others, and experiencing how enjoyable the role can be.

Ambassadors have been part of Crockett’s AVID structure for four years and represent the school’s focus on empowering student agency and leadership.

This year, the campus is focusing on helping students take ownership of their learning by setting personal and academic SMART goals, participating in goal conferencing, and reflecting on their progress. Students monitor their grades in TEAMS, track trends in Notability, and work to improve their writing, communication, collaboration, organization, and reading through daily WICOR strategies.

Next year, Crockett will build on this foundation with a campus goal centered on strengthening scholarly writing and communication across all content areas.

Principal Oniwon closed the showcase by reminding guests that AVID at Crockett is more than a program. It represents a campus-wide culture and a collective commitment to growing learners and leaders who are prepared for the future.