Cortez History
The Official Website of Mr. Cortez
Vista Heights Middle School
What is AVID?
AVID isn't just a program to me. Over the two years I've been here, my classmates and teachers are more like family to me. They understand my goals and are there with me through the hard times. Today I know who I am and, thanks to AVID, the type of person I'm going to become.
Crystal Solano, AVID Class President, 2011
AVID is a fourth- through twelfth-grade system to prepare students in the academic middle for four-year college eligibility. It has a proven track record in bringing out the best in students, and in closing the achievement gap. AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.
If you're are currently a 6th or 7th grader, and you feel like you are an average or above-average student, please come see Mr. Cortez (Room C-1) or Mrs. Saldana (Room C-2) to talk about AVID. I have seen the AVID program help hundreds of students at Vista Heights, and my AVID students (in History class) regularly score at the very top percentile out of all students in the city of Moreno Valley.
The AVID Student
AVID targets students in the academic middle - B, C, and even certain D students - who have the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard. These are students who are capable of completing rigorous curriculum but are falling short of their potential. Typically, they will be the first in their families to attend college, and many are from low-income or minority families. AVID pulls these students out of their unchallenging courses and puts them on the college track: acceleration instead of remediation.
AVID Visits UC Riverside
Recently, AVID students visited UC Riverside. They had the opportunity to visit with members of the Track and Field team, basketball team, and tour the campus. I think the kids enjoyed eating the food court the best!
No Doubt, the Worst Rap Ever! (but with a good message)
This chump's rap songs are no doubt the worst raps I have ever heard. However, the message is a great, AVID message. Perhaps sometime soon, Mr. Cortez will perform his own AVID raps, and trust me, they will be much better than this one.
