2024: De Soto High School Awarded $10,000 Community Giving Circle Grant!

We are ecstatic to announce that De Soto High School's AVID Program has been selected as the recipient of the esteemed 2024 $10,000 USD 232 Education Foundation Community Giving Circle Grant! Congratulations to the remarkable AVID team at DHS, including teachers Abby Adams, Ryan Robie, and Susan Smith, whose unwavering commitment to educational excellence has propelled them to this well-deserved achievement. This grant will have a profound impact on the lives of countless DHS students, empowering them to realize their maximum potential.

At De Soto High School, the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) program stands as a beacon of hope, dedicated to bridging the opportunity divide by equipping students with the skills necessary for success in college and beyond, within today's interconnected global landscape.

Reflecting on the impact of AVID, DHS senior, Alysa Sisavath remarked,

"AVID has been instrumental in guiding me towards my future aspirations, ensuring I am as prepared for college as possible. It encouraged me to pursue scholarships and college applications, steering me towards decisions I may not have otherwise considered."

Central to the AVID curriculum is the emphasis on Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR), cultivating essential skills vital for academic and professional advancement. Additionally, AVID provides invaluable exposure to the postsecondary environment through immersive college visit days. Leveraging the grant, the AVID team aspires to enhance their students' educational journey by creating an optimal professional learning environment within the AVID classroom.

The funding will facilitate student participation on college visit days and enable the establishment of a collaborative space conducive to learning. This multi-functional area will serve as a platform for hosting professional speakers, conducting interviews, and fostering collaborative activities, mirroring the dynamic study environments prevalent on college campuses. With adaptable seating arrangements fostering collaborative learning, this space will seamlessly accommodate both virtual and in-person engagements.

Furthermore, AVID students are eager to collaborate with the DHS Pre-Vocational Interactions class to oversee the scheduling, maintenance, and arrangement of the space, instilling a sense of ownership and community engagement among peers.

The USD 232 Education Foundation extends our immense gratitude to all Community Giving Circle Members who contributed to this year's event. Your support is instrumental in driving positive change within our community, reaffirming our commitment to enhancing educational excellence in USD 232.