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How Northlake became RISD’s only all-AVID elementary school

Northlake Elementary sits in the center of Lake Highlands, with burgeoning elementary schools and exploding home values. Yet parents and staff have grappled with ways to attract nearby homeowners, instead of requesting transfers or opting for private schools.

Richardson ISD discussed making Northlake a magnet, but administrators, teachers and parents there have implemented a creative new option. Over the summer, Northlake became RISD’s first and only all-AVID elementary school.

AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Determination, originally came to RISD’s upper grades in 2003. It was designed to encourage bright students — whose parents did not attend college — to enroll in challenging Advanced Placement courses they might have believed they couldn’t handle. The program supports students with a system of techniques, including organizational skills, note-taking methods and study skills.

“The K-6 model at AVID is fairly new,” explains RISD AVID director Joan Swim. “In secondary schools, AVID is a pullout elective. In elementary schools, it’s threaded and embedded throughout the curriculum, so every student is touched by its instructional strategies.”

Of Northlake’s 600 students, 83 percent are economically disadvantaged and 70 percent are considered at risk of dropping out. Almost 45 percent have limited proficiency in English.

Meet the League of Women Voters award recipients

The League of Women Voters recognized two Lake Highlands neighbors at its annual awards luncheon for their equal rights work. Lake Highlands resident Will Toler received the 2019 Champion Volunteer Award for his pro bono work helping underserved communities with their property taxes. “There have been people in here who have been champions of their community longer than I’ve been alive, and I’m proud to share a stage and a room with all of you,” Toler said.

Lake Highlands resident Susybelle Gosslee received the Susan B. Anthony Award for her efforts to help young girls who experienced abuse and abandonment. In 1985, Gosslee founded Our Friends Place, which provides a foster group home for girls 10-17. Since then, the organization has developed two transitional living centers and the SOAR to Success program, which teaches young women skills to prevent homelessness.

Councilman Adam McGough to run for re-election

Dallas City Councilman Adam McGough recently announced he’ll run for re-election in May. The revelation followed months of speculation he might run instead for mayor. “I feel most effective, most connected, most full when I’m working in small groups doing big things,” said McGough, explaining his decision to run again for City Council.

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About The Cover

The Audelia Branch Library opened in 1971, and the murals were commissioned when the library was renovated in 2004. (Photography by Danny Fulgencio).