Academics

AVID

Bussey Middle School AVID has been recognized as a highly certified campus by Garland ISD for the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 school years.

AVID - What is AVID?

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is an in-school academic support program designed to help students meet the requirements of four-year colleges and universities. Students enroll in an AVID elective class where they are taught the skills needed to be successful in their academic courses from the time of placement and well on into college. More specifically, students are taught study skills, note taking, time management, writing, and research skills. Students also take field trips to local college campuses, cultural events, and community activities. Many times, students are visited by guest speakers who provide valuable information about their own experiences and career options. AVID, which is implemented school-wide, targets students in the middle by placing academically average students with high academic potential into more rigorous advanced classes. It is a program that focuses on:

  • A rigorous curriculum
  • Writing improvement
  • Inquiry methods
  • Reading improvement
  • Collaboration
  • Voluntary involvement
  • Students with a desire to improve academically
  • Building confidence, creativity, and academic skills
  • College preparation
8th Grade AVID students stand for a picture together after AVID graduation.

Community service

Recently, Bussey AVID students went door to door letting the neighborhood know about Meet the Teacher night. They delivered candy and flyers, advising neighbors that parking could be an issue the evening of the event.

High School AVID students return to assist with after school intervention

Bussey AVID Binders

Bussey Middle School is an AVID wide campus that supports academic readiness through preparation and organization. Maintaining a systematic organizational tool such as a binder our students are ready for success.

Cross-collaboration with Bussey AVID

A Bussey AVID student and Theatre student work on a backdrop for the upcoming AVID Certification Program.

Each spring, Bussey AVID students partner with Bussey Owlet Theatre students to create AVID's end of year certification program and Theatre's spring childrens show. Theatre students guide AVID students in building set pieces and costumes that AVID use in their certification program, while AVID students help Theatre create all marketing posters and advertising for the upcoming children's show. It's true collaboration at its finest! 

Bussey AVID Coordinator Ms. Lisa Johnson takes a photo with a pair of AVID graduates. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AVID Coordinator: Lisa Johnson 

AVID/AVID Excel teachers: Ana Mewa, Kenneth Vahrenkamp, Dr. Kristal Vallie

2018 - 2019 AVID teacher of the year: Mrs. Ana Mewa!

Academic Pentathlon 

7th and 8th grade Bussey students are able to participate in academic competitions in Math, Science, History, Literature, and in Super Quiz. Students who are interested in joining the Academic Pentathlon team are encouraged to see our school librarian, Deborah Garza, for details. 

Sponsors: Crystal Carter, Brooke Bodziony

Career & Technical Education (CTE)

For information about CTE opportunities, visit the district CTE page.

CTE nondiscrimination

All career and technical education (CTE) opportunities will be offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

Online resources

Skyward Key

Skyward is our student information system.  Use Skyward Family Access to find student grades, attendance and more.

 

Dimension U logo

DimensionU consists of four engaging and interactive multiplayer video games that focus on core skills in math and literacy. Each game is designed with unique features that bring out distinct academic and strategic skills in students.

Khan academy logo

Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom.

Naviance logo

Our middle and high school students collaborate with parents, teachers and school counselors to create a personalized college & career plan with Naviance.

2022-2023 Course Guides

Please visit the Course Guides page on the district website for current versions of the high school and middle school course guides.