Freshman Choices

Freshman Choices for Success
Among the many options for students at Ferndale High School are those designed specifically to support academic success for freshmen. See the choices listed below for specific information.

AVID
Description
AVID is designed to increase school-wide learning and performance. The mission of AVID is to ensure that all students, especially the least served students in the middle, complete a college-preparatory path.

AVID students are willing to enroll in a rigorous college prep sequence of courses leading to Advanced Placement. Upon graduation, students are eligible to attend four year or two year post-high school institutions. Students enter into and remain in the AVID class based on completion of coursework. Students and parents sign a contract that commits them to success.

Criteria For Application

Individual determination to be successful in high school and college
First-generation college and/or free & reduced lunch
Placement in Freshman English or Freshman Honors English recommended
Placement in Integrated Math (or higher) recommended
Counselor recommendation
Parental approval
Completed application
Click here for a copy of the FHS AVID brochure.

Contact Information
Diane Laundry, Site Coordinator 383-9240
dlaundry@mail.fsd.k12.wa.us

Education Community
Description
The Education Community (EC) program offers personalized, college preparatory courses targeted for American Indian, first-generation college, low income, and other minority students. The learning goals of EC includes intensive work in reading, writing and problem solving; WASL and college access preparation; and achievement of college competency by junior year in at least two academic areas.

Once EC students have reached college proficiency, they are encouraged to enroll in courses that generate college credit. The EC program offers students curricula that are multi-cultural, project-based, and community focused. Tutoring and mentoring opportunities are available for EC students as they engage in special projects, prepare for the WASL standards, and undertake increasingly challenging coursework. Students also participate in a cohort to support their success.

Interested students are encouraged to apply for the EC program as early as 8th grade. Middle school students who have participated in pre-EC courses or specific tutoring programs are especially encouraged to apply to the EC program at Ferndale High School.

Criteria For Application

First-generation college and/or free & reduced lunch
Placement in Freshman English or Freshman Honors English recommended
Placement in Integrated Math (or higher) recommended
Counselor recommendation
Parental approval
Completed application

Contact Information
Diane Laundry, Site Coordinator 383-9358
dlaundry@mail.fsd.k12.wa.us
Rudy Vendiola, Title VII 383-9540
rvendiola@ferndale.wednet.edu

Transitions
Description
Transitions is designed to assist freshmen with the following goals:

Familiarization with FHS, including: Rules, expectations, programs, opportunities, course offerings.
Interpersonal skill development including: goal setting, time-management, communication, learning styles, and test taking.
Introduction to career and educational development activities, including awareness of interests, career identification, and development of a Personal Education Plan for high school course of study in addition to development of job acquisition skills and knowledge.
Application of these skills to content area classroom.
Classroom guided study time to support academic success in all classes.
Assist in communication between the school and the home.
Placement
All freshmen are placed in a one-year Transitions course.

Contact Information