September 22, 2014 – Michelle Ondas
Gavit High School has set an all school record in Advance Placement. In the 2012-13 school year, Gavit had 26 qualifying scores. This past school year 2013-14, Gavit increased the number of students in the program by 50% and increased the number of qualifying scores 150% by having 65 qualifying scores. “I am honored and excited to be a part of this record breaking time for Gavit” stated , Michelle Ondas, Principal.
Gavit High school offers AP curriculum to students who choose to be challenged beyond the standard class curriculum. AP is a program governed by College Board and offers courses that are rigorous, expand a student’s higher level thinking skills, help develop critical thinking, and offer the opportunity to earn college credit while a student is still in high school. Gavit entered into a partnership with NMSI (National Math and Science Initiative) and one of their initiatives APTIP ( Advance Placement Training and Incentive Program). The program works on expanding the number of students enrolled and achieving qualifying scores on AP Math, Science, and English exams, especially among poor and minority students. The program coordinates the planning, implementation, management, and funding of the program, which includes content focused teacher training and support, vertical teams, broadened enrollments, additional time on task for students, tutorials, financial awards based on academic results, cultivation of teacher leaders and mentors, and measurement of and accountability for results. “Kathy and Jeff Hayden were the captains behind the ship that helped us achieve the success. Without their constant commitment to the students and staff, we would not have seen the gains like we did” responded, Michelle Ondas, Principal of Gavit.
The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on the number of year-long courses and exams or their equivalent semester-long courses and exams.
Ten students from Gavit High School have been named Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations.
One student, Kaven Kolb, qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by receiving grades of 3 or higher on eight AP Examinations with an average exam grade of 3.8.
Three students, Dan Hewlett, Forsythia Pezel, and Zachary Schreiber, qualified for the AP Scholar with Honors by receiving grades of 3.25 on at least 4 exams.
Six students, Luz Aguilar, Kaela Cousins, Tiara Lockwood, Krystina Patricio, and David Stevenson, qualified for the AP Scholar Award by receiving grades of 3 or higher on three or more AP Examinations.
Our ship has landed on new territory and is excited about the idea of AP expansion.