Welcome To Mrs.Tolman's Class

Hello Raider Family,
We’re off to a strong start this school year, and the energy on campus is inspiring! From spirited pep rally preparations to meaningful classroom activities, our students are showing up with enthusiasm and Raider pride. This week’s newsletter highlights some of the incredible ways our students are growing—whether it’s learning the power of effective note-taking, building connections during Fun Fridays, or cheering on our athletes under the stadium lights. Together, we are creating a culture of learning, leadership, and community.

Our ninth graders kicked off the year by diving into the art of effective notetaking! From organizing main ideas to practicing Cornell notes, students are exploring strategies that will support them not only in AVID but across all of their classes. They’re learning that strong notes aren’t just about writing information down—they’re about creating a powerful study tool they can return to, review, and use to deepen their understanding.

This foundation is especially important as students begin preparing for Tutorial Request Forms (TRFs), which guide them through asking higher-level questions and engaging in collaborative problem-solving during tutorials. By mastering note-taking now, our freshmen are setting themselves up for success in TRFs and building habits that will carry them through high school, college, and beyond.

Our Raiders are finding new ways to connect beyond the classroom through Fun Fridays! This past week, students put away their phones, gathered around tables, and enjoyed classic card games and other activities. The laughter, friendly competition, and simple joy of spending time together reminded us all how refreshing it can be to disconnect from screens and reconnect with one another. Fun Fridays are quickly becoming a favorite tradition—building friendships, teamwork, and Raider pride in the best way possible.

It’s progress report time! These reports are an excellent way to gauge where students are academically and what adjustments need to be made before the end of the grading period. Families, take a moment to review grades with your student, celebrate what’s going well, and set small, actionable goals for the next three weeks. Progress reports aren’t the finish line—they’re the roadmap to success.

Last week’s game was an extra special win as we celebrated Parents Night under the lights! Our athletes wouldn’t be where they are today without the encouragement, sacrifices, and love of their families. We are so thankful for everyone who pitched in to make this evening memorable—from staff and volunteers to our incredible parents. Let’s continue to come together to cheer on the Raiders and show the true meaning of school pride. Go Raiders!

A huge thank you goes out to our amazing Student Council for bringing Raider spirit to life with their creative posters and decorations! Their hard work can be seen all over campus, reminding us to stay united, positive, and proud to be Raiders. From promoting our pep rally to boosting school spirit, StuCo continues to make a lasting impact on our culture and campus community. Keep up the great work—you’re making a difference!

At Rivera, we believe every single day makes a difference. When students are in school, they’re not only learning in the classroom but also strengthening relationships and staying connected to the Raider community. Missing just a day means missing important lessons, discussions, and experiences that can’t always be repeated. Let’s commit to showing up every day and making the most of the opportunities ahead—because being present is the first step toward success.

This year, Texas schools—including Rivera ECHS—are under the new phone bill ban, which prohibits cell phone use during the school day. While the adjustment can be challenging, we deeply appreciate the support from our families as we work together to create a learning environment with fewer distractions and more focus. It’s one more way we’re setting our Raiders up for academic success.

As we move deeper into the semester, let’s keep celebrating the small victories—whether it’s mastering a new note-taking skill, collaborating on SAT prep, or simply taking a mindful moment to reset. Every step forward matters.

Thank you, families, for being the foundation of our students’ success. Together, we’re not just building scholars—we’re building leaders, dreamers, and future world-changers.

With Raider Pride,
Mrs. Linda Tolman
AVID Teacher

Hello, my name is Mrs. Tolman, and I am proud to serve as the 9th, 11th and 12th Grade AVID teacher here at Rivera Early College High School.

I am honored to be recognized as a TIA Exemplary Teacher and currently serve as an SLO Lead Teacher on our campus. I also have the privilege of sponsoring Student Council, Interact, and the Class of 2027, where I work closely with students to build leadership, service, and school pride.

This year, I am especially excited to join the athletic family as an assistant coach for Girls’ Basketball and Girls’ Track, continuing to cheer on and support our Raiders both in and out of the classroom.

Academically, I have earned a Master of Science in Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, along with completing the University of Arlington Principal Preparation Program. I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction, focusing my research on educator wellness and sustainable teaching practices.

At the heart of it all, my passion is helping students grow as learners, leaders, and well-rounded individuals—ready to take on their futures with confidence and resilience.

Email: lmteran@bisd.us
Website: www.TolmansClass.com
Location: Rivera Early College High School, Ruben M Torres Boulevard, Brownsville, TX, USA
Phone: (956) 831-8700
IG: @officialtolmansclass