Mrs. Tolman's AVID Newsletter
www.TolmansClass.com
Happy Thanksgiving from The Tolmans
I am wishing you and your family a relaxing week to reset. There are so many beautiful things in this life to be grateful for, simply take a moment to stand and observe in the stillness.
AVID Student Highlights
As the first semester comes to a close, we will highlight students each week to share the amazing steps they are taking. Due to the break, we will be highlighting 6 students this week and 3 moving forward.
**Students are being selected at random by a number generator**
AVID Student Highlight
Carlix-2nd
In AVID, I often assign presentations to help students become comfortable with standing in front of the class. Throughout this semester, I have seen Carlix, who is incredibly shy, find her voice as she presents. It's in these moments that, as teachers, we find our greatest joy.
Cynthia-2nd
Cynthia is not only in AVID, but she is also one of my Interact members. She is such a hardworking and kind student. I have seen this kindness extended not only to her classmates but to the community when we are out volunteering.
Erick-1st
Erick is one of the most animated people I have ever met. I love that he is in our first-period class because he brings in a level of liveliness that the class needs early in the morning. I appreciate that his contributions are always thought out and well articulated.
Maricela-7th
Maricela is an exceptional student. She is hardworking and produces excellent work. Her work ethic and dedication is something rarely seen in students her age.
Aime-8th
From the start of the school year, Aime has shown her ability to not only take on academic challenges, but also standout in her extra curricular endeavors. She is motivated and driven which is reflected in the results of her work.
Gerardo "JJ"-8th
I appreciate JJ's insightful responses and perspectives he provides to the class readings, but I appreciate his willingness to read aloud (a rarity among high school students) even more. His commitment to succeed extends beyond the class and into the football field, achieving a balance that most young adults find challenging.
University Turkeys
Students who were done with their assignments had the option to work on university-themed turkeys.
I love capturing moments like this because studies have shown that coloring is a mindfulness practice that can help reduce anxiety and stress.
B.A.D Volunteering
Our monthly volunteering with the Brownsville Animal Defense always leaves students wanting to take a puppy or two home.
SPI Half-Marathon
It was cold, but these students were out cheering on the community as they ran 13.1 miles at the SPI Half Marathon.
Tutorial Schedule
Yoga with Mrs. Tolman
I am a 200 Hour Certified Yoga instructor and offer yoga three times a week to students. Classes are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 7:30-8:15. I invite students to bring a mat and water bottle and join in on this great workout!
Dress Code!
Please help us by ensuring that your student is following the BISD Dress Code Guidelines. More information on the guidelines can be found here https://www.bisd.us/students-and-parents/dress-code-for-secondary-school-students .
See Something Say Something!
Our students safety is our priority, if you or they need to report a crime you may do so at this number. You may also use the following link to file a report. https://www.p3campus.com/campus/index.htm
Home Access Center
If you have not done so yet, you can complete the Home Access Center forms. The use of this platform will help you monitor your student's progress.
Spanish: https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1646835777/bisdus/us1vta6iewxzujamr1ta/HACSpanRev2.pdf
Mrs. Linda Tolman
My name is Mrs. Tolman and I am the 9th Grade AVID teacher. I come from a family of educators who firmly believed that an education never ends.
During the summer of 2021, I was certified as a Yoga Instructor with Breathe for Change. A program that is designed to create Social Emotional Learning Facilitators and teaches how to guide trauma informed yoga. We have successfully been able to bring yoga into our campus and currently offer five yoga classes before and after school. It has been amazing to see the practice come to fruition on our campus. During the 2021-2022 school year I served as a Teach Plus intern, where I had the opportunity to co-author a request for Texas Policy Change.
I have completed my Masters of Science Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, along with the Integrated Leadership Principal Preparation Program.
During the summer of 2021, I was certified as a Yoga Instructor with Breathe for Change. A program that is designed to create Social Emotional Learning Facilitators and teaches how to guide trauma informed yoga. We have successfully been able to bring yoga into our campus and currently offer five yoga classes before and after school. It has been amazing to see the practice come to fruition on our campus. During the 2021-2022 school year I served as a Teach Plus intern, where I had the opportunity to co-author a request for Texas Policy Change.
I have completed my Masters of Science Education in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment, along with the Integrated Leadership Principal Preparation Program.
I am currently pursuing my Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.
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
Twitter: @tolmansclass
Overcoming Trauma
Over the course of the 2021-2022 school year, I worked with several educators across the state on the tools that educators and students need to overcome the trauma that is currently occurring within our classrooms. Attached is the publication.