Welcome To Mrs.Tolman's Class
www.TolmansClass.com
đź’« AVID Weekly Update
November has arrived, and our AVID students are showing what it means to stay focused, flexible, and full of Raider spirit! From wrapping up the six weeks to kicking off new goals, our campus is buzzing with energy, effort, and excellence.
Red Ribbon Week Recap
Last week, we wrapped up Red Ribbon Week, celebrating the importance of living drug-free and making positive choices. Students participated in themed days, reflections, and conversations about leading with integrity and mindfulness. Their creativity and enthusiasm made this week one to remember!
🏀 Basketball Season Begins!🏀
Coach Tolman officially kicked off the girls’ basketball season — and the energy is electric! These student-athletes are putting in the work both on the court and in the classroom, showing true dedication to teamwork, discipline, and Raider pride. Let’s cheer them on as they begin their season strong!
Fun Friday!
To celebrate all the hard work, we ended the week with a Fun Friday - a well-deserved moment for laughter, games, and connection. Sometimes a short break is just what we need to reset and refocus for what’s next!
College Readiness in Action
This week started strong with Speed Interviews for our seniors! They practiced professional introductions, communication skills, and confidence — all key parts of preparing for college, scholarships, and careers.
Our juniors are diving into SAT vocabulary, sharpening their test prep skills one word at a time. Meanwhile, our freshmen are learning about the importance of process and writing, understanding that growth happens step-by-step, draft-by-draft.
🥫 Trick or Treating for Cans: A Huge Success!
Our annual Trick or Treating for Cans was a massive success — students collected and donated an incredible 1,150 food items to help support local families! 🎉
This outpouring of generosity truly embodies the spirit of AVID and Interact: service, compassion, and community. Thank you to every student, staff member, and family who helped make this possible — you’ve shown that when Raiders give, they give BIG!
Gerardo Velazquez
Plans After High School:Texas A&M and Vet School
What are you proud of: Varsity Swim Team Co-Captain
Varsity Chorale Member
3 Year Theatre UIL OAP Actor
Colorguard Member and JV Member
Competed in UIL Calculator Application
Competed in UIL Science
Competed in UIL Spelling
Can Play the following: Clarinet, Trumpet, Flute, Baritone, and Saxophone
How is your Senior year going?Pretty well, a little stressful but it's whatever.
Who do you want to thank? My Parents, My Coach, My Directors, and My Pets
Cristian Vergara
Plans After High School: Attend college for my Electrical Engineer Degree
What are you proud of: 6'2 with a 6'7 wingspan Varsity Starter. Top 10% in my class. 15k trophies in clash royale. Graduating with Associates
How is your Senior year going? So far, it is going well although I have so much homework.
Who do you want to thank? I want to thank my Parents for all the sacrifices they have made in order for me to be able to attain this level of education and for always making sure that their is food on the table.
Marlen Mayorga
Plans After High School: Go to college and start working.
What are you proud of: I have never been one to give up so easily. Sure I complain about it and want to quit everything but I never really do. I can be really determined and passionate about anything and find a lot of beauty in imperfection, flawed, and the divine. I know my worth as a person and see it in so many people. Also, I personally may sometimes forget or not believe it but I am a really hard worker. I have worked hard to get my BLS license, PT certification, associate's degree, and keep good grades while balancing the stressors of life's messy hands. I wish for good for the people and I believe I am a good person. I may be a little mean sometimes but I do it as a joke or to show cruel people I do not allow others to hurt me. I hope others can learn they can defend themselves too. I've dedicated a large portion of my life to my education and I am proud of the things I've accomplished.
How is your Senior year going? I thought senior year would be much calmer. Before I started, I thought I'd only have to do FASFA, pick a college, write essays about graduating and stuff like that. I thought, there wouldn't be much work because of how little classes I have but I have been freaking out. There is still work to be done so I got back to work and won't stop the grind until I'm done. I've also been realizing a lot of stuff and have been sentimental. I've realized, I'm not as shy as I used to be, I have been facing a lot of my fears, I socialize more, and I've realized how cherished I am by the people around me. I finally figured out the way school goes each year and therefore it's gotten easier. I was a mess, my freshman year, but I'm proud of how far I've come and I hope my younger self is too. It does feel bittersweet being a senior and every person who's said anything about being a senior is right. I do look back and think time did fly by, I am still stressed about work, I did love living my high school experiences and though I do have some regrets, I couldn't be happier and wouldn't change a thing about how things went. So, so far my senior year is going fine.
Who do you want to thank? Firstly, I want to thank my mom and dad. My mom for staying by my side every moment of school, for being supportive of all my antics and successes, and for always believing in me. She took me out of dark times and rose as my number one role model. I couldn't have wished for a better supermom. I thank my dad for guiding my path to success, refusing to let me fall as he knew my potential more than I did. Next, I want to thank my sister, uncle Max, and my aunt Yadi. My sister had to give up a lot for me because my family couldn't afford a lot. She was always sad and knew too much at such a young age and because of that she protected me and allowed me to grow up better than she did. My uncle because he was the first to go to college in all of my family. He stood as a pillar showing me how possible everything is even though life fights. He stood strong on his beliefs and refused to let the world get him down. That is who I want to be. My aunt Yadi for being a second mother. I grew up with her and she saw me evolve as a person. Whenever my mom needed someone to help her, she was there as support for my entire family. Lastly, I want to thank myself because regardless of all the people I got help from, I did all of my accomplishments and I felt the pain of hard work like they did. Back in freshman year, I never expected I'd come so far but I refused to let myself get stuck. I would have never made it if I didn't encourage myself to keep going. I thank myself for not giving up and I thank my family who loves me. I do all my work for them and for me.
Mrs. Linda Tolman
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
đź“š Attendance Matters
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.