PAGE A14, KEIZERTIMES, APRIL 15, 2022
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AVID program seeks to close opportunity gaps
BY DAVID HOLCOMB
For the Keizertimes
If you keep up with things happening
in our local schools, you may have seen or
heard the word AVID and wondered what
it means. AVID stands for Advancement
Via Individual Determination. It is an elec-
tive class that is offered at all Salem-Keizer
middle and high schools, including both
Claggett Creek and Whiteaker Middle
Schools, and McNary High School.
In the AVID elective, students receive
the additional academic, social, and emo-
tional support that will help them suc-
ceed, not only in high school, but also
in their future college and career paths.
This support comes from both their
AVID elective teacher and classmates.
The AVID elective gives students a class
period built into their day to develop
skills such as note-taking, organization,
and collaboration. In addition, they
receive the time and support to complete
the steps necessary to be college ready,
such as college and scholarship applica-
tions. Students in the AVID elective also
participate in tutorials each week where
they get help in their academic classes.
So, what type of student is an AVID
student? Many students possess a
desire to go to college and the willing-
ness to work hard, but they may need
additional guidance and support to be
college-ready. AVID provides that sup-
port. Often AVID students will be the
first in their families to attend college
or are from groups who are traditionally
underrepresented in higher education.
McNary AVID students take rigorous
courses (such as Advanced Placement
or Dual Credit), explore college and career
options, and participate in school and com-
munity activities. To join AVID, students
must apply and participate in an interview.
AVID was first implemented at
McNary in 2008 with one AVID elec-
tive class. Since then we have grown to
10 elective classes with approximately
260 students. In addition to the elec-
tive classes, AVID classroom activi-
ties, teaching practices, and academic
behaviors are implemented school-
wide. AVID instructional strategies in
WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration,
Organization, and Reading) are used in
all classes to develop academic skills and
promote critical thinking. Each student
experiences the support, encourage-
ment, and accountability necessary to
pursue their dreams beyond high school.
AVID’s mission is “to close the oppor-
tunity gap by preparing all students for
college readiness and success in a global
society.” Similarly, McNary’s mission
states that we are “bold enough to be the
best at educating, nurturing, and inspir-
ing.” Whether a student is in the AVID
elective or not, the AVID framework of
instruction, systems, leadership, and cul-
ture provides all McNary students with
the skills and knowledge to be college
and career ready.
AVID is more than just a class on a
student’s schedule; AVID is a culture
and a family. At McNary High School, we
strive to support every student in their
academic and personal journey so that
they can reach their full potential.
AVID students in a study session at McNary High School
Photo courtesy DAVID HOLCOMB
Keizer man retires, turns 70 on same day
BY BEE FLINT
Of the Keizertimes
Local Keizer resident Steve Pfaff cel-
ebrated his retirement and 70th birth-
day on April 13. Pfaff has been working
at Willamette Lutheran Retirement
Community for more than 26 years as
their finance director and office manager.
“As a junior in high school, I think
they were trying to give me some direc-
tion,” Pfaff said. “They felt like I would
be administrative and I seemed to do
well with numbers. They put me in a
bookkeeping class and that was it. That’s
when I decided that that’s what I wanted
to do.”
Pfaff has been a very active member
in the community as well. He became
involved with the Keizer Chamber of
Commerce and joined the board of direc-
tors a few years later. He then became the
vice president, and finally president, of
the board of directors soon after.
Starting in 1993, Pfaff was the chair-
man for the Iris Festival Parade and con-
tinued doing that for 14 years.
Pfaff was inspired to volunteer by his
mom and from church. Growing up, his
mom would volunteer in the community
and visit nursing homes.
“That’s what you do, serve other peo-
ple and help out,” he said.
Pfaff plans to stay in Keizer and keep
himself occupied with things like gar-
dening, going on bike rides and playing
the piano.
“I’m looking forward to retiring,” he said.
“It’s gonna be a little hard though. I put my
notice in like five months ago and now I’m
starting to think, okay, I’m not gonna be
here anymore or what’s that going to be
like after being here for so long.”
Although unsure about what the future
brings, Pfaff feels better knowing that he
has a plan for his retirement and is proud
of the work he has put into his job.
Steve Pfaff
Photo by BEE FLINT of the Keizertimes