Poinsettia Elementary Students Speak at National AVID Conference

Two Poinsettia Elementary School students were invited to be panel members at the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) National Conference in San Diego. Based on essays they had written, Principal Marjorie Giordani selected Nate and Kruna to represent CUSD and Poinsettia. They practiced their presentations, but had no idea that they would be speaking before an audience of 1,800 people.

Poinsettia and Aviara are the two Carlsbad Elementary Schools with AVID programs. Students are learning organizational skills, note taking, questioning, and time management in Mrs. Dinsmore and Mrs. Devich’s 5th grade classes so they can learn the skills they need to be successful in college. Each 5th grade student researched a college or university to present a report to the class. Kruna would like to attend MIT or UCSD, while Nate is interested in attending Yale.

“Nate isn’t afraid of public speaking anymore,” said principal Giordani. “Kruna said she was super nervous, but when she got on the stage she felt confident and sure of herself. They were surprised that AVID impacted so many people across the country. Nate wore his Scout uniform and many people approached him and Kruna after the presentation to compliment them on their presence and their presentation.”