Supporters of the PALs Program

It would be a shame to see this amazing program disappear. Being able to participate in a multi-age program has so many positve benefits.

As a music educator, I'm used to fighting for the very existence of some of the most valuable programs. As an alumna 1996 - 2001, I have personal and professional evidence that this program works. The PALS multiage program provides mentorship for young students, opportunities for teaching peers from a young age, and a sense of belonging that later years of schooling don't provide. Research has proven a sense of belonging and student-centered learning to be crucial for student success. The greatest gift of the PALS program, for me, was how they allowed my natural creativity to blossom with a project based, rather than test based, curriculum. That creativity landed me a top management position right out of college, and it continues to enrich all areas of my life. PALS gave me a love of learning, and that love of learning got me through school. My transition to traditional schooling (at Savanna Oaks and Verona Area High School) was smooth, but up through college, I missed having the opportunity to display my learning in creative ways, and I struggled to feel a sense of belonging in increasingly disjointed settings. I am certain that there are improvements that could be made to the PALs program, especially now that the population served is more racially and ethnically diverse. But getting rid of the program makes little sense from an educational standpoint. The PALS program is a research based program crafted by veteran teachers that has been successfully run for over 20 years, and those same veteran teachers have stayed with the program and continued to improve it up to this year. Getting rid of the PALS program just because those teachers are retiring is an affront to their years of work and an incredible loss to the families that the school district is supposed to serve.

I am an alumni of this program and I found it to be very helpful to my development at such a young age. I would be very disappointed in the school if this program ceased to exist. Future students should be able to experience the developmental benefits that I once did.

Gwen (Current 76'er student)

I attended PALs with Kirke Elsass and I couldn't agree more with his perspective on the program and how effective and functional it is. I do not have children now, but if/when I do I will unquestionably attempt to provide them with a similar experience, because it works extremely well. The students also develop far more skills for having meaningful, functional and cooperative relationships with their peers that permeate thoroughly throughout the rest of their lives. It is a program WELL worth keeping around and benefits children immensely in ways that traditional teaching methods and formats never could. I personally believe the country would be a better place if a program like this were in every public school.

The learning opportunities and leadership skills acquired through this program by my two nieces have been significant. Future students would clearly benefit from a similar experience.

Great program for my kids.

Both of our daughters (Claire and Julia) went through the PALs program. We found it invaluable as it allowed them to experience a multi-age class where they could learn at their level. Both daughters learned at different rates, yet both flourished in the program.

I am saddened and puzzled to learn that the administration wants to end offering the PALS program. In my experience, it has provided a stellar curriculum and staff. I think my son's participation in PALS greatly nurtured the active learner, critical thinker and civic minded person that he is today. Education is about so much more than memorization and being a good test taker. It should also be about understanding and engaging with the world. Another aspect of PALS which I think is crucial for the world we live in, is that students learn how to work together to solve problems. I hope the administration will revisit what I think is a bad decision.

My daughter is in PALs this year and has benefited from it in so many ways. Please continue this valuable program!

I have seen the results of this program, and the strength it produces in a person is invaluable for our future.

We are not personally affected by this change but know many families who would be so I completely support getting more information and answers for them!

I loved going through the PALs program in grade school. It taught me so much and really formed much of what I am today. It allowed me to grow as a person and to be so involved in my education. It helped me develop leadership skills and to be a role model for others.

The projects served as great learning tools... stretching the students while teaching research, critical thinking and presentation skills.

Where to start on the contribution of the PALs program to the education of my daughters? Having the same set of teachers for 5 years meant they were known as individuals. Students helping younger students reinforced the teacher-taught material for both older and younger. Emphasis on collaboration--a necessary real-life skill. Program taught critical thinking skills, multiple solutions to problem solving and thinking about available resources to solve a problem. Please continue the program.

PALs provided an excellent education for our two children, one of whom is a non-traditional learner. PALs teachers were able to engage both our children and encourage their creativity and love of learning in a way that future classrooms did not. In addition, PALs provided a sense of community which is so vital, but sometimes difficult to find. Both our children have since graduated from college and continue to be life-long learners.

PALS is an incredible program and we are forever grateful for the skills and academic mindset it instilled in our son. This is an amazing program that allows for individual learning styles, and emphasizes the involvement of parents and the community in the education of our youth. It would truly be a step backward for VASD to choose to eliminate PALS.

As the former Stoner Prairie counselor, I would strongly support and advise VASD to continue the PALS program.The PALS program has provided a unique learning environment to children across ethnic groups, learning styles, the academic spectrum from those with special education needs to those who need academic challenge. The teachers have not only addressed academic needs over the years but are just as attentive to those with behavioral and social challenges. One would think that balancing these needs would be impossible but then you would not have engaged, participated with, or observed the teachers who run this program year after year with some of the school's most challenging children. They are among the most gifted teachers at Stoner Prairie and I'm sure would be happy to mentor the teachers who would replace them in the future. If one of the district's goals is to close the achievement gap for minorities while seeing to the needs of ALL students, then continuing the PALS program is imperative. Patsy McLean Stoner Prairie Counselor (1999-2012)

The PALs Program has been a real boon to my 4th-grade son and I look forward to my kindergartner entering the program in the future. Kids don't have enough opportunities to experience being a mentor, which builds crucial empathy and consideration of others. Please keep this program going!

I knew the PALS program was special, but it wasn't until our son graduated last year and our daughter (who was a 76er) participated that I fully appreciated how important the program had been to our family. I see our kids utilize the lessons they've learned because of PALS everyday. I truly believe they are more compassionate and confidant people because of the experiences they had in PALS. Please continue this important program that has been a special part of Stoner Prairie.