Supporters of the PALs Program

Let's keep the PALS program, our children gain valuable leadership experience as well as life long shared learning.

I was part of the PALs program and it was a wonderful education experience. Because it is a multi-age program, students get to learn from other students and teach each other, and develop skills that otherwise cannot be achieved in single-aged classrooms.

PALS was a crucial part of both our daughters' education. We would hate to see this program come to an end.

My wife Kim and I are very supportive of the Pals Program at Stoner Prairie. Discontinuing this highly successful program is a disservice to the VASD Community.

My wife Kim and I have been Verona Area School District residents for 28 years now and observed the different VASD school programs, teachers and management. We were extremely pleased with the teachers and PALS Program because of overall outcomes for almost all the students. Based on academic and life skills performance, this program should be continued as an option for students and parents. We urge the VASD to hire new replacement teachers and continue this highly successful program. Thank you, Tom & Kim Thoresen, Persimmon Drive, Fitchburg, WI

As a former Verona Area School Board member who has a son who graduated from the PALs program, I am 100 percent convinced that this program has been a success financially and educationally over the last 24 years. It was the first choice program in the Verona schools and its emphasis on problem solving and permitting students to advance at their own pace, rather than their chronological age is what makes it unique. It is also much more cost efficient than the district's two charter schools because it doesn't require duplicate administrators and curriculum development coordinators. Surely Ms. Wick and Ms. Burger's retirements should not mean the end of this model of education at Stoner. Other teachers should be hired to mentor under them and keep PALs going.

I was in the PALs program for 5 years, and I really enjoyed it. It helped me to be less shy and come out of my shell.

PALs student 2008-2013

Continue this program.

The PALs program at Stoner Prairie has been an extremely powerful opportunity for my two children and I'm very thankful for all of the PALs teachers. When we moved away for a year, we specifically found multi-age classrooms for the kids at their new/temporary school because of our wonderful experiences at Stoner Prairie, and because we knew that it would be easier for them to transition each way. Please keep the PALs program alive!!! Tim Mulholland

I have observed all of the classrooms in the PALs program over the last three years. I was able to participate in a 4/5 field trip to an outdoor education center and have had the privilege of volunteering in a 1-3 classroom. I was able to see the amazing way the PALs program creates a community of learners. The curriculum was guided by the learning pace of the students and it was wonderful to see the growth that came from this style of teaching & learning. As a veteran teacher myself, I believe there should be more programs that are like the PALs program, not less.

PAL's is better because it's funner and it's more hands on.

I WISH we had a program in Glasgow, MT like this! Education should not just be memorization and repetition, but a meaningful experience that will create community leaders and real world applicable knowledge for our youth..

After listening to all of the information and success stories shared at the meeting on Wednesday, it appears that you have an easy decision to make. Keep the PALS program. Of course there will be an adjustment period with new teachers but the program has a strong foundation and outstanding support to keep it successful.

The PALs program must continue to thrive. As the parent of a program graduate, I was an active volunteer and knew how the students benefited from this learning environment. Children learn the best by this teamwork collaboration with an emphasis on individual styles. These are not just buzz words of current popular education. These classes are models of what education should be for many students. Have you observed these classes and witnessed what an amazing experience is provided? I have; it is quite gratifying to see our children learn. Please honor the commitment of the dedicated founders, all the teachers, students and families who have been involved by making the PALs program available to current and future students. VASD administrators and Board, please listen to these profound statements.

The PALs program must continue to thrive. As the parent of a program graduate, I was an active volunteer and knew how the students benefited from this learning environment. Children learn the best by this teamwork collaboration with an emphasis on individual styles. These are not just buzz words of current popular education. These classes are models of what education should be for many students. Have you observed these classes and witnessed what an amazing experience is provided? I have; it is quite gratifying to see our children learn. Please honor the commitment of the dedicated founders, all the teachers, students and families who have been involved by making the PALs program available to current and future students. VASD administrators and Board, please listen to these profound statements.

Done

I like the teachers to continue for 4 more years

The PALs program taught me many great values that have helped me until this very day. Working with others and finding new problem solving strategies were highly emphasized and this way of thinking has shaped me into a more well rounded individual. I hope the PALs program can live on so others can hopefully experience this great teaching method.

The PALS program benefited both of my children immensely. It would be a shame for it to be eliminated.