Supporters of the PALs Program

I thought PALs was awesome and I think it should continue.

My kids got a great education which set a solid foundation for middle and highschool, college, medical school and nuclear engineering. No better option in VASD!!!

I strongly support the continuation of the PALS program. It is one of the main reasons why I chose to move my daughter to this school. I am disappointed that the administration isn't fighting to maintain a proven program of success like the PALs. Fight hard for a program that can bring so much learning for the students who are involved!!! Our students shouldn't be punished because another school couldn't accommodate their student population and we are forced to take their students. If this is a budget issue then find the money because it's a program worth saving!!!!

The PALs program is why my son has flourished after leaving Stoner Prairie. We moved to Portland, Or and the foundation of PALs is why he was able to seamlessly integrate into his new school. Both the parents ad teachers were in awe at how well he did, within the first 2 months. PALs is a program to teach and model for life. What a gift this program is. Please keep this program going, you will find tomorrow's leaders in this group.

I was in the PALs program from 2nd to 5th grade and it made a huge difference in how I learned. More than anything it taught me how to learn. Maintaining learning environments that are effective for each student is essential in the success of any educational system. The Verona Area School District will suffer is this program is lost. I cannot express how upset I am to hear that, seemingly without cause, the administration is considering cutting this program at Stoner Prairie. I would encourage all educators and parents to support the continuation of this program at Stoner Prairie.

I've had 3 children go through the PALS program. Each one of my children was different in their skills, attitudes, and learning styles, but each child benefited greatly from the unique aspects of PALs. This program has a proven record of success, possibly even greater than the standard single-grade program. It makes no sense to discontinue something that works well. I urge the school to re-consider.

I strongly support keeping this learning option available to families in the VASD. 24 years ago, it was ahead of its time and today exemplifies the goals--Personalized Learning, Equity, Student-led, Process-driven, Collaborative Learning--expressly stated by the current VASD leadership. It has forged the path for the adoption of Personalized Learning district-wide and should be our model for successful implementation. To end this program would be ill-informed and short-sighted to say the least.

I've had two boys in the PALS and believe it needs to continue'

I am a former participant of the PALs program (grade 2-5) and having experienced "regular" age classes outside of multi-age, and the difference is night and day. PALs participants are able to utilize a portfolio of learning experiences, due to their experience of learning from the teachers, their peers, and also mastering skills in teaching their peers. Because of this experience, they are able to integrate, lead, and succeed in middle school and beyond. Disintegrating the PALs program would be a disservice to the district, the students, as well as very likely leading to a drop in the esteemed reputation of the Verona School District, and a consequential lack of attendance from those who relocate to join PALs.

Both of my children benefited greatly from their multi-age experience -- having the same teacher for 2 years and 2/2 their classmates.

I can think of no better program than the PALs - it should be expanded, not shuttered. It is a collaborative, project-based approach that incorporates advantages of multi age learning and consistent instructors, and has prepared my daughters very well for the challenges of higher education.

The PALS program was developed by a team of highly-informed leaders in education, and was polished and tended for 24 years. This program teaches to the whole child and creates independent thinkers and successful individuals. Let's keep this jewel of a program!

I have heard wonderful things first hand from children and their parents about what a beneficial program it is. Sounds like it just needs a new generation of awesome teachers to make it happen and a district that is committed to a great learning environment! Why eliminate a program that works and benefits learners?

Please keep the PALs Program going! What a wonderful program for the growth and education of our youth. By changing or losing PALs it would seem that the school system is going backward instead of forward for our youth. It is the best think that I have seen for our youth education.

Our grandson is in the PALS Program and it has been excellent! Please keep it going. Thank you!

Former PALs student, avid promoter of the benefits the program gives to students.

PALS are an exelent program

The PALS program is an invaluable asset to the Verona community of learners. I can't even believe that the administration is even considering revoking its support. How very disappointing and another unfortunate example of how the school district failing.

My granddaughter really likes this program. It helps them adjust better by having the same teacher &. lower grades & higher grades working together.

Pals needs to expand!!