PALS
philosophy is grounded in the belief that children possess an innate
desire to learn, and that teachers and parents can work together to
effectively stimulate and support that desire.
PALS' commitment is to:
- Create
an emotionally and physically safe environment where the whole child is
nurtured. A strong academic program is balanced by firm
respect for children's social, emotional, and physical developmental
needs.
- Provide a flexible, non-competitive classroom environment in which children are encouraged to develop self motivation, self-discipline, and self-evaluation skills.
- Foster
the sharing of ideas, experiences, and skills by providing a structure
for cross-age interactions and relationships.
- Promote
dynamic interaction and interdependence between home, school, and
community with strong parental involvement in the
process of education.
- Maintain an atmosphere of trust and respect for self and others.
When
student, teacher and parents approach the learning process with a
spirit of conscious cooperation, a continuum between school, home, and
the world at large is created. Learning can then become a joyful
personal experience extending far beyond the classroom and enduring long
past childhood.
Instilling a life-long love of learning is a primary goal of the PALS program.
Open to All
PALS
draws students from throughout the Walnut Creek School District under
an open, non-discriminatory enrollment policy. Openings are limited due
to campus space restrictions, and the District's class-size limitations.
Applications for the coming academic year are distributed only at
Informational Meetings held every January. These meetings help parents
determine if their child's individual needs can be best met in the PALS
program. A schedule of Informational Meeting dates is sent to all WCSD
families. Completed applications are returned by mail and class lists are determined by lottery. An ongoing wait list
is also maintained by the principal and priority status may be
transferred to the next grade level.
Campus & Administration
PALS
is located on the campus of Parkmead Elementary, sharing
administration, facilities and site with the neighborhood Community
School program. PALS families have formed the PALS PTO as the legal
entity for the parent organization. An elected PALS Parent
Board meets regularly to address program issues. |
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