Stoner Prairie Elementary School's PALs program is a set of multi-age education classrooms with 24 years of success as a community of young learners. Three of the program's teachers are retiring this year and the school has no plan to replace them and maintain the program.
The retiring teachers are interested in handing off their successful system to replacements. By signing this petition, we are asking school and district administration to better explain to us why the PALs program would be discontinued. Our interest is the students of Stoner Prairie. We believe the continuation of PALs is in the best interest of those students. Conversation about the obstacles and opportunities for the program must involve more members of the community and be more transparent.
For more information about PALs, see the program's website.
Updates
March 3, 2016
The petition has now reached two hundred and fifty signatures. This level of engagement demonstrates that many families value the long history of the PALs program at Stoner Prairie. I am preparing to present these results to the district administration to advocate for greater transparency.
Reached 250 supporters
March 1, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
February 26, 2016
115 Comments
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.
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'm the grandmother of 2 students who benefited from the PALS program at Stoner Prairie (Max and Julia Beardsley). I would like the program continued so other children could benefit from the innovative program.
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.
My son has been in this program for 2 years. I am amazed and very happy with this program and the teachers. I believe that there is respect, both ways, in the classroom. The program is tailored to the students not to tests. This is a program worth saving.
A wonderful program that helps children feel connected to their learning community, and where teachers work together to create the best learning for each individual and embrace each child.
We are looking to buy a house in the school district, but not having this program as an option for our kids could be a dealbreaker for us. The multi-age separates the school from the rest in my opinion.
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Stoner Prairie Elementary School's PALs program is a set of multi-age education classrooms with 24 years of success as a community of young learners. Three of the program's teachers are retiring this year and the school has no plan to replace them and maintain the program.
The retiring teachers are interested in handing off their successful system to replacements. By signing this petition, we are asking school and district administration to better explain to us why the PALs program would be discontinued. Our interest is the students of Stoner Prairie. We believe the continuation of PALs is in the best interest of those students. Conversation about the obstacles and opportunities for the program must involve more members of the community and be more transparent.
For more information about PALs, see the program's website.
Updates
March 3, 2016
The petition has now reached two hundred and fifty signatures. This level of engagement demonstrates that many families value the long history of the PALs program at Stoner Prairie. I am preparing to present these results to the district administration to advocate for greater transparency.
Reached 250 supporters
March 1, 2016
Reached 100 supporters
February 26, 2016
115 Comments
I was in PALs. It's unique approach to age and classroom integration was revolutionary in fostering a social ideology that I value tremendously and would like to see more of in our world. This program is a model for classrooms nationwide and should be expanded, not ended.
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.
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'm the grandmother of 2 students who benefited from the PALS program at Stoner Prairie (Max and Julia Beardsley). I would like the program continued so other children could benefit from the innovative program.
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.
My son has been in this program for 2 years. I am amazed and very happy with this program and the teachers. I believe that there is respect, both ways, in the classroom. The program is tailored to the students not to tests. This is a program worth saving.
A wonderful program that helps children feel connected to their learning community, and where teachers work together to create the best learning for each individual and embrace each child.
We are looking to buy a house in the school district, but not having this program as an option for our kids could be a dealbreaker for us. The multi-age separates the school from the rest in my opinion.
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I was in PALs. It's unique approach to age and classroom integration was revolutionary in fostering a social ideology that I value tremendously and would like to see more of in our world. This program is a model for classrooms nationwide and should be expanded, not ended.