| The PAL program (Peer Assistance Leadership) encompasses many facets - peer to peer support, community service, cross-age tutorial and teaching, new student transitions, conflict management and mediation, alcohol, tobacco, drug, and violence prevention, and environmental awareness. Together as a team, we discuss, plan, and work to find the best ways to support and assist in all of these areas. PAL students will have a busy year taking part in various community service projects. We will participate in the San Juan Creek Clean-up, the Doheny Coastal Clean-up, the San Juan Ridgewalk, the Seize the day Walk for Epilepsy, and various other volunteer activities. We are involved in the collection of pop tabs from aluminum cans to benefit Ronald McDonald House. One of our most important endeavors is helping our school to collect pennies (as well as other monetary amounts) for Pennies for Peace which helps to build schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We know this is important because we strongly believe that education is the key to peace in the world. Red Ribbon Week will take place in October. PALs will lead the school in various activities promoting a positive, healthy, drug-free lifestyle. We will also host Peace Week which will encourage students to: Promote understanding Embrace differences Accept others Coexist compassionately Extinguish negativity Two times a week we spend time with our buddies, Mrs. Geiger's students with special needs class. PALs find this their most rewarding and fun part of being in PAL They read together, help them with their Science, Social Studies, Art, English, and writing lessons. The friendships and bonds they are forming are truly heartwarming and inspiring. It is a positive experience for all. PALs enjoy displaying their school spirit and their commitment to be positive role models and productive citizens at Marco and their community. There are many activities and community service projects planned for the school year We will keep you posted! ***** Marco's 2008-2009 PAL Program was awarded the MOST OUTSTANDING MIDDLE SCHOOL PAL PROGRAM by the Orange County Department of Education ***** | |
