MARCO FORSTER MIDDLE

The mission of the PAL program is “ to develop youth leaders who connect with their peers to create a caring, safe, and supportive environment for all”. In order to create opportunities for our students to develop this type of school environment, it is essential that I create a similar space in our classroom environment.  As the PAL advisor, I aim to facilitate the clear structure and expectations that allow the students to create compounding successes for our school. 

 

The 47 PAL leaders of our school meet during third period daily five days a week. The structure of the week is clearly established to allow students time to process their needs and to develop the time management skills necessary to be service leaders.

Monday: Leadership tenets are discussed and taught. Students are able to check in with their team to get a sense of their week. 

Tuesday: Students meet with their buddy in the “Green team”  (Mod / Severe Program)

Wednesday: Students brainstorm, develop action plans, implement, and reflect on their role in supporting the larger campus community through their dedicated class team.

Thursday: Students meet with their buddy in the “Green team”  (Mod / Severe Program)

Friday: Students brainstorm, develop action plans, implement, and reflect on their role in supporting the larger campus community through their dedicated class team.

 

On Mondays, we review various leadership tenets that we have identified as guides for our students. These include: 

-Work Hard

-Be Humble

-Lead up and Down the Chain

-Be Honest / Consistent

-Be Bold

-Take Ownership

-Build Relationships

 

On Tuesday and Thursday, students are assigned a partner in the moderate to severe program and learn from and with this peer. The students rotate groups quarterly to work to build more relationships and opportunities for connection with peers who are unable to participate fully in general education settings. 

 

On Wednesdays and Fridays, students work in table groups focused on developing a positive campus climate, increasing student engagement, promoting healthy lifestyles, and improving academic achievement.  These teams include the following:

-Executive Panel (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer)

-5STAR Store Squad (PBIS Redemption Store)

-Promotion Squad  (Morning Announcements / Lunch Activities/ Posters / Roadrunner Brunch)

-Community Giving (Red Ribbon Week / Giving Tree / Campus Cleanup/ Bulletin Boards)

-Birthday Squad (individual student recognition and inclusion)

 

In having clear roles and responsibilities, as well as a clear structure, the students are provided guardrails to take safe risks and develop as student leaders. They are able to hear authentic peer voices and use their peers' voices to develop a caring, safe, and supportive school environment for all. 

 

In developing this structure, we use a trust-and-inspire leadership strategy. The students take full ownership of their outcomes and have demonstrated success in developing inclusive leaders.

This year our class motto is “lead even when not seen”. Students know their reach goes far beyond room 707. Their leadership through campus and in the community is transformative.