North East ISD

MS PALS Teacher Handbook

PALS Mission Statement Mission Statement: The North East Independent School District PALS program is committed to providing students with trained peer helpers. There are no officers in PALS, as every member is considered to be a leader. The members of the PALS program promote healthy decision-making and strive to be positive role models in the community. PALS are committed to being a positive influence in their interactions with others. PALS promote tolerance, non-violence, and a drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free lifestyle. PALS represent the NEISD community with honesty, integrity, and pride. TABLE OF CONTENTS New PALS Teacher Program Overview document 2 Class Time

1st 6-8 Weeks Training 3 8th Week (approximately) to End of Year 4 Committees (Leadership) 4

Grading 5 Discipline 6 Probation 6 Campus Visits and PALee Mentoring 6 Service Hours 7 Fees 7 Hardship 8 Recruitment and Selection 8 Transfer Guideline 10 Celebrations and Traditions 10 Substitute Approval 11 Documents 11 Relationships 11 Annual Planning Calendar 12

***Please note that the PALS Code of Conduct addresses a number of issues that may or may not be addressed in this document.

To Be Turned in to SDFS Due Selection Point System (once established, only procedural changes need to be submitted) and Submission of Interview Questions for Review by email to the NEISD SDFS Department. Upon approval the question/s will be included in the District Bank.

By Feb. 1

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CLASS TIME Training PALS train throughout the year (including MS District Training and Mediation training--these days are scheduled through the NEISD Department of SDFS). Most importantly, the first 6-8 weeks are in-class training, primarily by the PALS teacher. The following list of activities are possible activities for your class to be used if they meet your needs.

A. August through November a. First 2 weeks of school are primarily bonding and team-building activities

i. Resources: ● PALS Curriculum Guide (binder by Ken Serrano) ● Team-Building Activity Lists

(Feel free to use this list of activities during your class time if they apply.) ● Personality Surveys, e.g., True Colors, Five Minute Personality

Test (Lion, Beaver, Golden Retriever, Otter) 16 Personalities (free online test)

● About Me Posters ● What’s in Your Bag? ● Music CD/Album Cover ● Soundtrack of My Life

ii. People who can be resources: ● STAN/Campus Counselors and Feeder School Counselors ● Fellow PALS Teachers ● Department of SDFS

b. 3rd week through approximately 8th week of school

This part of the training may cover the following topics and/or other topics specific to the needs of your school community. ● The role of PALS (peer helper) ● Confidentiality/liability ● Group dynamics ● Self-awareness ● Basic principles of human behavior ● Listening and communication skills ● Knowledge of limits; when to refer ● Knowledge of school/community resources ● Other issues: peer tutoring, conflict resolution, peer pressure reversal,

substance abuse prevention, at-risk youth, gang association prevention, teen pregnancy, grief and loss, accepting differences, online etiquette/cyber bullying

***This list should be based on campus needs, demographics, etc. It should not be used as a definitive list of topics you need to cover.

i. In addition to resources listed above: ● PALS Peer Teach Activity

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● TED Talks—your choice based on topics addressed in class (Please review them prior to showing to class.)

● 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens o 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens books as a resource o 7 Habits training for PALS sponsors offered yearly o 7 Habits Teens certification for sponsors offered when

enough interest for a class

B. 8th week (approximately from November forward)—after PALee mentoring has begun—to end of year a. Training

i. Small group discussions based on needs of PALS/PALees (e.g., Can’t get PALees to talk, step parents or siblings, bullying, PALee doesn’t make/keep friends well, self image, etc.)

ii. Other Training as needed

b. Bonding/Team building (during PALS class or outside class time) i. Ideas (just a few):

1. Group project (making decorations for upcoming event) in the classroom, eat lunch together in the room and watch a seasonal movie—such as decorating Christmas PALee stockings and watching Elf.

2. Lunch picnic on campus 3. Group service projects are excellent bonding opportunities 4. PALS “Family” Movie Night (after school) 5. Secret PALS birthdays (Social Committee can organize)

C. Committees (Consider Committees as a PALS leadership structure. If not Committees, determine what leadership structure you will use.)

● PALS classes may have committees as an ongoing opportunity for leadership.

● Use the sample structures below as guides and modify them to fit your needs or start from scratch to create your own committees. (You can also allow students to determine committees through collaboration and vote.)

To Consider As You Plan Your Committees: ● At the beginning of the year, students select top committee choices, then

teachers place students in committees. ● Committees rotate throughout the year (possibly every 9 weeks). ● Committees establish roles (scribe, speaker, etc.) ● Committees are responsible for creating a proposal for activities to take

to a class vote. ● The “speaker” (committee role) shares the proposal with class. ● Regarding major school projects, consider for your committees to make

an appointment with the principal to pitch the proposal and get approval before the project starts.

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POTENTIAL COMMITTEES: Publicity – fliers, advertising, media requests for campus web pages &/or campus calendar requests (written by students & submitted to sponsor) Social – Bonding activities, other ideas: celebrations of fun National Days, e.g., National Candy Corn Day (10/30) http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/fun/ Outreach – Appreciation of custodians, cafeteria staff, new teachers, etc. Service – Finding opportunities, creating sign-in sheets, announcing service projects, support of various extracurricular (sports teams, UIL, etc.) PALS Communication -- Remind 101/Group Me, “PALendar,” communicating events, PALee Appreciation – Special days such as birthdays, beginning of year activities, holiday activities, Teacher PALees/Secret PALS, Senior PALees (senior citizens) GRADING (This Grading section will be in the PALS Student Code of Conduct & should be reviewed with students at beginning of school year.)

Peer Assistance PALee Mentoring

25% of 9 Weeks Grade Minimum of 3 grades per 9 weeks

Planning & Reflection 25% of 9 Weeks Grade

Minimum of 3 grades per 9 weeks Grade of 100 if (randomly selected visit):

● Appropriate dress (defined prior by sponsor)--if not, then -20%

● On time--if late, then -20% ● Proper engagement with PALees

o No cell phones Expectations:

● Direct communication with sponsor (prior to class period) if absent.

● If PAL absent, responsible for writing a letter to PALee or risk a zero.

Weekly Report/Reflect and Plan PALee reflection sheet filled out Actively engaged in class activities & discussions

● 100 if completed thoughtfully & on time ● 80 if late ● F if not completed

**1st 6-9 Weeks Training Period: ● Student Presentations &/or Assignments

discussed/taught ● Activities PALS Curriculum Manual

Peer helper class activities throughout the year: ● Share/Circle Time ● Team building ● Communication Activities, Journaling, etc.

Leadership & Service Leadership

25% of 9 Weeks Grade Minimum of 3 grades per 9 weeks

Service 25% of 9 Weeks Grade

Minimum of 3 grades per 9 weeks 100 if thoughtful and on time 1. Project/Involvement—attendance at one major PALS supported event* per 9 weeks

● Regular scheduled daily activities not included (mentoring, ALE, recycling)

2. Actively engaged in committee planning & activities

1. Completion of 5-10 hours per semester (exact number within that range is the discretion of sponsor) 2. Documentation of hours (Service Hour Log or district student volunteer app--Parent Portal)

● 100 if completed thoughtfully & on time ● 80 if late ● 0 if not completed

Additional assignments at sponsor’s discretion. *Such as Greenback Night, Veterans’ Day, Red Ribbon Week, school festivals, etc.

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DISCIPLINE The discipline for PALS’ classes is based on the PALS Student Code of Conduct. If there is a more specific discipline structure in your class, this structure shall be communicated to the Director of Safe and Drug Free Schools by the end of the 3rd week of school. Communicate major issues (probation, removal, etc.) to the Director of Safe and Drug Free Schools. This can be emailed unless you feel like you need to talk through it. If a student is involved in an incident that violates the PALS Code of Conduct which requires that he/she be removed from PALS class, s/he will be removed to an approved local credit class. This decision will be communicated to the Director of Safe and Drug Free Schools. ***If a student is removed from or leaves the PALS class, as per the PALS Code of Conduct, the student must turn in his/her T-shirt(s).*** Important to communicate to students and parents in writing at the beginning of the year. PROBATION The PALS Code of Conduct specifically states that the minimum length of time for probation is 3 weeks, with a maximum of 9 weeks. During probation:

● No PALee contact ● No attending special events (with the exception of mandatory district training) ● No wearing of the PALS t-shirt

PALS teacher responsible for reaching out to campus staff member who will be the “location” for a PALS student on probation. If a student is placed on probation, the PALS Sponsor coordinates with administration and then is responsible for (after administrator contacts the parent regarding the incident) following up with a conversation with the parent about the consequences related to PALS, i.e., the length of time on probation, the outcomes of being on probation (list above: no PALee contact, no special events, no PALS t-shirt) as well as the potential implication of another infraction. Be sure to emphasize the positive characteristics of the student as well. **This is a reminder to ourselves as well as the parents that PALS are learning and growing even as they are held to a higher standard.** PROBATION PROJECTS (not limited to these) ① Student required to determine worthy project ③Develop a lesson plan for {TBD} ②Leadership Questions/Essay (See Shared Google folder) ④Essay on Morals/Ethics CAMPUS VISITS AND PALEE MENTORING

● If a PALS student knows s/he is going to be absent for a PALee visit, he/she is responsible for writing a letter for the PALee to be delivered on or before day of the normally scheduled visit.

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● PALS must wear PALS identification (T-shirt and/or PALS ID) during off campus mentoring and service projects.

● PALS must be on time. ● PALS should have a plan for the session. ● No cell phones out unless clearly a benefit to PALee. ● Sponsor should communicate with campus administration about their

expectations for dress code and ensure that PALS understand and meet those expectations.

● Of course, sponsors will be present with their PALS during PALee visits. SERVICE HOURS Sponsors will require 5-10 hours (campus discretion) per semester. Hours can be school or community hours. (It’s a good idea to communicate with other sponsors who require service hours to ensure that you all know the requirements for each program.) It is your discretion to determine whether to “carry over” service hours from one semester to another or from the summer to the school year. Please take into consideration student schedules while balancing the “rigor” of what a PALS class should be as well as other service organizations they may be in. 50% of students’ service hours must be PALS sponsor approved as well as offered to the whole class. At the discretion of the PALS sponsor(s), 50% of students’ service hours can be from an outside source (church, Scouts, Animal Defense League, Nursing Homes, etc., but not chores for family, friends or neighbors). Students are required to bring documentation of all service hours (through PALS form or NEISD Student Volunteer Service page on Parent Portal). Service hour requirements should be clearly articulated to students. PALS sponsors will provide ample service opportunities for students to get service hours. In order for the hours to count, any service hours not provided by the PALS sponsor will need to be cleared in advance. Students are required to bring documentation of all service hours. Service hour requirements should be clearly articulated in the syllabus. No service counts during the school day. An example of this is the Special Olympics Track Meet or Bowling that takes place during the school day. Although it is a wonderful service opportunity, it does not count toward service hours (which are only documented for PALS if they are outside the school day). Banners and posters made prior to this event, if they were made before school or after school, could count toward service hours. FEES Per student: Shirts minimum $15 each for plain ($20 for baseball); 1-2 per student; **Remind students/parents to consider possible growth that will happen by 8th grade.** Banquet/Holiday party approx. $12 (if appropriate)

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Sponsors are responsible for following district SAF/CAF guidelines. Fundraising is an option at campus discretion. HARDSHIP If a student cannot pay for fees, consider an installment plan or a fundraiser. RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION Middle school PALS are required to attend MS PALS training except for illness or death in the family. NEISD MS PALS SELECTION PROCESS SUMMARY This is a second semester process allowing for variances for campus needs. The whole process should take no more than 2 months from start to finish.  

Step of Process  Alignment at all Middle School Campuses 

Counselor Communication

Set up meeting with counseling staff to review process prior to Choice Sheets and Selection Process starting. Ensure that counselors know that students aren’t added into PALS without going through the Selection Process.

Highly advertised (multimedia) Application process  

Posters, announcements, website, PALS visits to classes or other relevant advertisements 

Nominations (if used)  Some campuses choose applications only rather than nominations before applications.  

Informational Meetings: Sponsor should offer a minimum of two informational meetings so that interested applicants may choose one to attend.  This would be held prior to applications or interviews.

This meeting’s purpose is to provide a general overview of PALS’ program requirements and the selection process. This is when you would address:

1. Selection Process overall: a. application b. teacher recs c. interviews, etc.

2. PALS mentoring and service requirements 3. PALS Code of Conduct 4. PALS is a full year elective 5. Choice Sheets

Applications  1. Application form can be created by campus to allow for variances in demographics and campus needs; may include an essay, short answer questions and/or a service design proposal.  

2. Students will have 2-3 weeks (discretion of sponsor, but clearly communicated) to complete and return applications; no extensions on deadline.  

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References May request reference(s) from teachers; recommended, but optional

Staff Feedback  1. Will be solicited from current teachers (3 or more) about each potential PALS student (Sample Teacher Evaluation form)

2. Shall not be anonymous to the PALS teacher(s) 3. Must be kept confidential by PALS teacher from other staff

members and parents and must be shredded once selection is made

4. Low scores, e.g. “Do Not Recommend” must be accompanied by explanation from teacher giving score. You can achieve this by going to the teacher and asking them specifics rather than requiring it to be in writing. If no comments or verbal explanation provided by teacher, exclude the score from your process.

5. Eliminating a student from the process based on a single teacher’s low score is cautioned against.

To be considered (for students to be interviewed)  

1. Application questions/essays/service design proposal 2. References (if applicable) 3. Sample Teacher Evaluation (or create your own form) 4. Discipline report/conduct grades A student will not be considered as a PAL if:  ● Has 6 or more unexcused absences/10 total (excused and

unexcused combined) each year for current and previous year (exceptions considered with administrator approval)

● OSS/suspension/AMS this school year

Notification of Interview 

Required notification of students getting an interview and students not getting an interview either by student receipt of a letter or anonymous student number on PALS teachers’ websites 

Interview Questions District Bank of Questions will be used. ***Additional questions must be submitted by each teacher to NEISD SDFS Dept director by February 1 of the current year so that may be reviewed and potentially added to the bank. During the interview, ensure that each potential PALS student understands that s/he would be giving up an elective.

Selection Committee  Minimum of one additional staff member other than PALS teacher on committee (recommended that it’s a member of campus leadership staff). No students are part of selection or interview committee. 

Selection Process  Each campus’s process will be a point system, explicit and documented including-- 

how application questions or essay, interview, references, and faculty feedback are evaluated.

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Each campus’s process is due to SDFS Dept. and campus administration by end February 1 of current school year. Each teacher should keep only the list of students with the final breakdown of OVERALL points (not points by category).

Notification  Required to notify students accepted into PALS program or NOT accepted. NEISD MS PALS Acceptance Letter  NEISD MS PALS Regrets Letter 

New PALS Meeting Consider holding a meeting for next year’s PALS: 1. Review PALS expectations: role models, etc.

a. MS Student Code of Conduct 2. Get Contact info (cell, email, parent’s number, etc.) 3. Sign up for Remind 101 (if used) 4. Provide info about service hours

a. Let them know if they can start service hours for “carry-over” into the school year

b. Let them know if you will want their help in August before school starts

Substitutes Subs for PALS teacher for 2 days will be paid by SDFS. Submit Sub Reimbursement Form.

 

TRANSFER GUIDELINE If a student is accepted into an NEISD MS PALS program and the student transfers prior to the start of 8th grade, but after the end of the 7th grade year; the transfer PALS teacher will require an interview with the student and may require the student to turn in up to three (3) references. Required paperwork (i.e., references) are due the second Friday of the school year by 3:30. No students will be allowed to transfer into a new PALS class after the second Friday of the school year. CELEBRATIONS AND TRADITIONS EOY CELEBRATIONS SUGGESTIONS

● Dinner ● Let Committees plan the event. ● If your class plans an EOY event, be in communication with your administration

so that it appropriately gets added to the school calendar. ● Superlatives are sometimes a part of the EOY event:

o Most kind-hearted o Most likely to be President of the United States o Most likely to be a Stand-up Comedian o Etc.

● Another way to honor a large number of PALS is for each PALS student to sign up to honor fellow PALS with a letter of how they made a difference, etc. Each student both writes a letter for someone else and has a letter written about him/her. A portion of the letter is read at the event.

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CUTTING OF THE ROPE This is the rope that your PALS made together with Noel Pompa. Before the rope-cutting class period, the teacher sections off the rope in equal portions with duct tape or electrical tape (very tightly wrapped). Traditionally, it’s the very last full class period of PALS. Students are seated in a traditional sharing circle and each student sums up his/her PALS experience for the year then cuts one portion of the rope. Each student takes a turn until all the rope is cut and they take a piece of the rope with them. The sponsor(s) is also included with this activity and receives a piece of the rope. OTHER TRADITIONS If you and your students have an idea for a new tradition at your campus, please work with them to plan and develop the idea. It would also be good to check with your administration before implementing. SUBSTITUTE APPROVAL Prior approval is not necessary for Mediation Training, Special Olympic Track Meet, PALS Teacher Training/Meetings with the Director of SDFS and 2 days for interview process. Complete Sub Reimbursement Form for any of these or otherwise approved events. Prior approval is needed for any other event even if it is a PALS event. DOCUMENTS—all hyperlinked REQUIRED FORMS Sub Reimbursement Form NEISD MS PALS Acceptance Letter Supply order form NEISD MS PALS Regrets Letter Community/Media Release District Bank of Questions MS 9 Weeks Reporting Form PALS Student Code of Conduct Links to Intranet Forms: Parent Travel Consent Form Field Trip Permission Form SUGGESTED FORMS (can be modified to fit specific campus needs)—all hyperlinked Service Hour Log Training Docs p. 2 of Handbook (Team Building, etc.) PALS Application Weekly Report/Reflect and Plan Senior Citizens PALee Info Alternative Assignment/Probation (Google) Committee Form #1 or Committee Form #2 Graded Visits RELATIONSHIPS Be cognizant of relationships. We are in the people business. First and foremost, you (of course) will be building relationships within your PALS class. It is also critical to build and maintain relationships with campus counselors, administrators and teachers (both your own campus and the campuses you visit). Consider the PALS class reputation and relationships with others as well, such as—

● Your campus special education/ALE teachers ● Adaptive PE coach (Special Olympics contact)

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● Your fellow campus sponsors (both PALS and other campus organizations’ sponsors)

● Organizations that you work with for service projects ● All district personnel—we are a village working together for a common cause

Thank you for all you do for PALS and your school and community! ANNUAL PLANNING CALENDAR This planning calendar is intended to be a guide for you as you plan your year. While the first part of this handbook is a set of expectations, this section is entirely to provide a list of possible activities for you and your PALS class throughout the year.

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER

FOCUS TASKS

Training & Class time

6 weeks (at least) of training: -norms -Code of Conduct -Reflect on learning from Ken Serrano’s training -Get to Know You activities -Ethics -Mediation/Communication -Hot Topics (social media, etc.) -research projects on ALE related disabilities

Off campus training (will be scheduled for you): -MS PALS District Training -Mediation Training

Set up: -PALS Calendar (where PALS can find info) -committees -class schedule for remainder of year (planning & training/reflection days)

Ensure that you have parents’ & student’ signatures on PALS Student Code of Conduct, Community/Media Release, Parent Travel Consent Form, Field Trip Permission Form (Link is to the intranet/information/forms) Order T-shirts if they weren’t ordered from previous year.

Consider downloading or printing hyperlinked forms.

PALees

Elementary Meet with counselors: -Set up tour at each school -Request a list of PAL/PALee assignments/locations (where to drop off/pick up)

Establish schedules & forms (help the counselor consider which classes the PALees may be pulled from for the PALS time)

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ALE Set up a time for ALE teacher to educate your PALS about types of disabilities and expectations while interacting with ALE students. Ask the ALE teacher to reiterate FERPA expectations.

Consider asking ALE teacher to take pictures so that your PALS can learn names prior to meeting with them.

6th Grade PALee Notification/Permission

Events Service Projects

Help with Greenback Night Help with Prep Days Sign up for Elf Louise (if interested) Start with recycling if appropriate.

OCTOBER

FOCUS TASKS

Training & Class time

Plan for 1 training day and 1 reflection day per week Plan for any outside of class training Continue class committee meetings Schedule rope activity with Noel Pompa (contact Starr with questions)

PALees

Begin mentoring PALees in late October (approximately) PALS can start off with their PALees with this: “Get To Know Your PALee” If mentoring at elementary campuses, communicate about schedules related to early release days Have PALS write absence letters to PALees prior to first meeting

Events Service Projects

Possible events: -Red Ribbon Week -Pink Out -Secret PALS (either students or teachers) -Nursing Home Visits -Special Olympic Bowling (only if requested by Adaptive PE dept.) Plan for Thanksgiving projects (serve school faculty, etc.)

NOVEMBER

FOCUS TASKS

Training & Class time

Plan for 1 training day and 1 reflection day per week. Continue committee meetings.

PALees Mentoring

Events Service Projects

Veterans’ Day Celebrations/Ceremonies (consider partnering with other campus groups) Scholastic Goodnight Pajama Drive Thanksgiving projects

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-ALE meal -collecting for food bank

Plan for Christmas Projects Possibilities: -Serve Parents Party (PALS banquet)

DECEMBER

FOCUS TASKS

Training & Class time

Plan for 1 training day and 1 reflection day per week Continue committee meetings

PALees

Mentoring Communicate with elementary campuses (if appropriate) regarding exams, benchmarks, STAAR testing & early release

Events Service Projects

Christmas Projects Such as

● Elf Louise ● SaMMinistries ● Nursing Home

Holiday party (if desired) Selection Confer with your counselor regarding your Choice Sheet process (as this differs

by campus).

January

FOCUS TASKS

Training & Class time

Plan for 1 training day and 1 reflection day per week Revisit Code of Conduct & expectations and norms

PALees

Mentoring Communicate with elementary schools (if appropriate) regarding bike rodeo, field days, & other PTA events

Events Service Projects

Elective/Course Fair

Planning: Pennies for Pasta (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)

Selection Process Refer back to Selection Process Summary, ensuring that you follow the steps included in the process keeping in mind that campus selection timeline will vary.

Meet with your Master Scheduler to ensure communication about when PALS class is scheduled and the deadline for when PALS students need to be selected.

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FEBRUARY

FOCUS TASKS Training & Class time

Plan for 1 training day and 1 reflection day per week

PALees

Mentoring Keep good contact with campus counselors (regarding upcoming events like Bike Rodeo, etc.).

Events Service Projects

Random Acts of Kindness Week Fund-raising

Selection Process Refer back to Selection Process Summary, ensuring that you follow the steps included in the process keeping in mind that campus selection timeline will vary.

MARCH

FOCUS TASKS

Training & Class time

Plan for 1 training day and 1 reflection day per week

PALees

Mentoring Verify STAAR testing dates Communicate with elementary campus counselors re:STAAR

Events Service Projects

possibly Special Olympics--contact Adaptive PE Coach March of Dimes

Selection Process Refer back to Selection Process Summary, ensuring that you follow the steps included in the process keeping in mind that campus selection timeline will vary. Design T-shirts for next year & meet with vendor. (Possibly hyperlinked after new webpage

rollout.)

APRIL

FOCUS TASKS

Training & Class time

Plan for 1 training day and 1 reflection day per week

PALees Mentoring Verify STAAR testing dates.

Events Service Projects

possibly Special Olympics--contact Adaptive PE Coach (if not in March) Fundraisers (if applicable) Plan EOY Banquet/Party, if applicable.

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Selection Process Refer back to Selection Process Summary, ensuring that you follow the steps included in the process keeping in mind that campus selection timeline will vary.

Follow up on T-shirt order.

MAY

FOCUS TASKS

Training & Class time

Rope-cutting

PALees

Mentoring Verify STAAR testing dates.

Events Service Projects

Fifth Grade Tours New PALS meeting (informational: provide T-shirt order form, Remind 101, etc.) EOY Party New PALS/Old PALS Social/Meet and Greet

Selection Process Refer back to Selection Process Summary, ensuring that you follow the steps included in the process keeping in mind that campus selection timeline will vary. (At this point, most campuses should have completed the entire selection process.)

Prior to Teacher Inservice

FOCUS TASKS

Service Organize PALS service for Main Office help, Teacher Classroom Setup, & 6th grade orientation

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