PALS was initiated in 2000 by Mr. James K. Irving, Chairman of J.D. Irving, Limited and the Saint John Education Centre of the Anglophone South School District. One school and one partner have grown to more than 30 schools and over 150 partners and this positive growth continues.
PALS
(PARTNERS ASSISTING LOCAL SCHOOLS)
PALS is an initiative developed in Saint John, NB to help schools address the needs of their students. Poverty reduction remains the central focus of the PALS initiative in Saint John. However, schools both in Saint John and in other jurisdictions have developed PALS partnerships for a variety of reasons, a testament to its adoptability and adaptability as a model. Working with the school staff and administration the partners volunteer their time, talents and resources to help the teachers enrich their students’ educational experiences and address other basic needs that the students require. On a continual basis the partnerships’ are developed, implemented, and evaluated for best results for the students, schools and volunteers. Partnership initiatives vary from school to school providing many new opportunities that help the students succeed.
THIS IS WHERE YOU COME IN
The PALS initiative is looking for interested businesses, their employees, and community groups to partner with neighbourhood schools to “make a difference” in the lives of our youth.
Developing a Plan of Action
Meet to determine needs, discuss school demographics, brainstorm, and set goals.
What are the goals of our partnership – why are we partnering?
What will our involvement look like?
What resources (human and financial) will we need to meet our goals?
How will we communicate?
How will we measure our successes?
How will we celebrate along the way?
Commitment must come from the top of each partner’s organization.
Support must come from the employees/staff to maintain the interest – keep them involved!
Goals should be revisited yearly – it should always be a work in progress.
Communicate this commitment to all members of the organizations. All those involved must understand what to expect and what is expected of them.
Identify a champion at each site. It is crucial to have this point person through whom communication is funnelled and who maintains the momentum. It is advisable to plan for possible changes in personnel to ensure smooth transitions.
Establishing Your Partnership
Each partnership will be unique. Each school has its individual needs and each business has something different to offer. Not all partnerships will look the same. In most cases, more than one business/agency will partner with a school. Each partner operates in a world/culture somewhat foreign to the other. Open communication and clearly expressed goals are the keys to success.
START SMALL!
BUILD ON YOUR SUCCESSES!
Human Resources
Volunteers can be the backbone of any education-business partnership. Providing extra people support to the students and staff, whether directly with the children or behind the scenes, is invaluable.
Employers may contribute people resources by freeing up employees to volunteer (generally for up to 1 hour) during their work week.
Recruitment must be on a voluntary basis and employees can be
recruited through:
information meetings such as a lunch & learn
posters inviting participation
Screening – All adults who work in schools must have Criminal Record/Vulnerable Sector clearance and must receive training in a provincial policy regarding the safety of children. This training will be arranged by the school.
Orientation will take place to provide an overview of the policies and procedures concerning safety, confidentiality, etc. while working at the school.
Recognition and feedback are essential to maintain interest and engagement.
Celebrating successes helps solidify your partnership!
Some suggestions are:
periodic newsletters to share information about ongoing initiatives
yearly get-togethers to provide a chance to meet informally
annual meetings to recap the year’s events and plan for the future
Financial Resources
Some companies/agencies may not be able to spare employee time during the work week, but may still like to be involved. Assisting a school financially may be an option. Many schools do not have the means to provide additional enriching educational experiences for their students. Financially, partners may help by:
augmenting or creating opportunities to ensure all children are able to access events or activities associated with going to school.
assisting school parent groups in their efforts to provide such extras as library enhancements, development of playgrounds, team uniforms, etc.
creating opportunities for schools to provide field trip experiences beyond what the school budget accommodates.
PLEASE NOTE:
Funding for such projects does not replace public funding for schools. Donations made to a school will flow through an account established by the school district. Tax receipts (if requested) can be issued by the Province of New Brunswick.
People Make the Difference
Employees of the various businesses and community groups are the volunteer PALS who, working in partnership with the school staff, contribute to significant positive changes in the students, as well as measurable academic improvements.
Some of their volunteer activities include:
mentoring through the Big Brothers Big Sisters In-School Mentoring Program
supporting early literacy by volunteering for the Elf program
coaching after-school sports
participating as reading or math buddies
overseeing extracurricular activities
serving breakfast
accompanying students to events
organizing after-school clubs
encouraging social skills
demonstrating healthy life choices
acting as role models
helping behind the scenes
providing cultural enrichment
offering career guidance/job-specific expertise
engaging high school students in work experiences
delivering career-focused lectures
assisting with post-secondary student placements
so much more!
Benefits to Students/Schools
PALS partnerships (the schools and their partners) have a positive impact on virtually every facet of school life – academic achievement, enrolment, school spirit, student behaviour and social skills, student motivation, sports activities, cultural awareness, and pride in being part of the school community.
Benefits to Community/Business Partners
For community and business leaders, a PALS partnership can be one of the most efficient and effective ways to contribute to real community change. These partnerships are making a significant and direct impact on poverty, and they have engaged the community to be part of that change.
The PALS initiative is proving that a dedicated school staff and parent group, together with community volunteers and financial support, can make a significant impact on the future of our children.
“Making a difference in the life of a child can have a powerful impact, not only on that young person, but also on the future of our community. We are proud to be working side by side with our neighbours to open doors to new possibilities for our children.”
James K. Irving
J.D. Irving, Limited
PALS for Prince Charles School
FOR MORE INFORMATION, AND TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN MAKE A
DIFFERENCE IN THE FUTURE OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE, PLEASE CONTACT:
Deborah Fisher
PALS COORDINATOR
506-632-6071
fisher.deborah@jdirving.com
Susan Tipper
PALS HIGH SCHOOL COORDINATOR
506-632-5128
tipper.susan@jdirving.com