The Following Qualities Are Important As a PAL

CMS PALs Application

The Peer Assistance and Leadership (PALs) class trains students in the skills needed to help other students, both at Curtis and at the elementary level, with academic and/or personal challenges. PALs is a service-oriented organization focused on both school and community.

This class is a full year course and is made up of 8th grade students who are selected by a panel that interviews all applicants. The application, interview(s), and teacher recommendations will be considered when students are selected for next year’s program.

Informational Meeting: Tuesday, February 21st in K105 from 3:40-4:00 Application Due: Friday, March 3rd to box in front office Interviews: Friday, March 31st (you will receive a pass with your time prior to interviews) 2nd Interviews: Wednesday, April 5th afterschool (you will receive a pass with your time prior to interviews – if we need to see you again) Announce New PALs: Friday, April 7th letters will be passed out after school in K105  There will be a fee for a PALs shirt for those accepted into the program.

The following qualities are important as a PAL:

 Dependable  Honest  Kind/compassionate  Willing to take risks  Able to keep commitments  Good listener  Trustworthy- (confidentiality is VERY important)  Enthusiastic  Willing to sign a “Drug and Alcohol Free” pledge  Willing to serve as a leader and student example on and off our campus and on social media.

Please fill out the attached application and return it to the box in the front office by March 3rd, 2017. Late applications will not be considered.

Direct any questions to Julie Simpson at Curtis Middle School. EMAIL: [email protected] CMS PALs Application 2017-2018 **Please attach a current picture of yourself**

Applicant Name: Student ID #: Cell Phone: Gender: Male Female Email (mandatory): Languages other than English:

1. What is a PAL? Why do you want to be a PAL?

2. What activities are you involved in at school? Outside of school?

3. Write 3 words that you feel best describe your personality:

4. What is a peer helper/mentor? Why is mentoring important?

5. Which of the following would you be willing to do? (Check all that apply) Would you: ____ Help new students or volunteer during lunch. ____ Be willing to help before school starts (summer). ____ Be available before/after school for a meeting. ____ Show up early to help a new student. 6. What is your biggest strength? What is your biggest weakness? Strength: Weakness: 7. Do you consider yourself a leader? Why?

8. Give an example of a time you were a leader among your peers. (inside or outside of school)

9. What kind of personal behavior choices do you think are important for a peer leader to make? 10.What else would you like for us to know about you? Describe any personal hardships that you are willing to share.

11.Have you ever received an office referral or detention? If so, explain.

12.Social Media Username Public/Private Do your parents view it? ? Twitter: Instagram: Snapchat: 13.*Print your 1st semester & current grades from skyward and attach them to your application.* Will the PALs sponsors be concerned about your work ethic or grades? Why?

14.What are 3 words you think your teachers would use to describe you in class?

15.What are 3 words you think your friends would use to describe you in class?

PAL Contract PALs is a TEA approved course, local credit, which focuses on mentoring at risk students at the elementary, middle, and freshman center levels, as well as the Dillard Center. PALs also oversee the welcome of new students to FMS. Community service hours each semester are also required (15 hours per semster- PALs). PALs agree to: -Be tobacco, alcohol, and drug free. -Attend all classes regularly and punctually. -Maintain passing grades in all classes. -Be honest and maintain integrity. -Attend to PALee(s) during assigned time. -Be respectful to all teachers and peers. -Keep and promote a positive attitude. -Represent the PAL Program with dignity & pride. -Be a positive role model. -Follow rules in the Student Code of Conduct. -Complete PALee reports each week. -Complete service hours needed.

I have read and understand all PAL requirements listed above. Failure to disclose any needed information to my potential PAL sponsor may result in non-admittance to the program.

Applicant Name: ______Signature: ______Date: ______

Parent Signature: ______

Please make sure you complete and provide all the information requested, not doing so will result in being dismissed from the interview process and consideration for being a PAL.