PALs, in its first year at Mission Bell, teaches upper-grade students about collaboration, leadership, and communication so that they can be influencers on their school campus.
“I decided to be a PAL because I knew I could help other students, and when there's a problem, I can always help them," Itzel said.
PALs learn what it means to be Mission Bell BRUINS (Brave Resilient Unified Influential Noble Safe) and serve as role models for other students.
“It’s very powerful for kids to learn from other kids. So we are setting that example.” said Teacher on Special Assignment - Community Schools Angelica Quintero.
To ensure that PALs represent the student body, all fifth and sixth graders were encouraged to apply. Students went through an interview process and demonstrated good behavior such as good attendance rather than being accepted for having good grades.
Sixth grader Marina Ramos joined PALs to help classmates experiencing difficulties at home. Marina’s response to help an upset student during recess led to a friendship.
“When they come to school, we want to make them feel like school is a very safe place,” Marina said. “I want to understand those who are struggling and be able to help them.”
Sixth grader Daniel Lopez joined PALs because he thought it would be fun to help others. “I like helping people because it makes me feel good,” Daniel said.
While several elementaries throughout JUSD have established their PALs groups, Mira Loma Middle School is the first middle school to implement a similar program – Where Everybody Belongs (WEB).
Eighth-grade WEB leaders help seventh graders transition into middle school and grow a culture of belonging among students.
“Having peer leaders help (seventh graders) is really important,” said WEB coordinator and English teacher Alejandra Bernal. “It helps to develop that school culture that we are looking for where students feel not only welcomed but that they want to be here. They want to come and participate and be a part of the school.”
The PALs and WEB programs are structured similarly. Students volunteer at school events and activities and meet regularly for leadership lessons or planning. Mission Bell students helped run their schoolwide resource fair this fall and Mira Loma WEB leaders set up and ran activity booths at their Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) community event.
“WEB helps you…be yourself in front of other people… and not feel so enclosed and in a bubble all the time. WEB really teaches (students) to have a voice” said eighth-grade WEB leader Natalia Villa.
WEB leaders are already exploring similar programs to join when they transition to high school. Eighth-grader Emma Murcio plans to join Link Crew in high school.
“It makes me happy to see (others) happy,” Emma said. “To show (my peers) that I am there to help (them).”
Student leadership groups like PALs and WEB are empowering Ms. Quintero said. “It helps the kids to have a sense of pride and take ownership of their leadership skills and their power in not only the school but the community and the world.”
