"Survive and Thrive"
January 25, 2006
3:00-6:00 pm
Sponsored by the PALS Teacher Mentors






 Jamye Merritt, MNEA President
Lenna Allen, Director of Professional Development

Imagine a room full of teaching ideas for kindergarten through twelfth grade. Add in sandwiches, chips, cookies, and punch. Imagine door prizes such as a $100 gift certificate from STAPLES or a bag chock-full of "teacher goodies" from Curriculum Connections, valued at $50-75. Finally, throw in free treats such as crayons, folders, pens, and spiral notebooks. What does it all add up to?

PALS Open House was hosted by MNPS PALS Teacher Mentors, Professional Development Department and MNEA.

This afternoon of fun, food, and fabulous "finds" took place on Wednesday, January 25, at the MNEA facility near Bransford Avenue.

PALS Open House kicks off a four-part series of workshops entitled "Survive and Thrive," which will be held this spring at Randalls Learning Center. Hopefully, you already received a flyer with dates and times, or you saw the information posted on your faculty bulletin board--but if you didn't, you can check on ERO to sign up for the rest of the series.

Even though the PALS ordinarily work with teachers who are brand-new to MNPS, these workshops remain open to experienced teachers, also. The sixty-five educators who attended Open House can attest to the quality of the handouts, ideas, food, and take-home items they received.

Open House epitomized the spirit of communication, helpful sharing of ideas, and morale-building that PALS tries to foster. We hope you will come to one of the February sessions, which are scheduled at after-school times convenient for primary, middle, and secondary teachers. Remember to come to Randalls Learning Center!

See you then!

Door Prize Winners:

Emily Mongillo- Bordeaux Elementary E.O.
Winner of the $100 gift Certificate from Staples

 Other Winners:
 
    Lisa Bastedo- Hillwood High School

    
    Scott Thomas- Tom Joy Elementary

    
    Bernice Russell- Margaret Allen Middle School


Melanie Collins- Bordeaux Elementary E.O.

    
    Barbara ClenDening- Westmeade Elementary

The PALS were giving Peer Assistance, Leadership, and Support to many teachers who attended their Open House


Julie Hopkins (left)


Mark Mason (left)


Madonna Stepbach (left)


Alison Cook (left)


Betty Crowe (right)


Jan Sebastian (right)


Vickie Harlan (left)


These booths were a great draw for teachers seeking information or ideas

......And the refreshments were a welcome sight for our dedicated teachers.




* All photographs courtesy of Judy Batey