PALSPhillips Academy • Andover High School • Lawrence Schools

Phillips Academy • Andover High School • Lawrence Schools Winter 2012 Newsletter

Lawrence by the Numbers: Making the Case for PALSAs one of New England’s poorest cities, Lawrence struggles to raise healthy, safe children and provide a range of opportunities in its public schools. PALS provides summer and school-year supplementary educational programming for Lawrence middle-schoolers that aims to improve their academic skills, increase their self-confidence, and encourage talented and able students to apply to honors classes at Lawrence High School or independent high schools, and ultimately go on to college.

(Source: Essex County Community Foundation)

86% of students qualify for full

or partial lunch subsidies48% of 9th-graders

graduate from high school, the lowest rate in Massachusetts

82% of the city population

does not speak English as its first language

89% of students are Hispanic or

Latino, groups with the state’s highest dropout rates

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Students Teaching Students Is Our Winning Model

A s I look back over the program’s history, I am

reminded of one of the most—if not the most—important ingredients of our students’ growth and learning at PALS: the teaching and mentoring by our teacher interns, who are slightly older than PALS students. It is their hard work and commitment—and the ratio of students to interns (usually two students to one intern)—that make

PALS such a successful program. The teaching, mentoring, and role modeling that takes place during four weeks in these small settings is extremely personal and powerful. As one eighth-grade student wrote to her math intern at the end of last summer, “Thank you so much for the effort you put into teaching me. I’ll never forget the amount of patience you’ve used on me.”

I am frequently asked how I select the interns. I strive to identify, recruit, and hire students in their last two years of high school or in their first two years in college. They must meet at least three of the four following general criteria:

1. Interns must either attend or have graduated from high schools in the greater Lawrence area (e.g., Lawrence High School, Andover High School, Central Catholic High School, The Governor’s Academy, Noble and Greenough School, or Phillips Academy). Coming from the area, they have personal experiences with the high schools our PALS students might attend. The majority of interns come from Andover High School, Central Catholic High School, and Phillips Academy because most are volun-teer teachers in “Winter PALS” (a year-round effort) and have shown their talents as teachers and mentors.

2. Interns may be successful PALS alums. I hire several PALS alumni every year, and they serve as especially good role models and guides on how to prosper in middle school and how to carefully consider high school choices.

3. I look for older students who are academically outstanding and show high motivation in their schools. This will ensure a depth of understanding of material that often has to be taught in multiple ways to a diverse group of students. We do not all learn the same way! Young people who are imaginative, resourceful, and active learners themselves can create an exciting envi-ronment for teaching and coaching PALS students.

4. Lastly and perhaps most important, interns are chosen only if I believe that they are also “kid-friendly.” They have to enjoy the company of younger children, be interested in them beyond initial casual conversations, and eagerly seek them out in nonstructured times—such as walking to sports or eating lunch together. A great amount of mentoring can occur during these relaxed encounters!

Many interns return for a second and sometimes a third summer. The returning interns also are very helpful in training the new recruits. Hiring teacher interns is a “win-win” situation!

TOM CONE Director, PALS

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“Notre Dame has a total of 17 students who

are PALS graduates. These students make

a significant impact on the culture

and academic atmosphere at our

high school. ”

—Dr. Thomas Ryan Principal, Notre Dame High School

Established in 1988, PALS

is a two-year, year-round program

that provides academic enrichment, study

skills, and learning strategies for Lawrence middle-

school students and assists them with the high school

application process. At the same time, PALS provides a unique

opportunity for Phillips Academy and Andover High School

students to work side by side as mentors and teachers, supported

by a carefully planned curriculum and experienced, qualified adults.

PALS is one of Phillips Academy’s four educational outreach programs that

help fulfill the school’s historic non sibi mission to serve the public interest.

The “PALS” name is derived from the key partners in this program:

Phillips Academy, Andover High School, and the Lawrence Schools.

SUMMER PROGRAM

The four-week summer session begins every weekday morning when Director Tom Cone travels by bus to the homes of all students to pick them up. PALS students are assigned to specific teachers and teacher interns for the entire summer, which builds strong bonds and assures the continuity of teaching/learning.

Typical Day8:30–9 a.m. Staff meeting/planning for each student before

arrival9–10:25 a.m. Language Arts/discuss To Kill a Mockingbird,

write autobiographies10:25–11:30 a.m. Math/small groups with 2:1 student/teacher

intern ratio 11:30 a.m. Snacks and sports activities or music12:20 p.m. Lunch at Paresky Commons1–1:25 p.m. Chess, computers, volleyball, or animal care1:30–2:50 p.m. Options: Girl Talk, career journals, chess, science

investigation, orienteering, or interviewing skills; educational field trips (i.e., Museum of Science, Pfizer Inc.)

Parents of rising eighth-graders also meet with PALS staff to discuss options for high school, including finances. Informal “bus stop chats” and telephone calls assure that PALS stays connected with families. A family picnic celebrates the conclusion of the program.

WINTER PROGRAM

From mid-September through May, PALS works with the same students who attended the summer session. Students’ learning and motivation are reinforced, and challenges they face at their regular schools are addressed. The winter teachers, approximately 35 students from PA and Andover High School, dedicate two afternoons a week to PALS.

On Tuesday afternoons, the focus of PALS sessions is Language Arts and Math. Wednesday activities, which focus on enrichment, include:

• Preparingpersonalessaysandhighschoolapplicationsin PA’s Computer Center

• VisitingPA’sPeabodyMuseumofArchaeology

• DoingcommunityserviceprojectsattheAcademyManor Nursing Home

• Participatinginmockinterviewsanddiscussionswithadmission officers from PA and other private schools

• Engaginginoutdooradventureactivities(adaptedfromOutward Bound) with PA students

• Preparingapersonalphotographicessayproject

After the students leave, the interns remain at PA to plan the following week’s activities and lessons and to practice teaching.

4

Highlights of Success

“You have changed my future,

my life, and my perspective on

the world. I thank you for this

and will always be in your debt.”

—José Taveras, PALS 2011 St. John’s Prep

High Schools attended by PALS students, 1988–2011Academy of Notre Dame

Andover High School

Austin Preparatory School

Boston Arts Academy

Central Catholic High School

Dorchester High School

Essex Agricultural and Technical High School

Georgetown High School

Greater Lawrence Technical School

Lawrence High School

Masconomet Regional High School

Methuen High School

Notre Dame High School

Noble and Greenough School

Phillips Academy

Presentation of Mary Academy

St. John’s Preparatory School

Colleges attended by PALS students, 1988–2011Amherst College

Anna Maria College

Bentley University

Boston College

Boston University

Bridgewater State College

Brown University

College of the Holy Cross

Dartmouth College

Emmanuel College

Fairfield University

Florida Institute of Technology

Gordon College

Massachusetts College of Art

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Merrimack College

Miami Industrial College of Arts and Science

Norfolk State University

Quinnipiac University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Saint Anselm College

Salem State University

Suffolk University

Union College

University of Massachusetts–Amherst

University of Massachusetts–Boston

University of Massachusetts–Lowell

University of Rhode Island

Worcester State College

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Class of 2007How did our 2007 graduating eighth-graders fare in high school and college? The facts speak for themselves!

Jeannette Arias Graduated from Central Catholic High School; received Olivia Howell/Adelante and Montagne Scholarships Currently attending University of Massachusetts–Lowell

Isayra Coca Graduated from Lawrence High School of Math, Science and Technology; received Adelante Scholarship Currently attending University of Massachusetts–Boston

Jennie Davila Graduated from Central Catholic High School; received Montagne Scholarship Currently attending Northern Essex Community College

Jenitza DeJesus Attended Lawrence High School in Honors program

Andres Figueroa Graduated from Masconomet High School; participated in ABC Program Currently attending Westfield State University

Karolina Hernandez Graduated from Central Catholic High School; received Adelante Scholarship Currently attending University of Massachusetts–Dartmouth

Luis Hernandez Graduated from Lawrence High School with Honors Currently attending Bentley University

Angela Lynch Graduated from Lawrence High School with Honors Moved to Georgia

Kate Morris Graduated from Phillips Academy Currently attending Hampshire College

Shailene Nunez Graduated from Central Catholic High School Currently attending University of Massachusetts–Lowell

Iliana Rivera Graduated from Lawrence High School with Honors

Yashana Rivera Graduated from Notre Dame High School Currently attending St. Anselm College

Keyla Rodriguez Graduated from Lawrence High School Currently attending College of the Holy Cross

Luis Spraus Graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School Currently attending Merrimack College

Carlos Tanuz Graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School Currently attending University of Rhode Island

Sharrie Volpe Graduated from Essex Agricultural and Technical High School Currently attending Merrimack College

Where Are They Now?

“PALS is an amazing program that is extremely beneficial to our

students. The program and its staff are truly dedicated to helping our

students see there is a successful and bright future ahead.”

—Pete LeFebre, Principal, Parthum Middle School

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Class of 2011The 17 eighth-graders who graduated from PALS in summer 2011 are now enrolled in various high schools.

Emily Castillo Lawrence High School for Math, Science and Technology

Romeo Cayabyab Notre Dame High School

Rebeca Cruz Lawrence High School

Ruben Fernandez Lawrence High School

John Francis Presentation of Mary Academy

Jeanmerli Gonzalez Central Catholic High School Received Adelante and Montagne Scholarships

William Lacey Lawrence High School

Ruth Martinez Central Catholic High School Received Adelante and Montagne Scholarships

Arcadia Morales Notre Dame High School

Ashlee Nash Notre Dame High School

Rubel Pena Lawrence High School

Lakeysha Periera Lawrence High School for Math, Science and Technology

Samson Rios Central Catholic High School Received Adelante and Montagne Scholarships

Anarianny Rodriguez Notre Dame High School Received Adelante Scholarship

José Taveras St. John’s Preparatory School

Jennifer Tran Central Catholic High School Received Adelante Scholarship

Annie Vargas Presentation of Mary Academy Received Presentation of Mary Academy Scholarship

Our Recent Graduates

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Jeannette AriasGraduate of Central Catholic High School Attending University of Massachusetts–Lowell

Michael Buciuman-ComanGraduate of Andover High School Attending University of Massachusetts–Amherst

Margaret FinchGraduate of Phillips Academy Attending Oberlin College

Hope FriedGraduate of The Governor’s Academy Attending Smith College

Ziwe FumudohGraduate of Phillips Academy Attending Northwestern University

Brian HanafinSenior at Phillips Academy

Naveen KanthavelanGraduate of Andover High School Attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Iha KaulGraduate of Andover High School Attending Cornell University

Luz LopezSenior at Phillips Academy

Kenisha McFaddenSenior at Noble and Greenough School

Kate MorrisGraduate of Phillips Academy Attending Hampshire College

Shailene NunezGraduate of Central Catholic High School Attending University of Massachusetts–Lowell

Haritha PulaGraduate of Phillips Academy Attending Rice University

Melissa RagoneseGraduate of Andover High School Attending Columbia University

Kevin RobergeGraduate of Andover High School Attending University of Massachusetts–Amherst

Aram ShrestinianGraduate of Phillips Academy Attending Cornell University

Carlos TanuzGraduate of St. John’s Preparatory School Attending University of Rhode Island

Andrew TownsonGraduate of Phillips Academy Attending Johns Hopkins University

Joe WilkinGraduate of Phillips Academy Attending University of New Hampshire

2011 Summer Staff

“I just want to thank you for

giving me the opportunity to

work at PALS this summer.

I had a great time both

teaching and hanging out with

the kids. I even learned a few

things myself. This program really

showed me how big an impact I can

make on someone’s life.”

—Brian Hanafin 2011 Intern

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Teach One, Reach One

CARLOS TANUZPALS Alumnus & 2011 InternUniversity of Rhode Island

HOPE FRIED2011 PALS InternSmith College

C arlos Tanuz is part of the rich cultural melding that is the heart and soul of

Lawrence. His parents are of Spanish heritage—his father was born in the Dominican Republic—but his Lebanese grandfather, Tanuz says, was “one hundred percent Arab.”

A PALS student at the Parthum School for two years and at Phillips Academy for a summer, Tanuz went on to graduate from St. John’s Prep in Danvers, Mass., in May 2011. He is now enrolled in a six-year doctoral program in pharmacy at the University of Rhode Island.

Tanuz, a math and chemistry whiz, taught eighth-grade math to PALS students last summer. He says his teaching philosophy is informed by

the adage “teach one, reach one.” He knows the exhilaration himself of being “reached” as a youngster in the PALS program, and, he says, it was time to pay back as a summer intern. “I try to motivate students, try to have a positive influence on their lives,” he says of his peda-gogical approach.

His supervisor, master teacher Naveen Kanthavelan, agrees: “Carlos has such an infectious personality and charming enthusiasm, even unexcited kids got pumped up to do math.”

“PALS gave me a great opportu-nity,” Tanuz says. “I wouldn’t have known about St. John’s Prep were it not for PALS.”

L ast summer was Hope Fried’s third in the PALS program as a teacher of

seventh- and eighth-grade English. Her “style” of delving into To Kill a Mockingbird, she explains, was a new experience for her students: instead of a written test, there was a discussion and analysis of theme, concept, and language. “They were reticent initially,” says Fried, “but as I guided them through discussions, they got into it; they appreciated being treated like high school students and that their ideas were valuable.”

When she first came on board as an intern three years ago, Fried says she thought it might be “a great summer job.” It turned out to be just that—but far more rewarding. Master teacher Alix Driscoll calls Fried’s teaching of the acclaimed Harper Lee novel “masterful,” and praised her lessons in high-level writing skills and the enthusiasm she conveyed to her students.

Fried is an art history major at Smith College.

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Valuing Students and Their Ideas

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“I am so sad to leave PALS,

but I will come back to be

an intern in the future.”

—Gustavo Lopez Parthum School eighth-grader

KATE MORRISPALS Alumna & 2011 InternHampshire College

S ix years ago, the assistant principal at South Lawrence East Middle School selected

three bright, motivated seventh-graders for the PALS program. One of them was Kate Morris.

After successfully completing the eighth-grade summer program, Morris was encouraged to apply to Phillips Academy and was accepted. She says it took time for everything to mesh, but, true to expectations, she thrived, especially in her first love, art. She was able to explore several artistic disciplines at the Academy, including painting, print-making, and sculpture—and now studies illustration and printmaking at Hampshire College.

Last summer was Morris’s first expe-rience as a PALS intern; she taught seventh-grade language arts. She was particularly gratified when, after the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2, one of her students borrowed the book—and ended up reading it and the entire series throughout the July session.

“Kate’s genuine passion for what she was teaching always shined through,” says her master teacher Iha Kaul, adding, “She even brought in her art portfolio to show the students, which inspired some to try their hands at drawing. Kate’s strength lies in her ability to bring forth what she cares about and to help inspire the people around her.”

The Art of the Intern

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“Each day PALS teachers gave me their time

and patience and helped me expand my

mind. I have now succeeded, and you helped

show me the way. Thank you.”

—Gracemarie Perez PALS 1994,

Corrections Officer, Massachusetts Department of Correction

PALS Director: Tom Cone

PALS Master Teachers: Roxy Barry, Alix Driscoll

Newsletter Editors: Sharyn Bahn, Jill Clerkin

Contributing Writers: Tom Cone, Alix Driscoll, Paula Trespas

Graphic Designer: Anne Marino

Photographers: Tom Cone, Michael Malyszko, Gil Talbot

We gratefully acknowledge our 2010–2011 donors, whose generous contributions once again supported 100 percent of the PALS operating budget. Your investment in deserving youngsters in Lawrence, Massachusetts, nourishes vital hope for the future. The opportunities you provide and the doors they open for so many will have a lasting impact.

Corporations, Foundations, and Group Donors

Peggy Corbett Memorial Fund

Charles E. Foisy & Florida C.A. Foisy Foundation

Greater Lawrence Summer Fund

Edward S. & Winifred G. Moseley Foundation

Josephine G. Russell Trust

Artemas W. Stearns Trust

Abbot and Dorothy H. Stevens Foundations

Waldo Trust

Individual Donors

Fernando R. Alonso

Sharyn Bahn

Ray & Janet Benvenuti

Angelina Calobrisi

Ellinor Parnes Campbell

Nancy Rogal Cohen

Rebecca Stewart Dann

Amy Rogers Dittrich

Mr. & Mrs. John J. Driscoll

Helen M. Eccles

Mr. & Mrs. George H. Edmonds

Dacone A. Elliott

Natalie M. Exner

Alan F. French

Elinor Cahill Georgopulo

Matthew P. Kahn

SukHee C. Kim

Marianna Kleyman

Durgesh A. Kudchadkar

Richard M. Leary

Louise J. Morse

Daniel & Elizabeth Reardon

Dr. & Mrs. Robert Smallridge

Jesenia Tejada

Sylvia L. Thayer & J. Philip Zaeder

Kristen M. Townson

Jeff C. Woodhead

Anonymous (1)

Gifts-in-Kind

Melissa Dolan: stuffed animals

Lawrence Public Schools: transportation support

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