1.  What is PALS? 

PALS stands for Parents' Association Larson School and every parent is a member.  Grandparents, guardians, and various other caregivers are also welcome! Many extended family volunteer at events, take part in the Smile Card program, assist with the traffic control, and so on.

The PALS Executive is a smaller number of people who volunteer their time to help coordinate and create the special events and programs available to students. PALS Executives are exhausted and need new members so we don't collapse in a heap. Join us! It's actually a lot of fun. Executives create the programs and do a lot to make Larson the welcoming and joyful place our kids consider their second home. ​

PALS is inclusive, fun, hardworking, creative, interesting and here for all students. Come out and join us and get involved in your students' educational life.

Here's a breakdown of our constitution, but in a nutshell PALS is about pooling our resources to enrich the student community and making the wishes of parents known to the school administration and working together to reach our goals.

• To contribute to the effectiveness of the school by promoting the involvement of parents and other community members and organizations.
• To advise the school Principal and staff on parental views about school programs, policies, and activities.
• To communicate with parents and to promote cooperation between the home and the school.
• To assist parents in accessing the system and to advocate on behalf of parents and students.
• To organize PALS activities and events as determined by the Executive and members.
• To serve as a sponsoring body for specific materials, experiences, or programs not included in the School Board's budget.
• To be a communication link between the school parents, District Parents Advisory Council (DPAC), British Columbia Confederation of Parents Advisory Councils (BCCPAC), and other related groups.
• To facilitate an inclusive environment which supports parent participation representing the diversity of the student population.
• To assist the school in the pursuit of quality education.
• To provide a forum for parents to discuss education and school-related issues.

3. What does PALS fund?

Historically, PALS has funded in whole or in part:

• Technology tools, such as iPads, laptops, cameras, etc.
  
• Classroom enrichment - per teacher for non-curriculum class enrichment Cultural events - various events organized by the school: drama, dance, music, etc.
• Emergency supplies - supplies for the classroom (ponchos, blankets, water, various other supplies)
• Grade 6 First Aid training
• Grade 7 Farewell and Safe Teen training
• Fun day snacks
• School-wide sports program, such as Tennis BC, soccer, track and field. etc.
  
• Staff appreciation events (staff luncheon)
• Safety Patrol training, supplies, and thank-you events
• Library renewal (replace damaged books and purchase new ones)
• Guided/Home reading program (home reading books)
• Guest speakers and other parent education
• Parents obtain food safe certification to run Fun Lunches and the fruit & veg program
• Child care - babysitters to allow parents to attend PALS meetings.
• Playground equipment
  
• Occupational Therapy tools
• Earthquake container supplies
• Welcome events, Parent Night, Movie Night, Larsonpalooza, and other events open to the community
  

4. Who funds PALS?

PALS receives some funding from the provincial government via a Gaming grant (~30%) but the majority of funding is raised through fundraising events, such as Fun Lunches and Larsonpalooza.

5. How do I get involved? How do I contact the PALS executive?

You can email us: Larsonpals1@gmail.com

Attend a PALS meeting.

Grab a PALS Exec and grill them about programs.