Dalton News

PALS Addresses Topics From Peer Relationships To Technology

This year, PALS -- a select group of 11th grade peer mentors -- will be working with Middle School Houses on developmentally-specific topics and activities ranging from peer relationships to technology.
On November 5, PALS began a year-long discussion with 6th graders about how technology impacts students’ lives. Mentors met with their assigned 6th grade House and, along with the House Advisor, led a well-received discussion based on questions each House had submitted in advance. These questions were thoughtfully reviewed in PALS planning meetings under the guidance of PALS Director Susie Ott and members of Dalton's New Laboratory for Teaching and Learning. 

One key takeaway occurred when both juniors and sixth-graders reflected on how hard it is to balance the independence that a cell phone offers with the oversights that families’ implement. As the conversation flowed, students in both grades expressed an appreciation for consistent parental involvement as well as restrictions that foster good habits and safe behaviors.

The conversation also included how having cell phones and engaging in social media can be turning points in student's lives, how disconnecting for long periods in the summer was a relief, and a larger than expected number of students were happy not being active on social media or having cellphones. The guiding principle for the discussion was to be kind and to stay true to your positive core values; 6th grade House Advisors will continue the conversation through their newly developed House curriculum.
 
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