The Martinez Unified School District meeting Jan. 26 opened with two recognitions from school sites.
Students and advisors from SLAM at Alhambra High School described club activities, membership and plans to recruit underclassmen, including social-media outreach and quad tabling. Student leader Adam Peterson outlined events the club hopes to run to boost visibility and membership.
Staff from the PALS program at John Swett Elementary (Sarah Batsky and Nancy O’Brien) presented an overview of PALS, a self-contained program for learners who require intensive, individualized instruction and supports. Presenters described structured teaching practices, designated sensory rooms, embedded augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies, and a multidisciplinary support model that uses paraprofessionals, speech-and-language services, occupational and physical therapy and behavioral supports to increase independence and inclusion.
Board members praised the programs and thanked staff and students for their work. No action was required; these were recognition/presentation items.