PAL - Program for Advanced Learners

Program of advanced Learning (PAL)

This video was created by current PAL students for potential and future PAL students to learn more about the program.

FAQs

Q: What is PAL?

A: PAL stands for Program for Advanced Learners. The program offers full-time Highly Capable services in a self-contained environment at Wide Hollow S.T.E.A.M. Elementary school in West Valley School District. The PAL teachers are specifically trained in meeting the many unique needs of highly capable/gifted learners. Students have their academic, social, and emotional needs met through advanced curriculum, advanced pacing, collaboration with like-minded peers, project-based learning (PBL), and specific instruction on executive functioning skills like organization and time management.

Q: What grades does PAL serve?

A: PAL currently serves grades 3 through 5.

Q: How do students qualify for PAL?

A: Students that are identified for Highly Capable services in all subject areas qualify for PAL. Students that qualify at a Level 3 are given priority placement, followed by students identified for Level 2 services as space is available. See the Elementary HiCap page on this site for more information about the levels.

Q: When are students tested for Highly Capable/PAL?

A: Students are selected for testing by a committee that screens and reviews data for all second and fifth graders each year, as well as any referrals from other grades that are submitted between October 1 and November 30. All second graders take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) Screener in December to help identify students that may potentially benefit from program services. Additionally, all available data for all fifth graders (iReady scores, SBA scores, etc) is reviewed. Full CogAT testing occurs in January for those students selected for further testing. Placement determinations are made by the committee in February.

Q: PAL is located at Wide Hollow S.T.E.A.M. Elementary. What is a S.T.E.A.M. school?

A: S.T.E.A.M. stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Wide Hollow S.T.E.A.M. Elementary continues to evolve as a school and looks for innovative ways to connect technology, engineering, and the arts to Common Core Standards and 21st Century Science Standards. Wide Hollow has received multiple grants, which have allowed them to build a S.T.E.A.M. Lab where students can explore, innovate, and learn.

Q: Is transportation provided?

A: Yes, the district will provide transportation before and after school for students attending PAL.

Q: What if I have other children in the elementary grades?

A: Siblings of PAL students can also transfer to Wide Hollow S.T.E.A.M. Elementary if space is available in those grade levels. However, district transportation will be be provided for PAL siblings. You will need to arrange for your own transportation. Many families also choose to have the siblings remain at their home school, and the PAL students can be bused there at the end of the day to meet up with them and then go home or to latchkey together.

Q: Is there latchkey for PAL students?

A: Yes, the latchkey programs are housed at each school but run through West Valley Child Care. Contact them at (509)930-7876 for more information.

Q: How can I find out more?

A: Call or email our Highly Capable Program Coordinator, Wendy Clark, anytime with questions about the program at any grade level. Her information can be found at the bottom of this page.

2025-26 pal teachers and principal

If you have any questions about how the PAL program can serve your student or would like to schedule a classroom visit, please contact the Wide Hollow Principal, or any of the program teachers. Clicking on their photo will bring up their names and brief bios. Clicking on their names will connect you to their email.

JANUARI THOMPSON

3rd/4th grade PAL Teacher

Mrs. Thompson is excited to be part of the Wide Hollow PAL team as a 3rd/4th grade teacher. She brings over 15 years of experience teaching in Washington schools, including Warden, Moses Lake, and now Yakima. Throughout her career, she has taught 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade and was honored as Lakeview Elementary’s Employee of the Year in 2023. She is passionate about helping her students develop a growth mindset and become lifelong learners. Mrs. Thompson especially enjoys building strong relationships with her students and their families, and she believes in supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. Outside of school, she loves backpacking, hiking, and spending time with family and friends. She brings her positive attitude and growth mindset into everything she does.

chesney ramynke

4th/5th grade PAL Teacher

Chesney Ramynke is a dedicated educator specializing in highly capable and twice-exceptional students. With a deep personal understanding of their unique needs, Chesney prioritizes building strong relationships to create a supportive and engaging learning environment. By fostering individual exploration and using Project Based Learning (PBL) and differentiation to meet each student where they are, Chesney ensures that every learner feels valued, challenged, and inspired to grow across all academic areas.

Rick Ferguson

Wide Hollow STEAM Elementary Principal

Rick Ferguson is a dedicated and hands-on elementary school leader who is actively involved in every aspect of the school day. With a deep understanding of the needs of highly capable students, he ensures that every learner is challenged and supported. Prioritizing strong relationships, Mr. Ferguson makes it a point to know every student and family, fostering a welcoming and inclusive school community. He was integral in establishing Wide Hollow as a STEAM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Math) school with a dedicated STEAM lab for student and classroom use. Whether in classrooms, hallways, or at recess, he is a visible and engaged presence, committed to creating an environment where all students thrive.

State Fair S.T.E.A.M. Trip

PAL classes having some fun at the Central Washington State Fair, field trip lessons at the Yakima County Courthouse as part of a MicroNations unit, Microsoft trip to Seattle, presentations of final projects, academic competitions, and more.