PROS (PEERS REACHING OUT AND SHARING)

Description: PROS is a part of the Texas PAL (Peer Assistance & Leadership) program which trains high school juniors and seniors to serve the community in a variety of ways. Westwood PROS are selected after a rigorous application process and agree to serve as peer role models to other students. A majority of the PROS time is spent working with younger students in the elementary and middle schools which feed into Westwood. PROS might work one-on-one with a student, help a teacher in a classroom, tutor a small group of students, or be a friend to a student identified as "at risk." Among the other programs PROS are trained to facilitate are the D.A.R.E. program, the TATU (Teens Against Tobacco Use), and alcohol prevention programs (in association with M.A.D.D.). PROS have an annual weekend retreat and have been asked to facilitate at large scale events such as the Texas PAL Convention and the TATU Youth Summit in the spring. PROS is a state credit course which meets during the school day.

Sponsor(s): Mike Kristan (903, phone 464-4182) and Janet Kirk (212, phone 464-4021)

Membership Requirements: Members are selected in the spring semester of each year. Students must be sophomores or juniors to apply.

Meeting Day & Time: Students must be able to take the PROS class (usually during 7th block and "C" Lunch) as an elective during the school day.

Commitment: Students must be committed to fulfilling all responsibilities of the PORS, which may change from year to year depending on community and school needs, as well as maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes being tobacco, drug, and alcohol free.

Fees: Total of $120.00, which can be waived for financial need ($80 Retreat; $30 T-Shirt; $10 Pizza Parties)

Fund-raiser: Two fundraisers each year support PROS programs, projects, retreat, and materials for our services (participation is any fundraisers in required).