PAL Director

As the Associate Director of Play and Learn (PAL) Preschool, this is my tenth year as an administrator in the Marana Unified School District. I previously served as the Dean of Students and Athletic Director at Marana High School and Associate Principal at Marana Middle School. Prior to that, I taught in the Phoenix Union High School District and the Flowing Wells School District.

I received my Bachelor's degree from Grand Canyon University and my Master's from Northern Arizona University. I have been married for twenty-one years and we have three children.

I am honored to be a part of the Marana community. It is a community I truly love and I enjoy being able to serve and support the teachers, staff, and students. I am incredibly excited to be a part of PAL! We have an amazing team dedicated to serving our youngest learners. I believe in the vital importance of the work we do everyday to help set our students up for success in their K-12 educational journey.

At the PAL Preschool Center, students enjoy a safe and nurturing environment, small class size, and personalized attention from certified teachers and highly trained educational assistants.  Developmentally appropriate activities allow the children to enhance their motor and language skills.  Creative and imaginative play within a structured learning environment provides the foundation for children to build self-esteem and provides positive social experiences.

We have adopted an early childhood curriculum that is research based and aligned with our Arizona Early Learning Standards and Head Start. This curriculum is designed to help our young learners build confidence, be creative, and to develop critical thinking skills. Most importantly, this curriculum is all about play!  It facilitates exploration, inquiry, and hands-on learning.

PAL also implements a program designed to promote life skills that are necessary for school success, academic achievement, positive social relationships, and the development of emotional intelligence.

The PAL team looks forward to a partnership with you in order to provide your child with a positive school experience.

Sincerely,

Sarah Whaley

Associate Director Exceptional Student Services

Play and Learn Preschool Program