Frequently Asked Questions
Placement Assessments
Program Specific Questions
- How does placement for Dabka work?
- All Dabka registrants are required to come to our center one week before the program begins for a placement assessment. This evaluation ensures that each child is placed in a class that matches their skill level and age group for the entire year. During this assessment, our Dabka Program Directors and teachers will evaluate the students based on the Dabka moves they know and have mastered. Each class level has a specific set of moves, and students will be placed accordingly to ensure they are grouped with peers of similar abilities.
- All Dabka registrants are required to come to our center one week before the program begins for a placement assessment. This evaluation ensures that each child is placed in a class that matches their skill level and age group for the entire year. During this assessment, our Dabka Program Directors and teachers will evaluate the students based on the Dabka moves they know and have mastered. Each class level has a specific set of moves, and students will be placed accordingly to ensure they are grouped with peers of similar abilities.
- How does placement for Arabic work?
- Similar to the Dabka program, all Arabic program registrants will be required to come to our center one week before the program starts for placement testing. This ensures that each student is placed in a class that best matches their skill level. Our Arabic Program Director and teachers have developed tests designed to accurately assess each student’s skills and abilities, which will help in placing them in the appropriate class.
- Similar to the Dabka program, all Arabic program registrants will be required to come to our center one week before the program starts for placement testing. This ensures that each student is placed in a class that best matches their skill level. Our Arabic Program Director and teachers have developed tests designed to accurately assess each student’s skills and abilities, which will help in placing them in the appropriate class.
- Do placements work by age or by level?
- Placements in each class are determined by both skill level and age. We first assess each child’s skill level and group them accordingly. Additionally, we consider their age to ensure they are placed in the appropriate age group after evaluating their skill level.
- Placements in each class are determined by both skill level and age. We first assess each child’s skill level and group them accordingly. Additionally, we consider their age to ensure they are placed in the appropriate age group after evaluating their skill level.
- Do you do assessments throughout the year for programs? How do these work?
- All instructors assess the progress of their students through progress reports, assessments, and testing.
- All instructors assess the progress of their students through progress reports, assessments, and testing.
- Do you evaluate your instructors?
- We conduct regular evaluations of all instructors throughout the year. During each session (fall, winter, and spring), instructors are evaluated three times, and evaluation forms are completed based on their performance. These evaluations contribute to a comprehensive report that assesses the effectiveness of each program.Based on these evaluations and reports, we make necessary adjustments and improvements to ensure program quality. Additionally, we hold individual meetings with instructors to address any concerns and provide support, with particular attention given to instructors who may be struggling.
- We conduct regular evaluations of all instructors throughout the year. During each session (fall, winter, and spring), instructors are evaluated three times, and evaluation forms are completed based on their performance. These evaluations contribute to a comprehensive report that assesses the effectiveness of each program.Based on these evaluations and reports, we make necessary adjustments and improvements to ensure program quality. Additionally, we hold individual meetings with instructors to address any concerns and provide support, with particular attention given to instructors who may be struggling.
- What are the goals of your programs?
- At PACC, all of our programs are aligned with our mission: to sustain and strengthen ties to Palestinian heritage while empowering the success and well-being of our community. By offering a wide range of programs that focus on Palestinian culture, education, and heritage, we help our community stay connected to their roots, preserving our rich traditions, especially for those in the diaspora.
- Each of our programs is designed with a specific purpose:
- Palestine Education Programs (e.g., HOPE or Freedom is the Future): These programs provide participants with a deep understanding of their role in the Palestinian struggle, offering an overview of Palestinian history, strategies to counter opposition, and insights on how Palestine intersects with broader social justice movements.
- Dabka Program: This program connects participants to their Palestinian heritage through Dabka, fostering a sense of community while enhancing their dance skills.
- Arabic Programs: Our goal is to inspire a love and appreciation for the Arabic language by teaching participants to read, write, and speak Arabic. We aim to connect the youth with their native tongue and cultivate a deep affection for the language from a young age.
- Homework Help Program: This program empowers students in kindergarten through 8th grade with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed academically and continuously improve.
- English and Arabic Conversation Classes: These classes help participants gain confidence in speaking languages they are less familiar with, enabling them to feel more comfortable in public spaces.
- Citizenship Class: Designed to support individuals preparing for the U.S. Citizenship Exam, this class provides study resources, practice exams, English and Arabic applications, and guidance throughout the naturalization process. While PACC’s class does not grant citizenship, it fully prepares participants for the exam.
- Soccer and Basketball Programs: These programs teach the fundamental skills and rules of soccer and basketball to the youth in our community. Participants practice drills, learn new techniques, and engage in scrimmages. Although we are not part of an official league, students can enjoy competitive play with each other.
- Cooking Class: This program introduces children to simple Palestinian recipes, offering them the chance to learn cooking skills in our new kitchen while reconnecting with their cultural heritage.
- Sewing Class: Aimed at beginners, this course provides participants with essential skills such as hemming, altering, and sewing their own clothing. Participants also learn how to use sewing machines and various stitching techniques.
- Computer Classes: This program introduces students to basic computer skills and technology, including the use of Microsoft Office, Google Drive, Zoom, and other internet applications, helping them navigate the digital world effectively.
- Palestine Education Programs (e.g., HOPE or Freedom is the Future): These programs provide participants with a deep understanding of their role in the Palestinian struggle, offering an overview of Palestinian history, strategies to counter opposition, and insights on how Palestine intersects with broader social justice movements.
- At PACC, all of our programs are aligned with our mission: to sustain and strengthen ties to Palestinian heritage while empowering the success and well-being of our community. By offering a wide range of programs that focus on Palestinian culture, education, and heritage, we help our community stay connected to their roots, preserving our rich traditions, especially for those in the diaspora.
- What is the age range for the programs you offer?
- Our programs are available for participants as young as 3 years old, with no upper age limit. For a detailed overview of the programs offered for each age group, please refer to our program booklets.
- Our programs are available for participants as young as 3 years old, with no upper age limit. For a detailed overview of the programs offered for each age group, please refer to our program booklets.
- What is the difference between session-long and Annual programming?
- We offer three programs as part of our Annual Programming—Homework Help, Youth Dabka, and Youth Arabic. These year-long programs run throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Parents only need to register their child(ren) once, at the beginning of the fall session in September, with the registration lasting until the end of the spring session in June.
- On the other hand, we continue to offer a variety of seasonal (session-long) programs. These programs allow participants of all ages to engage without the commitment of a full-year program. Examples include Cooking, Basketball, Soccer, Sewing, Conversation, and many more!
- We offer three programs as part of our Annual Programming—Homework Help, Youth Dabka, and Youth Arabic. These year-long programs run throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Parents only need to register their child(ren) once, at the beginning of the fall session in September, with the registration lasting until the end of the spring session in June.
- Why did you create annual programming?
- We developed our Annual Programs for several key reasons. First, consistent participation in Dabka or Arabic throughout the year enables students to strengthen their skills and advance more smoothly from one level to the next. Many of our previous Dabka and Arabic students were recurring participants across sessions, so this new structure helps streamline the registration process and reduces the chances of missed or forgotten payments. Another benefit of the Annual Programs is the opportunity to foster a strong sense of community among students. By staying with the same group for the entire year, students build lasting relationships and experience a greater sense of comfort and connection in each class. Lastly, by maintaining a consistent group of students throughout the year, PACC can offer the annual program at a more affordable rate than session-based programming.
- We developed our Annual Programs for several key reasons. First, consistent participation in Dabka or Arabic throughout the year enables students to strengthen their skills and advance more smoothly from one level to the next. Many of our previous Dabka and Arabic students were recurring participants across sessions, so this new structure helps streamline the registration process and reduces the chances of missed or forgotten payments. Another benefit of the Annual Programs is the opportunity to foster a strong sense of community among students. By staying with the same group for the entire year, students build lasting relationships and experience a greater sense of comfort and connection in each class. Lastly, by maintaining a consistent group of students throughout the year, PACC can offer the annual program at a more affordable rate than session-based programming.
- Is Homework Help similar to private tutoring?
- Our Homework Help program does not provide one-on-one tutoring. Instead, it offers general support with daily homework in subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, and other general areas. If your child requires more individualized assistance or is struggling significantly with a particular subject, we recommend seeking private tutoring.
- Our Homework Help program does not provide one-on-one tutoring. Instead, it offers general support with daily homework in subjects such as Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, and other general areas. If your child requires more individualized assistance or is struggling significantly with a particular subject, we recommend seeking private tutoring.
- How do you ensure that programs are running smoothly and are achieving their overall purpose/ goal?
- We ensure the smooth operation of our programs through instructor evaluations, observations, and feedback collection. Feedback is gathered in several ways, including verbally from parents, participants, and instructors. At PACC, we highly value feedback and encourage our community members to share their insights whenever they feel improvements are needed. Additionally, we send out surveys at the start, mid-point, and end of each session to parents and participants, allowing for continuous feedback throughout the program. We also hold regular meetings with our instructors throughout the year to gain their perspectives and make any necessary adjustments based on their experiences
- We ensure the smooth operation of our programs through instructor evaluations, observations, and feedback collection. Feedback is gathered in several ways, including verbally from parents, participants, and instructors. At PACC, we highly value feedback and encourage our community members to share their insights whenever they feel improvements are needed. Additionally, we send out surveys at the start, mid-point, and end of each session to parents and participants, allowing for continuous feedback throughout the program. We also hold regular meetings with our instructors throughout the year to gain their perspectives and make any necessary adjustments based on their experiences
- Can I register for only one session or do I need to register for all three?
- For those interested in our seasonal programs—such as Cooking, Sewing, English/Arabic Conversation, Citizenship, Basketball, Soccer, or Computer—you have the option to register for just one session. These programs run for 6, 8, or 10 weeks, depending on the season, with registration renewing at the end of each session. For example, registration for our Fall 2024 session is currently open, and the session will run for 10 weeks until the end of December. At that point, registration will reopen for the Winter session in January, and you can choose whether to renew or not register again.
- For those interested in our annual programming, you will automatically be enrolled in all three sessions. You cannot register for only one session– once you enroll in the fall, you will be registered until the end of the spring session in June.
- For those interested in our seasonal programs—such as Cooking, Sewing, English/Arabic Conversation, Citizenship, Basketball, Soccer, or Computer—you have the option to register for just one session. These programs run for 6, 8, or 10 weeks, depending on the season, with registration renewing at the end of each session. For example, registration for our Fall 2024 session is currently open, and the session will run for 10 weeks until the end of December. At that point, registration will reopen for the Winter session in January, and you can choose whether to renew or not register again.
- Do you allow people to register in person?
- Yes, we do offer in-person registration at our center. If you encounter any difficulties registering through our website or are confused by the process, we are happy to assist you either in person or over the phone. Registration for our programs remains open for up to two weeks after the start date. While we encourage advance registration through our website, you can also register on the first day of the program or get assistance with registration beforehand, either in person or over the phone. Please note that if you register in person, especially on the program's first day, payment will be required immediately.
- Yes, we do offer in-person registration at our center. If you encounter any difficulties registering through our website or are confused by the process, we are happy to assist you either in person or over the phone. Registration for our programs remains open for up to two weeks after the start date. While we encourage advance registration through our website, you can also register on the first day of the program or get assistance with registration beforehand, either in person or over the phone. Please note that if you register in person, especially on the program's first day, payment will be required immediately.
- Why do you need to register for PACC Family Discount to enroll in Annual Programming?
- We have structured our Annual Programming pricing to align with the discounted rates available to PACC Family Discount members for session-long programming. Therefore, enrollment in our Annual Programs requires registration for the PACC Family Discount.
- We have structured our Annual Programming pricing to align with the discounted rates available to PACC Family Discount members for session-long programming. Therefore, enrollment in our Annual Programs requires registration for the PACC Family Discount.
- What is the price for registering for only one session?
- For our session-long programs, pricing varies based on the specific program, its duration, and the frequency of sessions each week. Some programs meet once a week for one hour, while others may run for an hour and a half or two hours. Detailed information about each program, including timing and pricing, is available in our Fall 2024 Program Booklet. Please refer to the relevant age group page to find the specific pricing information.
- For our annual programs, pricing covers the entire year and depends on the specific program. For more details on annual program pricing, please consult the pricing pages in our Annual 2024-2025 Program Booklet.
- For our session-long programs, pricing varies based on the specific program, its duration, and the frequency of sessions each week. Some programs meet once a week for one hour, while others may run for an hour and a half or two hours. Detailed information about each program, including timing and pricing, is available in our Fall 2024 Program Booklet. Please refer to the relevant age group page to find the specific pricing information.
- How do payments for programs work? Can I pay in person or only online?
- All programs must be paid for by the first day of the program, with no exceptions.
- For seasonal programs, payment is required at the time of registration through our website. If you prefer to pay by cash or check, you can register and pay in person at our center either before the program starts or on the first day. Please note, participation in the program will not be permitted until payment is made in full.
- Annual program payments operate differently. Payment is not due immediately upon registration. Instead, your child will first be placed in the appropriate class (whether Dabka or Arabic), after which you will receive an email with your balance due. There are two payment options:
- Online Payment: You will receive a payment link via email along with your total balance, allowing you to pay online (this is our preferred method).
- In-Person Payment: You may also pay by check or cash in person at our center.
- Online Payment: You will receive a payment link via email along with your total balance, allowing you to pay online (this is our preferred method).
- All programs must be paid for by the first day of the program, with no exceptions.
- Do you guys offer payment plans?
- We do not offer payment plans for session-long programming. However, for annual programming, payment plans are available for those unable to pay the full balance by the first day of the program. Enrollment in the payment plan can be completed on the first day of the program, with subsequent payments due every three months.
- If you choose to do a payment plan, a credit card must be kept on file. While the card will not be charged until the payment due date, having it on file helps ensure timely payments and prevents any missed or forgotten payments.
- In specific cases, program financial assistance can be provided for those who need it. If you have any special circumstances, please email [email protected].
- We do not offer payment plans for session-long programming. However, for annual programming, payment plans are available for those unable to pay the full balance by the first day of the program. Enrollment in the payment plan can be completed on the first day of the program, with subsequent payments due every three months.
- What is PACC Family Discount and how do I benefit from PACC Family Discount?
- The PACC Family Discount (PFD) program offers members discounted pricing on programs and a range of other benefits. To enroll, simply provide the names, ages, and contact information for everyone in your household and pay an annual fee of $100 per household. Once you pay this fee, you will have access to all of PFD’s perks, including:
- Exclusive access to all of our annual programming (Dabka and Arabic),
- Free access to our Homework Help program throughout the school year (September to May)
- Free access to our Palestine Education Programming (HOPE in the Fall and Freedom is the Future in the Spring)
- $25 off all session-long programs
- Discounted access to our community workshops for all adults and children in your household,
- Free access to our emotional support circles!
- Exclusive access to all of our annual programming (Dabka and Arabic),
- The PACC Family Discount (PFD) program offers members discounted pricing on programs and a range of other benefits. To enroll, simply provide the names, ages, and contact information for everyone in your household and pay an annual fee of $100 per household. Once you pay this fee, you will have access to all of PFD’s perks, including:
Program Specific Questions
- Is there a curriculum or established lesson plan for each class?
- We have developed comprehensive lesson plans for all of our programs, including both Annual and Seasonal offerings.
- For our Seasonal programs—such as Cooking, Conversation Classes, Citizenship, Sewing, and others—we have created weekly plans with detailed lessons and execution strategies. These plans are designed to provide structure for each class and ensure that students are continuously learning. They also help align our classes with PACC’s overarching mission.
- In our Dabka program, we have established week-by-week lesson plans for each class level, from Beginner to Advanced, covering the entire year (from fall to spring). During the fall session, each week focuses on learning a new move appropriate to the class level. In the winter and spring sessions, students concentrate on mastering these moves and crafting a routine. The culmination of their efforts will be showcased at the annual Dabka Recital, typically held at the end of June.
- Similarly, our Arabic program features week-by-week lesson plans for each class level. The curriculum progresses from teaching basic aspects of the Arabic alphabet to more advanced language skills, including complex sentence construction and accent incorporation, as students advance from beginner to advanced levels.
- We have developed comprehensive lesson plans for all of our programs, including both Annual and Seasonal offerings.
- Do placements work by age or by level?
- Placements in each class are determined by both skill level and age. We first assess each child’s skill level and group them accordingly. Additionally, we consider their age to ensure they are placed in the appropriate age group after evaluating their skill level.
- Placements in each class are determined by both skill level and age. We first assess each child’s skill level and group them accordingly. Additionally, we consider their age to ensure they are placed in the appropriate age group after evaluating their skill level.
- Is your Arabic Conversation class teaching the Alphabet?
- Our Arabic Conversation class for adults focuses on conversational Arabic rather than teaching the Arabic alphabet and language fundamentals. This class is designed for individuals who already have a foundational knowledge of Arabic. Its aim is to help participants master the language, enhancing their confidence and comfort in speaking Arabic in social settings and various situations.
- Our Arabic Conversation class for adults focuses on conversational Arabic rather than teaching the Arabic alphabet and language fundamentals. This class is designed for individuals who already have a foundational knowledge of Arabic. Its aim is to help participants master the language, enhancing their confidence and comfort in speaking Arabic in social settings and various situations.
- Do I need to know a little bit of Arabic before joining the Arabic Conversation class?
- We recommend that only individuals with a foundational understanding of the Arabic language register for our Arabic Conversation class for adults. For those who do not yet have a basic grasp of Arabic, we suggest enrolling in our virtual Arabic class, “Lingua Verna,” available on our website.
- We recommend that only individuals with a foundational understanding of the Arabic language register for our Arabic Conversation class for adults. For those who do not yet have a basic grasp of Arabic, we suggest enrolling in our virtual Arabic class, “Lingua Verna,” available on our website.
- Are your Homework Help tutors licensed?
- Our Homework Help tutors are not licensed teachers; however, most are college students with experience working with children and a strong academic record in their own studies. We conduct thorough interviews to ensure that all tutors possess the necessary skills, abilities, and qualifications to effectively support our students.
- Our Homework Help tutors are not licensed teachers; however, most are college students with experience working with children and a strong academic record in their own studies. We conduct thorough interviews to ensure that all tutors possess the necessary skills, abilities, and qualifications to effectively support our students.
- Do you allow the opportunity for parents to meet with teachers throughout the program year?
- We hold Parent-Teacher conferences twice a year for our Arabic program. These conferences provide an excellent opportunity for parents to meet with the Arabic Program Director and instructors, discuss the program's progress, and observe their child(ren) in class.
- While Parent-Teacher conferences are not offered for our other Annual and Seasonal programs, we encourage parents to reach out if they have any concerns or wish to schedule a one-on-one meeting with instructors. We are committed to accommodating these requests to ensure that parents feel informed, comfortable, and satisfied with their child’s experience.
- We hold Parent-Teacher conferences twice a year for our Arabic program. These conferences provide an excellent opportunity for parents to meet with the Arabic Program Director and instructors, discuss the program's progress, and observe their child(ren) in class.
- Are there opportunities for parents to provide feedback for your programming?
- As mentioned, we send out surveys at the start, middle, and end of each session (fall, winter, and spring). In addition to these formal surveys, we actively encourage informal feedback through verbal interactions at our center, phone calls, emails, and messaging. We highly value feedback as it is crucial for the continuous growth and improvement of our programs.
- As mentioned, we send out surveys at the start, middle, and end of each session (fall, winter, and spring). In addition to these formal surveys, we actively encourage informal feedback through verbal interactions at our center, phone calls, emails, and messaging. We highly value feedback as it is crucial for the continuous growth and improvement of our programs.