MPCSD’s Play and Learn Studio (PALS) program at Oak Knoll wins 2026 Kent Award

The Play and Learn Studio (PALS) program at Oak Knoll Elementary School in Menlo Park has been selected as a recipient of a 2026 Kent Award by the San Mateo County School Boards Association (SMCSBA). This award recognizes outstanding programs that demonstrate innovation and success in California public education.

PALS is a K–5 program that acts as a bridge between social-emotional theory and classroom reality. Utilizing a workshop model of a mini-lesson, open-ended play, and reflection, PALS approaches play with the same intentionality and curriculum design as core academic instruction. The program builds social skills, peer relationships, and cooperative play, providing real-time coaching on self-regulation and conflict resolution.

“PALS has proven that the joy of play is actually the strongest foundation for academic readiness,” said Oak Knoll Principal Alicia Payton-Miyazaki. “By giving students a dedicated space to actively practice vital skills, we are seeing powerful academic and behavioral results across our campus.”

The Play and Learn Studio has successfully scaled its practices across the Oak Knoll site and is currently training all school sites within MPCSD, with instructional guides and a research framework available for other schools wishing to replicate the low-to-moderate cost program.

InMenlo file photo (c) 2026