Leadership

True leaders seek responsibility, not attention.

Objective:

To better know yourself in an effort to develop and strengthen such skills as organization, time and stress management, goal setting, problem solving, communication and teamwork; thus becoming a stronger leader. 

Books for this class:

Life Strategies for Teens, Jay McGraw

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, Stephen Covey

A Place to Stand, Earl Reum ($7 cost to student, cash or check to made to school)

Expectations:

1.        It is expected that all rules in the GIHS student handbook will be followed at all times. 

2.       All assignments and activities will be done with the highest level of quality and enthusiasm. 

3.        All assignments are expected to be turned in ON TIME. 

4.       You will come to class with an open mind, prepared to do strange things, ready to share reactions and feelings in an effort to not only learn but apply the lesson being taught. 

5.       You will be respectful of those around you.  This includes honoring their chance to speak, respecting opinions other than your own, and not repeating everything you hear as fuel for the “rumor mill”.  You do not need to share the opinion of others in the class; however, you do need to be respectful at all times. 

6.        You will remain honest and trustworthy at all times.  Cheating and lying will not help you become a better leader!  Hard work and participation will. 

Requirements:

1. Since this class is so participation oriented, it is important that you be here whenever possible.  Although many activities and assignments will be able to be made up, the discussion element cannot.  If you do miss an assignment, you will have the number of days missed added to the assignment due date.  For example, one day missed will give you one extra day to complete the assignment.  If you run into a problem, see me ASAP!
2. You will need a binder with dividers.  You should have sections for your journal, handouts, returned assignments and blank paper.  You should bring this to class every day as well as a writing utensil and agenda every day.  If we are reading a book, you will also need to bring that as well as any assignments due that day.
3. You will be given a journal question, quote or thought to write about almost every day.  To get full credit for this portion of your grade, you will need to complete approximately 75 entries by the end of the semester. 
4. You will need to choose a service project to be a part of at some point in the first quarter.  It needs to be approved by me or you risk not getting credit.  A service project is one in which you do not receive compensation and does not help yourself, your friends, or your family directly.  I have a lot of ideas if you need one!

Once completing your project, you will need to complete a project analysis in order to get credit. 

5. You will have several take home projects, including the mid-term and final project.  Some may be done with a partner; some are to be completed individually.  Please follow instructions carefully for these and make sure you complete them on time.  If you run into a problem, you should tell me as soon as you know, not the day it is due!  I can’t help you if I don’t know about the problem. 

 Grading

To receive an A in this course, you must do at least the following:

• Complete a minimum of 75 journal entries.
• Complete an approved service project and analysis of the project during the third quarter. 
• Fully participate in all class activities and discussions. 
• Complete your copy of “A Place to Stand”.
• Complete reading assignments and accompanying work. 
• Complete all homework.
• Complete all assigned take home projects.
• Complete the midterm and final projects. 

In this class, “completion” implies that all work has been done to the highest quality and taken very seriously.  Just turning in the work will not guarantee you an A.  It must be evident that the work you’ve done is your best. 

All assignments will be given a point value and the unified grading scale will be used to determine your semester grade.  If you have questions about a grade or something posted on student connect, please let me know as soon as possible. 

This is a class in which the amount of time, effort, participation and enthusiasm you put in will directly determine what you get in return.  This goes beyond grades.  If you truly want to grow as a person, you have the opportunity, if you are willing to put in the effort!

I am really excited to teach this class!  I am hoping that you learn many things that you will use throughout your high school and college careers and beyond.  I am also hoping that you can approach each day with a great attitude because that will make all the difference! 

If you need to contact me for any reason, please feel free to email or call.  You can also access information, (from this sheet, for assignments, quotes, etc.) on my webpage.