Welcome to Evergreen Middle School's Leadership/ASB class. You are here because you have an interest in and potential for leading people in a constructive/positive way. Throughout the year we will talk about the many characteristics of a good leader, but the one you should be aware of immediately is the unique characteristic of wanting to be a positive role model. As you will learn, this means many things; most importantly it means that you will perform, in most all areas of your life at Evergreen, at a level that is above and beyond other students. Another way to put it is that more will be expected of you. If this makes you uncomfortable, please talk to me.

Requirements of this Class

You will be required to learn, think about and use (demonstrate) the skills of a good leader. They include but are not limited to: role modeling, planning, making and keeping deadlines, working extra hours when necessary, taking notes, keeping a calendar, communicating/cooperating with others, thinking of others first, caring, keeping your word, admitting your mistake when you have made one and teaching/mentoring others.

Your Trimester Grade

You will build your grade by doing the following:

D = Attend class every day except when absence is excused (according to school policy for excused absences). Arrive on time every day. Stay in the classroom unless you are working on a specific task that requires you to leave the room. Follow classroom rules. Be respectful of needs of others. Be a positive role model wherever you are in the building. Serve as a personal mentor to six of our sixth graders as they start their first year at Evergreen.

C = In addition to 'D' grade requirements, come up with work for yourself to complete every day. Help your assigned group to complete chosen/assigned activities. Do a fair share of your groups work, and do it carefully, thoughtfully and thoroughly so that it reflects positively on other members of your group and this class. At all times, cooperate/communicate with those you will be working with. Communicate all plans and needs in writing to teachers and administrators in advance. Complete an acceptable number of events/activities each trimester for the benefit of your school mates. REMEMBER: If teachers or administrators are nervous or frustrated about any of our activities or plans, we are not doing our job. Let's keep everyone informed of what is going on, and let's do this in writing.

B = In addition to 'D',& 'C' grade requirements, by mid-term of each trimester, read a biography of an individual who is widely seen in our society as a positive and effective leader. Write a brief 1 paragraph summary of the book (be sure to include title and author) and a thoughtful 3 to 5 paragraph reflection on/exploration of your reading as it relates to leadership. Speak at the microphone during an assembly or lunch activity with me observing. Try to never be reminded of your obligations for receiving a ‘D’ or ‘C’ grade.

A = In addition to 'D', 'C' and 'B' grade requirements, work with your group or another group in the class on community service which includes at least two activities per trimester that benefit an approved communtiy agency.

NOTE: While in other classes or at Evergreen activities, avoid and discourage any behavior that might result in detention or a referral to Mr. Parker. Depending on the circumstances and the resulting consequences, you risk receiving a failing grade for the trimester if you are referred to the office.

Goals for ASB/Leadership Activities

The activities that we plan for Evergreen should fit under one of three goals. They should:

a) Help students, teachers, staff, parents get better acquainted;
b) generate a feeling of pride/spirit for each of the grade levels and for the school;
c) give something back to the school, neighborhood, or community.

In summary, as a group we are responsible for "making things happen" at Evergreen. What ever feeling of pride, spirit, community our students feel is up to us. What ever our reputation is with the larger community is in many ways because of our efforts. If nothing happens it is because we are not doing our job.

This is a class that is in the process of being developed. Please be prepared to be flexible because changes will be made as we go.