The goal of this course is to build leadership skills in Upper School students, primarily seniors. In addition to building lifelong skills in leading and working with others, the students use these skills as “Link Leaders” to mentor freshmen in order to increase a sense of community, improve school climate, and help freshmen successfully transition to high school. During the spring semester, students will also help prepare future Link Leaders, and shift to a larger focus on school and community wide service. The course curriculum contains seven units of study which include:

• Teambuilding/Climate Building (intervention, conflict resolution, consensus building, paradigm shift, and building relationships)

• Organization (goal setting, project planning, time management, agenda development, prioritization, and +/Δ system)

• Leadership (concept of leadership vs. management, leadership characteristics, leadership styles, levels of leadership, mission statements, situational leadership, group development, skill tracking, bringing about change, and problem solving)

• Communication Skills (interpersonal, intrapersonal, speaking, listening, writing, persuading, phone, multi-media/technology, non-verbal)

• Academic Follow Ups (large and small group presentation, discussion leading techniques, storytelling, classroom management, non-verbal communication, and coaching/process observing in preparation for leading lessons in freshman classes that follow up on the messages delivered at Freshmen Orientation)

• Personal Development (reflection, health and balance)

• Personality Profiling and Learning Styles

 

Required Supplies:

1. Students should have a binders and writing supplies

2. Link Crew T-Shirt (to be returned at the end of the school year)

3. CPHS Agenda Book

 

Work Requirements:

1. All assigned work must be completed and turned in on time.

2. If a student is absent, it is his/her own responsibility to obtain make-up work

3. Students must participate in Link Crew activities with freshmen unless cleared by the teacher

 

Work Habits grade will be determined by:

1. Consistent effort and attention

2. Having required supplies daily and following class routines

3. Maintaining good attendance, avoiding unnecessary absences and tardiness

 

Cooperation grade will be determined by:

1. Consistently maintaining courteous relations with others

2. Respecting school rules including no food or electronic equipment visible in the classroom

3. Participation in classroom and activities with freshman

 

Academic Grades:

Calculated by percentage of total possible points earned

100%-90% = A 89%-80% = B 79%-70% = C

69%-60% = D 59% and below is a fail

 

Class Rules:

1. Be in class and ready to learn before the tardy bell rings

2. Respect others

3. Use appropriate language at appropriate volume

4. Have your supplies

5. Stay on task, participating in all class activities

6. Follow the school rules of Canoga Park High School

 

Failure to follow the rules will result in loss of points and appropriate disciplinary action

 

This will be a productive and memorable year for the students. We will also be working to make it a successful one.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, the most efficient way to contact me is through the school website.