L EADERSHIP DEVELOPMEN T
Red Mountain High School
2015-2016
SYLLABUS
Instructor: Ms. Erin Whitaker (Room 223)
Phone: (480) 472-8113
E-mail: eewhitaker@mpsaz.org
Course Description:
Welcome to Red Mountain High School’s Leadership Development class! This course will
emphasize skills such as goal setting, communication, and organization, along with the other
skills it takes to be a good leader both in your school and community. The structure of this class
will consist of group activities (yes, there will be actual assignments), planning for school and
community events, individual projects/goals, and the learning and practicing of leadership
qualities/skills both as a group and as individuals. Remember, this course is based on the belief
that good leaders are developed—not born. As such, the focus of this class will be to give you
the tools you need to become great leaders.
Typical Leadership Development Week:
Monday – Leadership Lesson Day
Tuesday – Work Day
Wednesday – Work Day
Thursday – Business Meeting Day (with StudCo)
Friday – Team Building Activity Day
*** This schedule is subject to change due to special projects, guest speakers, trips,
special events, etc.
Year Goals:
By the end of the year, students should:
 Demonstrate the commitment and responsibility behind being a leader inside and outside
the school community.
 Function as a business professional during meetings by following Robert’s Rules of
Order.
 Work together to build cooperation and spirit at Red Mountain High School.
 Demonstrate proper public speaking skills in both professional and non-professional
capacities.
Materials Needed:
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Folder
Spiral Notebook
Writing Utensils
Positive Attitude!
***Students will also be checking out a copy of the book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens by
Sean Covey to be used for leadership lessons and activities.
Grading Policy:
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Leadership Lessons/Activities
Large Projects
Attendance/Effort/Participation
20%
40%
40%
Attendance Policy:
Students are expected to be in class on time and, while in class, to be on task. Excessive absences will
affect a students’ grade. If a student is gone more than TEN classes in a semester, he or she may lose
class credit.
Classroom Conduct:
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Show Respect and Responsibility.
When a speaker is up front facilitating a discussion or activity, you are expected to have your
chair turned and facing the front, to stay seated and follow along (rather than engaged in private
conversations or other activities, including eating.) You are also expected to raise your hand and
wait to be called on.
If you run out of tasks to do, you are expected to find something related to the class to work on.
For instance, you could begin planning for future events or assist others. This is NOT a study
hall. Don’t expect to work on your other work in this class, especially since we are only meeting
an average of two days a week.
Maintain a positive classroom environment— use clean, positive, and constructive language!
It is important that the room is left clean when the bell rings. This means that posters are rolled
up and stored, trash is picked up, paints are put away, etc.
Remember, you are a representative of this school. Act in a positive manner at all times.
Student-Parent Information and Syllabus Agreement Form
After reading Ms. Whitaker’s syllabus, please complete the following information:
I have read the syllabus, and I understand Ms. Whitaker’s policies. I do not have any questions or
concerns at this time.
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Parent Printed Name
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Student Printed Name
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Parent Signature
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Student Signature
Is there anything specific that you would like me to know about your child?
________________________________________________________________________________________
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Preferred E-mail Address(es): ________________________________________________________________
Preferred Contact Phone Number(s): __________________________________________________________
I will communicate about all grade issues and any minor behavior issues promptly via your provided email address. If you prefer a different form of contact, please indicate below. Phone contact will be done
after school, and there may be some “phone tag” lapse time in communication.