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HMS Leadership Syllabus
Instructor: Mr. Rodgers, Houck Middle School
School phone: (503)399-3446
Email: Rodgers_Russ@salkeiz.k12.or.us
Equipment: 1.5”-3” binder, 5 dividers, pouch, pencils, pens, highlighters, paper
Congratulations!!! You are in leadership!! I am so excited you are in my class and ready to have an impact on your
community. We are going to contribute in many ways to your school and community. Your talents and skills as a
student leader are essential to making this school inviting and fun for the entire student body. Please read the
following syllabus and expectations carefully, so you know what is asked of you and how you can be successful in
this class. Please also realize that Leadership comes with many privileges and responsibilities; remember to take both
seriously. Let’s have a great year!!
Course Description:
This course is focused on preparing students for leadership opportunities in high school and in the education/work
environment post high school. It offers students the opportunity to develop speaking and writing skills; to improve
confidence, poise; to work with peers of diverse backgrounds and attitudes; to share responsibilities with adults; and
to work with problems of income and expenditures. This class teaches the student about the basics of a democratic
government and parliamentary procedures.
Class Expectations:
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Students are expected to follow school wide campus and class rules at all times.
Respect for the instructor, peers and community partners/volunteers will be shown at all times. This means
that no verbal or physical abuse will be tolerated.
Bathroom passes are required to use the restroom.
All students are expected to come prepared each day to class (this includes the Leadership binder, notebook,
and writing utensils.)
No cell phones are allowed in class unless allowed specifically for a task.
Consequences for rule deviation:
1. Warning
2. Alternate discipline assignment
3. Call home and discussion with parent (s)
4. Conference with principal & counselor and recommendation for removal from Leadership class.
Peer Helper/Mediator Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Free Contract
I understand that being a peer helper/leadership student requires that I make good and healthy choices for
myself. I understand that using alcohol, tobacco or other illegal drugs or being in a place where illegal use is
occurring are not a good decision and that I will do neither if I’m to continue in this program. Furthermore, I
understand that if I do decide to use any of these substances or to be in a place of illegal use, it will be grounds for my
being removed from the program.
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Grading Policy:
The grade will be evaluated as follows:
Citizenship & Service-Includes Community Outreach
Team Activities-Includes Student Store/Recycling
Committee Activities
Self and Peer Assessment
Assignments & Binder
20%
20%
20%
20%
20%
Final Grades will be calculated on the following scale:
Percentage of Total Points
90-100
80-89
70-79
Letter Grade
A
B
C
Eighth Grade Leadership Program Participation Agreement
Participation in the HMS Leadership program represents a commitment on the part of each student, to giving
voluntarily of his/her time, energy, and personal talents toward the programs two objectives:
1. Making Houck Middle School an interesting and enjoyable place to learn
2. Developing individual leadership skills and potential.
What an A, B and C student may look like in the Leadership program:
An “A” Grade =
1. Demonstrated leadership potential both in and out of class.
2. Exemplary conduct and attitude both in and out of class.
3. Significant individual contribution to Leadership projects and morale.
4. Neat and orderly binder and notebook. All papers are in order and Agenda updated regularly
A “B” Grade =
1. Appropriate enthusiasm and participation in Leadership projects and activities.
2. Acceptable conduct and attitude in class and around school. Performs assigned duties satisfactorily, competently
and cheerfully!
3. Binder/notebook is acceptable. Most papers are in order and agenda is used for the Leadership class and events.
A “C” Grade =
1. Displays lack of enthusiasm or participation in Leadership projects and/or activities. (Unmotivated and
complaining)
2. Displays inappropriate conduct or attitude in class or around school; disregard for the HMS discipline policy.
3. Less than satisfactory completion of assigned Leadership duties or lack of cooperation in working with students
and staff members.
4. Binder/notebook is out of order and missing assignments. Agenda is used very little.
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Leadership students are considered by the students, staff and Administration of HMS to be
“model” students; to be held up as examples in both their academic performance and their
personal conduct. Due to the high visibility, personal independence, and responsibility required
of Leadership students, the following limits are placed on each individual’s participation in the
student Leadership program:
Suspension from participation in Leadership class activities will result from:
1. Poor attitude or behavior in any class
2. Inappropriate behavior on or off campus.
3. Lack of participation in Leadership activities
Permanent removal from the Leadership program will result from:
1. Cutting/skipping (any class or whole day)
2. Maintain an overall GPA of 2.50 with no D’s or F’s. Your grades will be monitored and evaluated at the end of
each six weeks
3. Suspension from school.
4. Less than a “C” level of participation in the Leadership program.
Typical Week in Mr. Rodgers Class:
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Monday: Teambuilding, Skill & Leadership Development: On this day we will have a lesson regarding a
particular leadership skill or character development.
Tuesday: Student Council and Committee Day: Opportunity to work with your committee on upcoming
activities and projects. The committee chair will check your committee box daily and retrieve your daily focus
or task.
Wednesday: Parliamentary Meetings: On this day students will focus on learning more about the democratic
process and parliamentary process. It is also the time for the class to go over calendar, expenses, budget and
fundraising. Concerns and questions are also brought up for discussion.
Thursday & Friday: Team and committee day & lunchtime activity setup
Daily Chores: Attendance, Binder Maintenance, Recycling, Classroom Maintenance, Calendar Maintenance,
Money Counting, Posters, Student Store, Peer Helper/Mediation & weekly log maintenance.
Student Store:
I, __________________________________________, agree to behave in an honest and responsible
manner while working in the student store. I agree to be respectful and obedient to the directions
given by Mr. Rodgers in regards to the policies and procedures of the Student Store. I will choose to
be honest and trustworthy (worthy of trust). I also understand that if I choose to be dishonest, steal,
or act unruly in the student store, disciplinary actions will follow and removal from Leadership class
is inevitable. I understand that I will also receive an “F” for the term and face administrative action if
I am caught being dishonest.
Parents and students please sign and return this syllabus.
Students Name_____________________________________
Date__________
Parent’s Signature___________________________________
Date__________