Abraham Lincoln Middle School EAGLE AWARD Selma Unified School District 1239 Nelson Blvd. Selma, California 93662 Phone: (559) 898-6600 Fax: (559) 896-0733 FOREWORD Goals are important. They serve as our “guidance system” as we travel through life. They provide direction and meaning for what we do. They are “check points” to gauge our accomplishments and progress. Goals are personal and vary greatly from person to person. Our goals are determined by our desires, dreams, aspirations, abilities, resources and values. But, the MOST important thing about goals is that we have them and that we know what our goals are. Without goals, we are like a ship without a compass, with no particular destination. The EAGLE AWARD is about goals. It presents a worthy challenge for students; one that is attainable by a majority of our students. It presents a goal for teachers and parents, for the philosophy, structure and criteria describe what we hope will be the outcome of our educational program. This is not simply an award to recognize deserving students. It is intended to be both “a compass” and a “destination” for all. The following outlines the intention of this booklet: (1) to establish the basis for a common perception among parents, teachers and students as to what the award is and what is required, and (2) to establish definite ground rules to ensure consistency and fairness in interpreting the components of the award. Much of the content of this booklet, in fact, is the result of questions that have been raised over the past years of implementation at other school sites. We appreciate the input and participation as we work to make the concept of this award meaningful to students and an important thread in the fabric of our educational program. Wayne Dixon, Principal PHILOSOPHICAL STATEMENT The school plays an important role in preparing students to lead successful and happy lives. This entails much more than merely teaching skills and imparting knowledge. The school must also provide a wide range of experiences for students and a framework within which their attitudes toward themselves and their environment can take shape. In essence, the school is a laboratory where students should assume a variety of roles and engage in diverse experiences in order to explore and develop the many facets of their unique personalities and talents. It stands to reason that a student who has had a broad base of participation in school activities and who has learned HOW to participate in a variety of settings will have a better understanding of personal interests and abilities than one who has not. Moreover, there is strong evidence to suggest that such a student will be more apt to develop poise, self- confidence, and well-roundness; which are essential ingredients in exercising freedom of choice and decision-making as an adult. This is what the EAGLE AWARD is all about. The award has four functions. First, it is a vehicle to motivate students to become active participants in the activities of their school. Second, it is a blueprint for parents and teachers to use in planning, encouraging and setting goals with students regarding their involvement in school activities and programs. Third, it establishes some definition of what a responsible, well-rounded individual is and is a means of affirming that the nurturing of such an individual is important. Fourth, it is a significant form of recognition for students who have met the criteria for the different levels of the award. Planning and commitment are the key factors in earning this award, not necessarily ability and talent. This handbook outlines the criteria for achieving the EAGLE AWARD. We hope that it will be useful to parents, teachers and students working together in the pursuit of this worthwhile goal. OVERVIEW The EAGLE AWARD is the highest award a student may earn at Abraham Lincoln Middle School. The EAGLE AWARD is available to all students and is awarded at the year. The criteria for earning this award reflect a broad base of participation, achievement, and service. The purpose of this award is to recognize those well-rounded individuals who exemplify the qualities that ALMS hopes to foster in all of its students, namely: (1) the desire for self-improvement; (2) dedication and commitment in reaching for goals; (3) concern for and service to others; and (4) the willingness to be a positive role model to others. A student need not be a superstar to earn this award; however, a student must be an active and enthusiastic participant in the activities of the school, engaged in the pursuit of excellence and meet certain standards of achievement and performance. It is our hope that all students will actively pursue this award, making it a part of their planning for their total school experience. Whether or not the student actually receives the award, striving for it will hopefully enrich and enhance the student’s educational foundation. POINTS REQUIRED Points needed by the End of 2nd semester 30 points In the sections that follow, specific guidelines and requirements governing the earning of points in each category are discussed. We encourage parents and teachers to work closely with students in planning and setting goals. IT IS THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE POINTS VERIFIED BY A TEACHER'S INITIALS ON THE EAGLE AWARD VERIFICATION FORM. ONLY TEACHERS THAT ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SUPERVISING A PARTICULAR ACTIVITY MAY VERIFY STUDENT PARTICIPATION, e.g. CHOIR MAY BE VERIFIED ONLY BY THE CHOIR TEACHER. FORMS WILL BE TURNED INTO THE OFFICE FOR VALIDATION AND RETURNED TO THE STUDENT AT THE END OF EACH SEMESTER. Area I: CURRICULAR GOALS Curricular Goals Possible Points 1st Sem. Principal’s Honor Roll A Honor Roll B Honor Roll PE Testing/Fitness Gram 5 4 3 3/4 ********* 2nd Sem. Verified by Total Category Points Verified by SEMESTER TOTAL HONOR ROLL Students earn points by achieving Honor Roll status each semester. Principal’s Honor 5 points each semester 3.8 - 4.0 A Honor Roll 4 points each semester 3.5-3.79 B Honor Roll 2 points each semester 3.0-3.49 PE TESTING Students earn points by achieving Super Fit level (4 pts.) or exceed grade level (3 pts.) on the Fitness Gram Test. Area II: ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOR Perfect Attendance 4pts = Perfect attendance 2pts = No more than 2 excused absences & 0 unexcused absences No Referrals = 4 pts Attendance / Behavior Attendance Referrals Possible Points 4/2 4 1st Sem. 2nd Sem. Verified by ********* Total Category Points Verified by SEMESTER TOTAL ATTENDANCE AND BEHAVIOR Recognition at Academic Awards will be given at the end of each Semester. All students with perfect attendance will receive four points for each Semester that they had perfect attendance. Students with 1-2 excused absences will earn two points. All students with no referrals for the school year will receive four points. Points are awarded in this category in recognition of the fact that faithful and regular attendance in school is an important factor in a student’s progress, achievement, and success. Therefore, attendance and behavior is one of the factors associated with being an Eagle Award winner. Area III: ACADEMIC ACTIVITIES Bonus point awarded for each 1st place, superior, or sweepstakes finish Activity Possible Points 1st Sem. History Day Essay/Poster Contest Spelling Bee Petition Points Science fair Young authors fair 3/5 1/2 2/3 1-3 3/5 1/2 ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* ********* 2nd Sem. Verified by Total Category Points Verified by SEMESTER TOTAL Instructors for each activity will award points and, in so doing, verify that students have participated in accordance with the “Code of Participation” during the course of the semester. Specific conditions concerning requirements for participation will be discussed under each activity where applicable. HISTORY DAY Students will earn awards by participating in the Selma Unified School District History Day Event. Those students participating will receive 3 points. If a student is selected to go on to the Fresno County History Day event they will receive an additional 2 points. ESSAY/POSTER CONTEST PARTICIPATION A student who enters a poster or essay contest will receive one point. If the students’ essay or poster is chosen to represent the school in an outside competition will receive two points. Posters or essays earning 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place in their respective competition will receive one additional point. SPELLING BEE The Spelling Bee represents our school at the annual Selma Area Spelling Bee. Participants are selected through school level trials. All students may tryout for the Spelling Team. Points may be earned as follows: All students who participate on the Abraham Lincoln Spelling Team will receive two points. All team members who move to the county Spelling Bee will receive three points. PETITION POINTS A student who participates in a non-school co-curricular area not noted may petition for one - three Eagle points verified by the Principal or designee. Area IV: PERFORMING AND FINE ARTS Bonus point awarded for each 1st place, superior, or sweepstakes finish Performing/Fine Arts Mexican Dance Band Percussion Choir Color Guard Petition Points Art show Total Category Points Possible Pts per Sem. 1 2 2 1 2 2 2 1st Sem. 2nd Sem. Verified by ********* Verified by SEMESTER TOTAL MEXICAN DANCE Participation in the School Mexican Dance Program during the entire semester earns a student one point. Students who are permanently dismissed or drop from Mexican Dance at any point in the semester will receive zero points. BAND/ PERCUSSION Participation in the School Instrumental Music Program during the entire semester earns a student one point. Students who are permanently dismissed or drop from instrumental music at any point in the semester will receive zero points. CHOIR Participation in Chorus during the entire semester earns a student one point. Students who are permanently dismissed or drop from chorus at any point in the semester will receive zero points. COLOR GUARD Participation in Color Guard during the entire semester earns a student one point. Students who are permanently dismissed or drop from Color Guard at any point in the semester will receive zero points. PETITION POINTS A student who participates in a non-school performing and fine arts area not noted may petition for one - three Eagle points verified by the Principal or designee. Area V: ATHLETICS Athletics Possible Pts per Sport Fall Winter Spring Intramurals (1 pt. per sport) Jog-A-Thon $40 Total Category Points 3 3 3 1-4 1 Sport Pts. Earned Verified by Verified by SEMESTER TOTAL ATHLETICS The athletic area may be waived if there is written verification from a doctor on file with the school nurse if a condition that prohibits the student from participating in athletic activity. (Football, Volleyball, Tennis, X-Country, Soccer, Wrestling, Basketball, Track, Baseball, and Softball) Participation on a team for the full season in accordance with the “Code of Participation” will earn three points. INTRAMURALS Participation in lunchtime intramurals will earn you one point per sport. Your participation must be verified by the Athletics Director. Area VI: SCHOOL SERVICES and LEADERSHIP School Services/Leadership Possible Pts. Per Sem. Student of the Month/ PBIS Clubs ASB Officer Leadership Student Council Representative Community Service Yearbook Staff Jog a Thon class winner Food drive class winner Penny for Patients class winner Change bandits class winner Petition Points 2 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 1st Sem. 2nd Sem. Verified by ********* ******** ********* ******** ******** Total Category Points SEMESTER TOTAL Verified by STUDENT OF THE MONTH Being nominated as a student of the month will earn you one point for the entire year. CLUBS Students that participate in the school club day class will receive one point for each semester that they participate. ASB OFFICER A student that is elected as a student body officer will receive one point for each semester that they participate. LEADERSHIP Students that participate in the school leadership class will receive 2 points for each semester that they participate. STUDENT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE A student that is elected as a student council representative, and serves their term, will receive one point for each semester that they participate. COMMUNITY SERVICE A student that participates in an outside community service project must complete a school service validation form. A student can receive one point for each semester that they participate. YEARBOOK STAFF Students that participate in the school yearbook class will receive one point for each semester that they participate. PETITION POINTS A student who participates in a non-school leadership area not noted may petition for 2 Eagle points verified by the Principal or designee.