Leadership Academy Course Descriptions

1325 │Grade 10 │1 credit 

This one-credit, introductory course will challenge students to develop speaking, listening, and writing skills in order to become successful leaders. Students will expand upon their prior character education experiences by examining and adopting the qualities and characteristics of successful leaders. Students will develop and exhibit time management, organizational and managerial skills, personal growth, strategies for professional interaction with others, as well as goal-setting techniques. Classroom experiences will include but not be limited to class and school-wide projects and events, journal writing, speeches, interview skills, electronic, phone, and interpersonal communication, goal-setting, time management, organization, stress management, and team building. Students will make periodic contributions to their Leadership Portfolios in preparation for the National Distinguished Student Leader Program.

Additionally, students will complete the following service hours opportunities:

• 1st & 2nd quarters
  • Complete 5 school service hours each quarter
• 3rd & 4th quarters
  • Complete 5 school and 5 community service hours each quarter

30 │Grade 11 │1 credit 

In this one-credit course, students will develop and expand effective group process techniques and business and marketing skills. The class will explore topics such as motivating others, goal setting, group process, problem-solving, conflict resolution, marketing strategies, meeting structures, etc. Classroom experiences will include but not be limited to journal writing, oral presentations, group projects, school-wide events, and written tasks.

Additionally, students will complete the following service hours opportunities:

• Complete 10 school and 10 community service hours

This course will introduce students to the project-planning model with steps such as goal setting, proposals, objective charts, and evaluations. Student work is a mixture of traditional writing including a leadership-related book review, group project planning and implementation, as well as involvement in the planning of the annual Leadership Academy Junior Class Trip. Active school involvement and service learning hours are required.

1416 │Grade 12 │1 credit 

This one-credit course is project-based, with students utilizing a project-planning model to make a positive difference in the school and community. Students will exhibit responsibility, perseverance, respect and integrity while working as teams to set goals, design timelines, write proposals, create publicity, evaluate outcomes and write final reports.

Leadership in Action students work in teams and complete one major project per quarter. Examples of past projects include:

• Lancaster-Depew Week and Spirit Week activities such as the Bonfire, Motorcade, Spirit Assemblies, Powder Puff Game, Homecoming Dance, Spirit Bowl, Mr. Lancaster, Building Decorations, etc.
• Social activities such as the Courtyard Dance, Freshman Mixer, Spring Courtyard Dance, Prom, Homecoming, etc.
• Holiday projects such as Jingle Links, Cookie Marathon, Coloring Contest, Holiday Food Drive, Santa Grams, Christmas Tree Contest, Building Decorations, etc.
• Senior Class projects such as Red Cross Blood Drives, Senior Mural, Senior Dinner Dance, Senior Apparel Sale, Senior Day, Senior Recognition Program, etc.
• Community service projects such as Group Home Socials, Food Drives, US Troop Support Program, Project Clean Your Locker, Lancaster Youth Bureau Holiday Distribution, etc.
• School service projects such as Freshman Orientation, 8th Grade Information Night, Recycling, and Appreciation Luncheons for various LCSD employee groups, Class Mural Revitalization, SOAR, etc.

Students complete assignments outside of class time as a component of their quarterly grade. Each quarter, students must:

• Complete 15 school service hours
• Complete 10 community service hours

Over the years the Leadership in Action class has become a very active and high-profile class, but it should be noted that it also places students in high-stress situations that demand much time and effort as well as constant commitment. This course will be rewarding to those who enjoy a mental, emotional and physical challenge. It may be too stressful for those students who would like to enjoy a relaxing senior year.

9050 Grade 11 (Spring), Grade 11/12 (Summer) or Grade 12 (Fall) ½ credit ⊗

1416 │Grade 12 │1 credit 

• Prerequisite: Enrollment in AVPA, LLA or HCA.
• Required: Own transportation to/from mentor’s job site

Note 1: Not all internship locations are located in Lancaster, NY
Note 2: Students must understand the time commitment and therefore schedules must be considered prior to registering

The CEIP program is designed to give students hands-on experience in the career field of their choice. It also includes classroom learning on important workplace topics, such as resume preparation and effective interviewing techniques, teamwork, projecting a professional image, and job motivation and benefits. Students are placed with a local company in their desired field to complete the required internship hours.

1002 Grades 11,12 (full year – every day, same class period) ½ credit

The Foundations for Success Program has been designed to help underclassmen adjust to life in the High School and equip each student with skills and knowledge to be successful throughout their high school career and beyond. Each Foundations classroom (25-28 students) has a teacher who serves as the guide as the students grow together through different lessons, exercises, and experiences. A major factor in the effectiveness of this "different" type of class is a Student Mentor or Teacher's Assistant (TA). Each classroom (you will be assigned to the same class period, every day, for the entire school year) will have one or two upperclassmen TA(s) who will assist the teacher in planning and implementing many of the classroom exercises and lessons.

The Role of a Foundations Teachers’ Assistant:
The intention is to have Upperclassmen mentors to serve as Role Models for the underclassmen students participating in the class and as "Teaching Assistants" for the classroom Teacher. Your responsibilities will include: attending your Foundations Class, assisting the teacher in designing and the implementing classroom activities and lessons, and various tasks all with the goal of helping the students in your class grow and become more comfortable at LHS. At the conclusion of the school year you will earn 1/2 credit for serving in this capacity.