1 Amador Valley High School 2018-2019 Leadership Application 2017-2018 Mission Statement: Our mission is to enrich the student experience by creating an accepting and spirited environment that values every individual. The Leadership class improves our school by building community and spirit, aiming to make this school a source of pride for the student body and community. Our program creates leaders by pushing students to collaborate in an organized, creative effort to enact positive change on campus. The Leadership program is student-run and encourages participants to be self motivated. All students without a specified ASB or class officer position will select a task that they are personally responsible for. When working on this task, students will lead a team of peers in a group effort to reach their goals. Task categories include dances, rallies, liaisons (with specialized programs on campus such as Special Education), recognition (Senior Nights, finals, AP students, etc.), and specialized weeks (Breast Cancer Awareness Week, AV Love Week, Earth Week, etc). When students are not working on their chosen tasks, they work on other students’ tasks or on smaller tasks that come up throughout the year. Packet Contents (​bold text ​indicates materials that you must turn in) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Welcome Page (page 1) Candidate Letter (pages 2 and 3) Elected Positions Information (pages 4 and 5) Packet Information and Important Dates (page 6) 2018-2019 Leadership Application (page 7) 2018-2019 Leadership Code of Conduct (page 8) 2018-2019 Leadership Applicant Questionnaire (page 9)

On or before January 25 at lunch, please turn in (stapled in the following order) pages 7 and 8 (completely filled out) as well as your ​typed ​responses to the applicable applicant questions listed on page 9. Good luck! If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Benbenek at [email protected]

2 Dear Prospective Leadership Candidate and Parents, Thank you for your interest in applying to the AVHS Leadership Program. This program plays a significant role at AV and we are excited that you want to contribute to our community. Regardless of whether you intend to run for a class or ASB position, you must fill out this application to be accepted into the program (acceptance is a prerequisite for candidacy). Please carefully read through the following steps. Step One: Packet Requirements There is an informational meeting for ALL applicants on ​January 11, 2018​ at lunch in P-8 Packets must be completed and turned in by ​January 25, 2017 at lunch ​for all applicants, regardless of whether or not you are running for a class office. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and turn their packet in on time to be eligible for the Leadership program. Step Two: Packet Evaluations All packets are evaluated based quality of responses, teacher evaluations, and overall packet appearance. Although overall appearance is taken into consideration, we primarily look for detailed answers. ​Interviews are NOT guaranteed​.​ ​Interviews are granted based solely on the quality of the packet, the effort that is apparent, and the quality of responses to the questions. Though a minimum GPA of 2.0 is required, decisions are not made based on academic achievement. However if students are struggling to maintain a 2.0 GPA or have attendance issues, this will be a major factor in our decision. Also, if teacher recommendations are average or contain negative comments, this will also present a problem for applications. Candidates are chosen based on their display of Leadership qualities at AVHS and in the community, as well as their potential to be a benefit to the Leadership program with their skills. ​Current Leadership students are not necessarily at an advantage – ​if a student has not done an exceptional job, they may not be offered an interview, regardless of the fact that they are currently in the class. The Leadership program at AVHS is very competitive and due to limited space, only the most promising students who offer necessary skills and talents can be given a spot in the class.

Step Three: Interviews Students will be notified if they will receive an interview via email. Interviews will be held at AVHS in room M-1. Interviews will go in 10 minute intervals. ​Second interviews are very rare and should not be expected.​ Receiving a second interview does not mean you are more or less likely to be accepted into the program. It simply means that, based on the skills you exhibited in your application, we would like to offer a second opportunity. We cannot discuss your interview or packet until final decisions have been announced.

3 Step Four: Decisions Due to the large number of applicants, the Leadership program is forced to reject over fifty percent of the candidates who apply. We wish we could take more, but cannot fit more than the number accepted in the classroom. ​We cannot make space for more students.​ This program is lucky to have so many people dedicated to their school who wish to be in Leadership. Many people have asked why we don’t accept everyone. Other than the space, we simply don’t have enough jobs for everyone who wants to participate, and managing 45 students in one class is already a challenge. ​Freshman and sophomores who are not accepted should not be discouraged from applying next year.​ Many of our current Leadership students were not accepted in the past. Once decisions have come out, we understand that you may have questions about the decision and we are prepared for them, but please keep in mind that ​all decisions are final. It is important to note that students’ peers are often able to contribute different perspectives to the application process. To get the most complete evaluation we can, the outgoing ASB team is involved in class decision making. We hope this helps answer any questions you might have about the application and decision process. Sincerely, John Benbenek and the ASB Team

4 Elected Positions Information Please note that in order to run for an elected position, you must first be accepted to the Leadership class, and then have your candidacy approved. Approval will be based upon your application packet and interview. All Associated Student Body Officers ASB runs the Leadership class. Team members, in addition to their individual responsibilities, guide other students as they work on day-to-day tasks, oversee class officers, and plan events including the Leadership Retreat and Homecoming Elections. ASB is an extensive time commitment, requiring many summer hours to plan Retreat and prepare for the upcoming year, as well as weekly meetings throughout the school year (these meetings traditionally are held on Sunday nights from 6:30 to 8:30, but this is open to change as the ASB team sees fit). Additionally, ASB members are expected to attend after-school events as necessary, particularly if these events fall under tasks at their respective tables. They are the first to arrive and the last to leave, and set an example of engaged participation and active involvement beyond the requirements of their positions. Beyond the above responsibilities, ASB Officers’ duties include: 1. ASB President: ​The President acts as the chief student representative to administration, staff, and community; writes agendas for and directs weekly ASB meeting; and oversees all ASB responsibilities and classroom operations. 2. ASB Vice President: ​The Vice President, in addition to assisting the President with the above responsibilities and directing ASB meetings in the President’s absence, is responsible for managing all student organizations on campus. This includes formation of new clubs, from applications to Legislative Councils, and consistent oversight of and communication with existing clubs to ensure that they meet requirements regarding meeting minutes, fundraising, and community service. 3. ASB Treasurer: ​The Treasurer acts a student liaison between the Leadership class and Mrs. Ward, our school bookkeeper. Yearly responsibilities include distributing ASB funds to separate Leadership accounts as well as establishing and maintaining a budget. Daily tasks include reading Purchase Order forms in front of the Leadership class for approval, entering them into a log, and ensuring that ASB money is being spent appropriately. 4. ASB Secretary: ​The Secretary is in charge of any and all communication from the ASB team to the class, administration, and outside organizations. Primary responsibilities

5 include keeping track of ASB minutes at weekly Sunday meetings and managing one or more Amador social media accounts. All Class Officers Class officers are responsible for planning events specific to their respective classes. All class officers are tasked with planning a Homecoming Skit, including scripts, sign-ups, and practices, as well as planning fundraisers for their respective classes. In addition to these responsibilities, junior and senior class officers are responsible for planning Junior Prom and Senior Ball, respectively. Please note that Secretary and Treasurer are separate positions ​only ​for the senior class. For the sophomore and junior classes, the positions are: President, Vice President, and Secretary/Treasurer (with the combined responsibilities of the Secretary and Treasurer positions listed below). Class Officer Responsibilities Include: 1. President: ​The Class President represents the class in and outside of the Leadership program, running class officer meetings and reporting directly to the ASB Officer advising that class as well as to Mr. Benbenek. The Class President is expected to delegate work to other class officers and ensure that planning responsibilities are equally distributed and effectively carried out. 2. Vice President: ​The Class Vice President assists the Class President with the above duties, and assumes these duties in the Class President’s absence. 3. Secretary: ​The Class Secretary is responsible for meeting minutes at all officer meetings as well as email communication with ASB, Mr. Benbenek, the administration, and outside organizations. 4. Treasurer: ​The Class Treasurer is responsible for maintaining and allocating the class budget, as well as ensuring that the class officers executive sufficient fundraising efforts to prepare for Junior Prom and Senior Ball.

Campaign rules and other important information will be provided in a presentation in M-1 on February 20. This meeting is mandatory for anyone running for an elected position.

6 Packet Information and Important Dates Important Dates for All Applicants January 11:​ Informational meeting at lunch in M-1 January 25: ​Leadership Application (typed) due​ ​by lunch​ in M-1 February 10-12: ​Interviews February 16: ​Class roster released Important Dates for Students Running for Elected Office March 8: ​All campaign materials due March 15: ​Campaign statements filmed March 26: ​Campaigning begins March 29: ​Election Day Important Information for All Applicants -

Please save an additional copy of your packet, including your responses to questions on the Applicant Questionnaire, in case your packet is lost or damaged.

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When filling out class selections for next year, ​do not select Student Leadership​. Rather, indicate the class as an alternative. If you are accepted, your counselor will change your schedule.

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Ask your teachers before listing them as recommenders. Do not ask for letters.

7 Amador Valley High School 2018-2019 Leadership Application Student Name: ____________________________________ ID Number: __________________ Graduation Year: ___________ Student Email: _______________________________________ Student Cell #: ___________________________ Home Phone #: _________________________ Home Address: _________________________________________________________________

Please list courses and grades for the most recent semester: 1. ____________________________________________

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Please state two teacher references below (names only -- you do not need to ask for a letter of recommendation). 1. _______________________________

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Please indicate below whether you intend on running for elected office. Check the relevant position category(ies) and write the appropriate position(s) in the blank (President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer for ASB and Senior Class; President, Vice President, or Secretary/Treasurer for Sophomore and Junior Class). You can ultimately run for only ​one position, but we ask that you indicate below ​all positions in which you are interested and for which you may run. ❏ ASB: __________________________________________________________________ ❏ Senior Class: ____________________________________________________________ ❏ Junior Class: ____________________________________________________________ ❏ Sophomore Class: ________________________________________________________

8 2018-2019 Leadership Code of Conduct Students and parents must read and initial each item. 1. I will adhere to the AVHS zero tolerance policy regarding drugs and alcohol. I understand that consuming illegal drugs or alcohol may result in my termination from the Leadership program. This includes hosting parties and events where other students consume illegal drugs and alcohol. _______/_______ Student/Parent 2. I will put a full effort into my academic studies and maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA _______/_______ ​Student/Parent 3. I understand the importance of school attendance and will have regular attendance and promptness to all classes. Excessive absences and tardiness will not be tolerated. _______/_______ ​ Student/Parent 4. I understand that Leadership activities are before school, during brunch, during lunch, after school, and on weekends. As a Leadership student I recognize it as my responsibility to spend time out of the classroom on Leadership activities. _______/_______ ​Student/Parent 5. I understand that any student convicted of theft or physical assault may be removed from the Leadership class. _______/_______ ​Student/Parent 6. I understand that as a Leadership student I will be held to the highest behavioral standards on and off campus. Not only will I follow school policies, I will also treat all other students, staff, teachers, and administrators in a kind and courteous way. My behavior will be an example for all other students. _______/_______ ​ Student/Parent Student Name (printed): ​__________________________________________________________ Student Signature: ​_______________________________________________________________ Parent Name (printed): ​___________________________________________________________ Parent Signature: ​________________________________________________________________

9 2018-2019 Leadership Applicant Questionnaire Please provide detailed, typed responses to the following questions, as applicable. Please number your responses with the numbers indicated on this questionnaire. For example, if you are a returning Leadership student running for an ASB position, number your answers: 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10). All Applicants 1. What ideas do you have to improve student life at Amador and how will you use the Leadership class to execute your visions? 2. What is a quality that all leaders should have? How do you exemplify this characteristic? 3. Describe the best experience you have had at Amador. Students New to the Leadership Program 4. Describe a time you acted as a leader without an official position or title. 5. ​Only answer this if you have previously applied for the program and were not accepted: In what ways have you showed more initiative and Leadership in the past year? Returning Students 6. What Leadership goals did you have entering the class this year? How did you achieve these? Were there any goals that you did not reach? Why? 7. What tasks were you a part of this year? What were your largest personal contributions to the class? Students Running for an ASB Position 8. In what ways would you use your position on ASB to improve the Leadership program and the school as a whole? 9. What is an achievement you have made in Leadership that demonstrates your ability to lead a group, be creative, and go above and beyond expectations? 10. How do you view ASB’s role in the class?