Westport Middle School Advisory Lesson Give-A-Day Westport Middle School Advisory Lesson

Give-A-Day The Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District is partnering with Mayor Greg Fischer to participate in the annual Give A Day service initiative. Mayor Fischer created Give A Day in 2012 as a way to promote volunteerism and the importance of community service. Last year, 100 percent of our schools participated in Give A Day, performing the equivalent of more than three years of service in just one week.

Volunteers of America Our Give-A-Day project will be a collection of items for Volunteers of America. VOA is a not-for-profit business that has programs that are focused on housing for families, veterans, and low-income seniors; and care and support for individuals with developmental disabilities.

Volunteers of America We will be collecting items for veterans and families this week at Westport Middle School. 6th Grade will donate new socks and diapers. 7th Grade will donate new toiletries and hygiene products. 8th Grade will donate canned goods and bottled water.

Special Lesson for Give-A-Day Lesson Focus: Compassionate Leadership, Service, Recognition

Being a Leader Most of us desire to be a leader in our schools or communities. Being a leader requires many important skills and behaviors. What are some skills or behaviors a leader should have?

Being a Leader One behavior that many people forget is taking time to recognize and appreciate the people who have helped you along your journey. No one becomes a leader on his/her own. There are always people who have helped him/her along the way. Who has helped you get where you are?

Turn and Talk: Giving Recognition Think about a time when you were recognized for your leadership or service. How did you feel? Were you proud of your accomplishment? Did you share this achievement with others?

Giving Recognition Now think of how nice it would be to be able to give someone else the same recognition. Today you will have that opportunity!

What are some qualities of a leader? As a class, make a list of qualities a leader should have. Now think about a member of your school staff who demonstrates the qualities you listed above. This person will receive a Recognition Jar from your class.

Brainstorm Brainstorm phrases that describe how the selected person is leader and shows compassion through service. Each student will write a note of recognition for the selected individual. Use descriptive words like leadership, compassion, service, mentor, role model, kindness, and appreciation.

Delivery of Jar Your teacher will deliver the jar to the person your class selected.