YORKTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
CENTER
for
LEADERSHIP
&
PUBLIC SERVICE
703-228-5374
5201 North 28th Street
Arlington, VA 22207
WWW.YHSPATRIOT.NET
VISION
The
Yorktown High School
Center for Leadership and Public Service
A student centered learning organization that studies and practices leadership through self-discovery and service.
" Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve
."Martin Luther King, Jr.
MISSION
The Yorktown High School Center for Leadership and Public Service encourages students, faculty, alumni, and members of the community to promote leadership and public service through academics, extracurricular activities, and service programs and initiatives.
Our vision of leadership promotes service to others and the community. The Center will build on the primary academic mission of our school emphasizing the elements of leadership, diversity, public service, social and emotional learning, highlighting the essential role that they play in the education of our students.
The Center will encourage students to think critically, creatively, and independently about their roles within the school. Furthermore, avenues will be provided for our students to become directly involved in a variety of activities and prepare them to become active citizens in the 21st century.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
W
e are student centered; students take ownership of the Center and maintain the vision of the Center.W
e believe that leadership is service to others.W
e practice collaboration within a spirit of mutual respect.W
e take personal responsibility for our individual development as leaders.W
e will serve as change agents through student activism and student engagement.W
e are all teachers and students, regardless of our role in the school.W
e provide a safe environment for learning and leadership.
The Center Activities
Leadership Training
ROCS (Respect for Others, Community, and Self).
As part of our school-wide Social Emotional Learning (SEL) educational program, Yorktown promotes the development of skills students’ need for success in school and in life. School-wide events and activities promote SEL skills and encourage students to take responsibility and ownership in our school community.
Luncheon Series
This is a series of six leadership luncheons where students may eat lunch while listening to speakers address topics such as politics, conflict resolution and the environment. Invited speakers are leaders within and outside the Arlington County community.
Speakers’ Bureau
The Center houses a listing of community members who are willing to serve as speakers. Teachers and YHS organizations are encouraged to use this resource to enhance their instructional activities with experts from a variety of fields.
Senior Experience
This is an opportunity for seniors to spend the last three weeks of their senior year in a professional setting in a field of their choice. Mentors share their knowledge, experience and talents with our students. Students learn the challenges and rewards of the work environment.
Volunteer & Service Opportunities
The Center actively promotes and coordinates Yorktown’s students’ involvement in service. The Center keeps a list of community volunteer opportunities for students and maintains a log of students’ volunteer hours.
Selected Events for 2004-05
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER
HIPP -Training begins
Freshman Assembly:
Making High School Count - October 5 HIV/STD Peer Education training - October 6 & 7
Fall Activities Fair - October 7
Homecoming Week - October 12-16
Peer Mediation & Leadership Training -October 27 & 28
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER
Senior Experience information
distributed to 12th graders
ROCSFEST - December 2
JANUARY/MARCH
Peer Facilitation Training begins January 15
Senior Experience Applications due March 1
Senior Assembly: Making College Count - March 15
Spring Activities Fair - March 31
HIPP workshops facilitated by Leadership & Diversity students
MAY
Senior Experience May 31 - June 20