All 9th graders at Lexington High School are enrolled in a Foundations of Leadership (FOL) class. This course is designed to enhance and support the learning experiences of 9th grade students to become knowledgeable, responsible, and caring youth as they transition into high school. Students are active partners in creating an environment that both promotes strategies for academic success and excellence, and also integrates social and emotional learning. The curriculum is designed to emphasize the acquisition and utilization of leadership traits and qualities as well as literacy skills.
Each year, FOL students learn about and practice servant leadership skills. A servant leader is someone who is servant first, who has responsibility to be in the world, and so he/she contributes to the well being of people and community. This leadership philosophy suggests a comprehensive view of the quality of people, work and community spirit. It requires an understanding of identity, mission, vision and environment. Qualities of a servant leader include empathy, active listening, awareness, conceptualization, persuasion, healing, foresight, and stewardship.
Next week, Mrs. Archer’s FOL team will begin their latest philanthropic project – participating in Samaritan’s Purse, “Operation Christmas Child”. Students will donate and wrap shoeboxes in holiday paper, then purchase/gather items to include in their shoebox gifts. Gift items may include various school supplies, personal hygiene items, small toys and stuffed animals, clothing, and other specially selected treasures. These FOL students hope to create at least 20 shoeboxes for children between the ages of 2 and 14 years old. In addition to the special gifts, students plan to write letters to the recipients and will include a class picture in each shoebox. The gifts are being sent to children in need in developing countries around the world.
Class member, Edgar Campa-Galvan, remarked that he is “looking forward to participating in Operation Christmas Child because it will hopefully brighten the lives of kids that don’t have as much as we do.” He also said that, “Learning about servant leadership and helping others is fun and lets me practice my leadership skills. It feels great to do something nice for someone else.”
Mrs. Archer’s FOL students will be collecting items for shoebox gifts through the first week of November. If you would like to donate items for a shoebox, please feel free to contact Becky Archer, LHS FOL Teacher/Transition Coordinator at becky.archer@www.lexschools.org or call 308-324-4691 ext. 2309.
