Daily Leadership and Character Development Resources Provided by the AACPS Office of Student Leadership Development and Office of School Counseling March2011

How can I use this calendar? Whether you are a student, teacher, extra-curricular advisor, or administrator, these simple activities and resources can be incorporated, where appropriate, into curriculum, meetings, or events. Opportunities for developing leadership and positive character traits are ENDLESS. Use these tips to help develop them in the classroom, on the playing field, in our community… EVERYWHERE! The tips presented in this calendar are merely a collection of resources and ideas for stakeholders to consider when working with students of all ages. As always, it is important for those working with students to know the abilities and maturity level of the group in order to select appropriate activities. Content should always be previewed for appropriateness before presenting to students.

Tuesday-Friday March 1-4, 2011 Defining Perseverance Determination Resolve Insistence All of the above words are synonyms for perseverance -Share the synonyms above with students. -Break students into small groups to discuss what perseverance means to them. -Ask students to identify how they show perseverance in school and outside of school.

Monday-Friday March 7-11, 2011 Perseverance Works “Great works are performed not by strength, but by perseverance.” -Samuel Johnson Have students reflect on the above quote through one of the following options: -poetry-dance -song-play -art-poster -brochure

Monday-Friday March 14-18, 2011 Recognizing Perseverance Empower students to recognize perseverance around them! -Divide the class into small groups. -Have each group select a person in their school or community that exemplifies perseverance. -Each group should create a product to showcase how that person has persevered in their life. For example, groups could create posters, songs, poems, etc. -Invite the selected recipients to a recognition ceremony where each group can present their ‘award.’

Monday-Friday March 21-25, 2011 Drive On “The road to success is dotted with many tempting parking places.” ~Author Unknown -Share the above quote with students and ask them what they think it means. -Have students identify a goal that they are trying to accomplish. -Have them identify what challenges or “parking places” have presented themselves, which have made them want to stop pursuing the goal. -Discuss with students what they can do to persevere and continue towards their goal.

Pass it On… Now that students understand what persevering means, have them create an activity, lesson, story, or game to explain perseverance to younger students. Present these activities to younger students in your school, your cluster, or a community organization. Make Perseverance CONTAGIOUS! Monday-Thursday March 28-31, 2011 A Lesson in Perseverance

Thank you for viewing the March Leadership and Character Development Calendar. We hope that you have gained valuable resources and ideas regarding student leadership and character development. Don’t forget to download next month’s tips by visiting: Submit your own resources by ing Please share this calendar with family, friends, students, etc.