2009-2010 SMHS Leadership

Peace. Passion. Pride.

Syllabus: Overview
Instructor Mrs. Cowey Catalli Office Room A001
Cell Phone 650.465.1444 Office Hours before school, tutorial, or lunch (by appointment)
Direct Line 650.558.2333 e-mail scatalli@smuhsd.org

Description
Being a part of the San Mateo leadership class is a lot of fun, but it’s also a huge responsibility. Our job is
to plan and implement all school activities while maintaining a positive atmosphere. Leadership involves making an
optimistic change in yourself, the class, and the school community.
The president and advisor will provide you with a unique oppurtunity to develop your own style of
Leadership. You will develop skills in commnication, goal-setting, time management, interpersonal ralations, public
relations, and organization. Mastering these skills will be our primary objective for the class. In time, we hope you
will inspire others to get involved in the San Mateo Leadership Program.

Goals
1. Provide the governing body with the responsibility of overseeing student activites.
2. Provide a wide range of activities to build unity and foster positive relations among our student body.
3. Cooperate and communicate with fellow classmates in order to become a family of leaders through our collective
experience, hard work, and refelection.

Expectations and Agreements

As a class, we will compile a list of Expectaions and Agreements that we will utlize throughout meeting
and work time. In general, there are some standard rules that we all MUST abide by:
1. Arrive on time. Be in your seat when the bell rings!
2. Write on the board (name, topic, time) if you need to speak or get help.
3. Pay attention during the meeting. We all need to know what is going on and meeting times will be quick
and efficient if everyone is focused.
4. Bring your Leadership supplies, files, and binder with you to class.
5. Clean up after yourself and your work crew. Put things back where they belong. We will spend the last
five minutes of class cleaning up. Be grateful for our room—treat it well.
6. Be on task during meeting and work time. Work time is precious, so use it wisely.
7. Be courteous and respectful. During the school day, you are expected to "Model the Way." Treat people,
as you want to be treated—with courtesy, respect and gratitude.
8. Making and keeping commitments is essential. If you are going to miss class, be sure to let Ms. Catalli or
Alyssa know ahead of time. If you are going to miss important work time with your team or partner, let
them know.
9. As you continually grow as a leader, try new things. Be the best leader that you can possibly be. “Model
the way” every day.
10. When leaving the class for an extended period of time, let Ms. Catalli know. We need to know where
you are going and how long you will be gone.
11. Eating during work time should be kept to a minimum. Do not eat during meeting time (it is very
distracting). As always, clean up after yourself. Respect the room. 

Evaluation
Grades will be based on your performance during meeting time and work time, involvement in and outside
of class, job performance, and the planning of your events. The grading system will be outlined clearly for everyone.
SMHS Leadership Contract 2009-2010
• I understand that I must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA throughout the year, or I will be placed on probation and go
on contract with Ms. Catalli.
• I understand that if I achieve the T-3 status (36 cuts), or if I break school rules regarding drugs or alcohol I will be
placed on probation and go on contract with Ms. Catalli. I also understand that if I repeat the offense, I will be
relieved of my title and no longer be in the Leadership class.
• I understand that if I forge a signature for any pass or school document, I will be placed on probation.
• I understand that if I am not fulfilling my duties and responsibilities, Ms. Catalli will speak with me and we will
discuss what changes need to be made. If these changes are not made, I may be asked to leave the class.
• I will be prompt to the leadership class and all other leadership activities.
• I understand that Leadership meets during 4°, but that I may be asked to be involved in activities that require
preparation before school, during break, during lunch, or after school.
• I will attend all assigned leadership events (present from set-up to clean-up) and will attend all officer meetings
and/or training related to my job.
• I will keep my binder, planner and files organized so as to remain efficient and so that my work may aid others in
the future.
• I will respect the Leadership room and the custodial staff by actively cleaning and keeping food consumption to a
minimum.
• I will represent the Associated Student Body of San Mateo High School at community functions and will advocate
positively for our school and leadership programs.
• I will keep up with my academic work and will not spend Leadership class time working on other classes.
• I will be a loyal leader and will communicate directly with Ms. Catalli and Alyssa if a conflict arises. I will not
spread negative sentiment, rumors, or gossip about an advisor or fellow classmates.
• I understand that if I am not meeting the above standards, I may be removed from the class.
• I understand that I will not only be evaluated by Ms. Catalli, but also by my peers.
• I understand that being a part of the leadership class is a privilege and not a right.
• I will wear orange and black every Friday!

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I have read and understand the above statements and will fully commit to them during the school year.

_____________________________________________
Student Name

_____________________________________________ __________________
Student Signature Date

I give my permission for my student to participate in the 2009-2010 Leadership program at San Mateo High School.
I realize that selection to be a member of this class is a great honor and responsibility, and that much time and effort
must go into any activity the students plan and execute. I have reviewed the above agreement signed by my student.
I will work with, give advice to, and encourage my child to make sure he/she keeps up with all schoolwork.

_____________________________________________
Parent Name

_____________________________________________ __________________
Parent Signature Date

If you have any questions regarding this contract, the rules or consequences. Please e-mail, call or write to Ms.
Catalli. Behind every great Leader, is a great Leadership Family. We are grateful for your support. We hope to see
you at Back to School Night!
Gratefully yours,
Sara Cowey Catalli