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Lions Quest Leader |
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March 2008 |
Volume 1, Number 2 |
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In This Issue · Focus: Social and Emotional Learning · A Teacher’s Story/ A Lion’s Story · Research, Stats, News You Can Use
More Valuable Tools Service-Learning Project Ideas
Presenting at a Lions Convention Near You!
ONDCP report on prescription drug abuse among teens
CADCA’s strategies to prevent prescription drug abuse among teens in your community Start Planning! Spring/Summer Lions Quest workshops Global Youth Service Day 4/25-27
SFA state correlation guides and K-12 national curriculum maps are available in the resource library of our website. Click here to access!
“I absolutely love the {Lions} Quest program. It was one of the best workshops I have attended in a long time. I am using the materials in my classroom and quite a bit with the Senior High Student Council.” Amy M. Wyant,
“I found the training to be a wonderful experience that I will be able to use in the classroom. Our instructor was quite knowledgeable and helpful with the many questions by the class including teachers, administration, therapists and social workers.” Naomi Goldman Unified SD, AZ
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Focus On:Social and Emotional Learning
The Collaborative for Academic Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL) defines social and emotional learning (SEL) as “processes through which children and adults develop fundamental emotional and social competencies to recognize and manage emotions, develop caring and concern for others, establish positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and handle challenging situations constructively.” Years of research now shows us that children need a safe, caring environment where the needs of the whole child are addressed, in order for academic achievement to be realized. The Research Brief for Schools, from the , describes SEL and highlights a new meta-analysis revealing that SEL can improve academic performance by at least 11%. As the Brief explains, SEL is most effective when it becomes an organizing framework for all school activities. When integrated into the entire school experience, improvements in attitudes, behaviors and performance can be obtained. SEL can be incorporated into existing youth program efforts and infused into lessons from a variety of subject areas. An article by Lions Clubs International’s Jay Copp (The Lion, September 2007) illustrated the efforts to teach schoolchildren to act responsibly and to respect themselves and others, as demonstrated by near . After implementing Lions Quest in the fall of 2006 discipline problems plummeted and student attitudes soared. Students became less judgmental, reached out to others and learned how to get along with their own families. In 2003, the Illinois Children’s Mental Health Act required the state Board of Education to create SEL standards for school districts to address. The New York State Assembly has voted for the development of student learning standards in SEL as well. The New York State Department of Education will be recommending guidelines for social and emotional development for voluntary implementation by October 2008. Find out more about the NY legislation at http://casel.org/standards/policy.php. solves environmental issue at FowlerWhen students in learned that rainwater runoff from their school parking lot was carrying pollutants to a nearby creek, they were concerned. That’s when the students researched and discovered rain gardens. Rain gardens are shallow depressions in the ground that capture rainwater runoff from impervious surfaces. Rain gardens offer several benefits: · The flowers, grasses and shrubs that are incorporated into these gardens absorb the pollutants contained in runoff. · Water collected in rain gardens filters through the soil and replenishes ground water. · During heavy rain, rain gardens reduce flooding by capturing and containing runoff that would normally be directed to local waterways.
Lions Quest parent meeting draws 200 participants
, Glide , OR , is not a newcomer to successful parent meetings. However, on February 7, 2008, even Glide staff was thrilled with their record-breaking turnout. “It was a great night for our school. We had a great time building solid relationships with our parents which ultimately benefits our students,” explained Principal Jerry Halter. All Lions Quest programs incorporate parent involvement in order to assist with bringing the home, school and community together. At the most recent Glide meeting, Principal Halter and his staff shared their knowledge on the implementation of Lions Quest Skills for Growing and Skills for Adolescence with the parents, while younger children were entertained in the gymnasium with child care activities. The fifteen Lions in attendance sat 200 for dinner with assistance from ten high school helpers. District Governor Lion Charles LaTourrette and Past District Governor Lion Chuck Johnson presented highlights of the many Lions programs including Leo clubs, Peace Poster Contests, Young Ambassador Awards, service-learning opportunities for students, and health services for schools and communities. For assistance with planning a parent meeting in your community, contact Lion Don Potter, mpot32@aol.com, 503-670-7667. explains Lions Quest focus Lions district 16-B remembers the challenge they encountered when presenting the Lions Quest program to schools in their area. As any Lion who has worked with this youth program knows, it is not often easy to describe the benefits of Lions Quest to educators and administrators. However, five schools in Toms River, NJ are happy their Lions introduced them to Lions Quest. Pat Lewis, District Supervisor of Elementary Curriculum, Toms River Regional Schools, remembers why her district decided to try the program. After reviewing the materials about seven years ago at the recommendation of her local Lions club, the staff realized that Lions Quest addressed the key components they were looking for – character education, health issues, prevention, and working together. Further, the program aligned with learning standards, was easily implemented, included an easy-to-follow teacher’s guide, and contained the comprehensive K-6 element they desired. The school district used state character education grant funds to start the Lions Quest program. Although originally implemented Lions Quest in grades K-6, they were pleased with the results and three years ago added 7th and 8th grade students to the program. Now, five schools teach Lions Quest weekly throughout the course of the school year in grades K-8. Health and PE teachers deliver the program during health class, but concepts are reinforced school-wide. Research, Stats and News
World of Children Inc., announces call for nominationsThe deadline for nominations for the 2008 World of Children (WOC) Awards is April 30, 2008. Created in 1998, WOC has grown to encompass three awards, the Health Award, Humanitarian Award, and Founder’s Youth Award. WOC seeks to identify individuals across the globe who advance the rights and well being of children. The Founder’s Youth Award recognizes youth under the age of 21 who are making extraordinary contributions to the lives of other children. For more information or to access the online nomination form, visit http://www.worldofchildren.org/. NHTSA focuses on drug/alcohol-free prom and graduation celebrationsThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and National Organizations for Youth Safety are encouraging young people to partner with the community to plan safe prom and graduation parties this year. Last year, seven in ten prom-age teens said they would attend an after-prom party. Read A Guide to Safe and Sober Event Planning to learn how to help your community “Make Your Parties Rock… Substance Free.” Read more. Lions Quest service-learning workshop planned atDistrict 36-R Lions clubs are partnering with OLSHF, Oregon Commission for Action and Service, LCIF and to provide up-to 50 teachers from throughout with a free service-learning seminar. Graduate credit is also being offered by WOU for participation in the workshop. Contact Sandy O’Lear at LCIF for more information, or to get ideas for how your club can get involved in sponsoring a teacher workshop. Lions Quest presenting and exhibiting at a convention near you!We have a busy spring planned, showcasing our support of young people through our research-based life skills program, and Lions are leading the way. Districts 26A-2 and 19C hosted Lions Quest booths at their conventions earlier this month. MD17 Lions will be exhibiting and presenting at the Kansas State Department of Education Conference in May. In addition to the NACLF conference in April, LCIF will be exhibiting and presenting Lions Quest at conventions held by MD 16, MD 20, MD 2, MD 1, MD 14, and the PTA National Convention in San Diego this June!
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