Materials:
Pencil/pen (for each student)
Paper to write on

"Now that you've started school here at Alpha, you should learn about a special system we have called 'Feathers and Golden Lanyards.' I

n short, this is a system we have in place to make sure that the students that do the right thing are getting plenty of attention and credit for it - because we want to spend our time making a big deal out of what you all are doing RIGHT, and not what is not working so well."

(next slide)

"So the first part of this system is called 'Feathers.' These are special awards that teachers give out every week during Monday Morning Congress. They're not easy to earn, so most teachers only give about one or two a week (and, sometimes, teachers don't give any out in a week)."

"So how do you earn an Alpha Feather?"

(turn to next slide)

"The first thing you have to do is to exemplify an Alpha Core Value. That's a big word there - exemplify. Does anybody know what it means?"

(student ideas; end with something along the lines of 'Be an example for other people of . . . ')

"So you need to set an example of what an Alpha Core Value looks like. That means you can't just do one little thing - but, rather, you have to demonstrate that Core Value over a longer period of time."

(if you haven't gone over Alpha Core Values, do so briefly now, letting students know you'll get more specific as the weeks go on)

"So, if you exemplify an Alpha Core Value, your teachers might notice and decide that you deserve a Feather - and then they will nominate you for one. If our Admin Team approves, you will hear your name announced and earn your feather during Monday Congress."

"You might notice the asterisk next to #2, 'be nominated by your teacher.' This year, we are looking to come up with some ways for your fellow classmates to also nominate you for feathers, so be ready for that to happen this year, as well."

"Any questions about how you earn a feather? Or what happens when you do?"

(after clarifications, turn to next slide)

"So . . . once somebody has earned at least 3 feathers for 3 different Alpha Core Values, their teacher can nominate them for a Golden Lanyard."

(next slide)

"Now, to be clear, getting three feathers for three different Core Values does not guarantee you get a Golden Lanyard. Only if your teacher thinks that you are a really strong role model, will they nominate you, since earning a Golden Lanyard is such a big deal.

And even if you are nominated, it doesn't mean you get one for sure - because you still have to do an interview with the Principal or Assistant Principal. If they decide that your interview was strong, and other staff members think you are ready, you will earn a Golden Lanyard. But if your interview isn't strong, or you haven't shown leadership in every aspect of Alpha life, you will be given some feedback on how you need to improve - but you will not receive a Golden Lanyard until you fix those things."

(next slide)

"So what do you get if you earn a Golden Lanyard? First, you get a video made about you that is played at a Friday Congress.

Beyond that, however, the Golden Lanyard shows that you are somebody that any Alpha adult can trust to always do the right thing, so you will get some extra privileges and responsibilities - like skipping the lunch line, or getting to interview new staff members trying to get a job at Alpha."

"Golden Lanyards also get special lunches, and the chance to participate in special Golden Lanyard-only activities or trips. They also get first chance for various opportunities that we don't have enough space for all students to get - and we are continuously coming up with more great things for Golden Lanyards to earn."

"So, as you can see, it's a pretty big deal to wear a Golden Lanyard at Alpha."

(next slide)

"So now that you know what Feathers and Golden Lanyards are all about - let's start you on the path to becoming leaders at Alpha and a chance to wear a Golden Lanyard. It might take multiple years to earn one, but once you do, you get to keep it forever (unless you do something that loses trust - and your lanyard).

So right now, let's take a few minutes to write down all the things you will do to earn your feathers (which will build up to earning a Golden Lanyard). How will you earn those Feathers?"

(students reflect, write, and share)