DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY St. James High School Junior Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) 5181 Wildcat Drive St. James, Louisiana 70086 August 6, 2012 Instructors: LTC (Ret.) Linda M. Colar, Senior Army Instructor 1SG (Ret.) William Alsobrook, Army Instructor MEMORANDUM FOR ALL JROTC Cadets and Parents/Guardians SUBJECT: JROTC Syllabus and Course Requirements Welcome to St. James High School JROTC Program. We are proud of our accomplishments and look forward to reaching new heights in the future. The Wildcat Battalion was designated as an Honor Unit with Distinction in 2008 and sustained that title during our Department of the Army Inspection in 2011. Each year we strive to maintain this honor by continuing our quest for excellence! As a member of this fine organization, cadets can look forward to a rewarding year being part of the outstanding opportunities that JROTC offer. We are not in the "recruiting" business in JROTC. We do not persuade students to join the military. Our mission is to help prepare each cadet to be successful during and after high school in whatever he or she plans to achieve, whether it be attending a university or technical college, entering the work force or one of the military services. However, students who elect to enter a military service after high school and have completed 3 years of JROTC will have the opportunity to enlist a pay grade higher, and receive more pay, than someone without JROTC. The mission of the Army JROTC Program is to Motivate Young People Through Caring Leadership & Positive Influence to Be Better Citizens for Life-Long Service to the Community. Our curriculum focuses on the following objectives: Appreciation of the ethical values and principles of good citizenship, to include integrity, responsibility and respect for authority; development of leadership potential; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. JROTC is also a physical education and health credit. The class prepares high school students for responsible leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities and privileges as American citizens. Step up to the challenge.
All cadets are expected to participate in all class experiences academic studies, practical exercises, and physical activities. Subjects taught in JROTC include: Introduction to JROTC/Unlocking Your Potential Leadership Theory and Application/Drill and Ceremony Foundations for Success/Communications/Financial Planning/Winning Colors Wellness/Fitness/First Aid/Drug Awareness Geography and Earth Science/Map Reading/Orienteering Citizenship and American History/You the People Service Learning Projects/Planning Skills & Social Responsibility Success Profiler/Quantum Learning Managing Conflict Leading Others Career Planning Etiquette The following grading criteria is established and will be used: Students who cannot be properly fitted in uniform: 50% Test/Quiz 35% Class Participation/Drill Performance 15% Homework Students who wear the JROTC Uniform: 40% Uniform 30% Test and Service Learning Projects 15% Quarter Exams 10% Class Participation/Drill Performance 5% Homework The typical weekly schedule is as follows: Academic Subjects (Monday and Tuesdays) Uniform Inspection, Drill & Ceremony (Wednesdays) Athletic & Physical Training (PT) Day (Thursdays) Drill & Ceremony (Friday) (Cadets must wear their uniform all day to receive credit for wearing the uniform. From the point a cadet leave home to the moment he or she returns the JROTC uniform will be worn to standard. If a cadet is spotted not wearing the uniform properly the initial score received during uniform inspection will be changed to a lower score. If a cadet participates in after school activities they should bring appropriate clothing to school and change at the end of the school day.)
Cadets are expected to conduct themselves as overall good students and as responsible young adults; respectful toward instructors, other students, and school property. Cadets must be willing to provide/receive instruction and training from other cadets; this is an important part of leadership training. All missed work must be made up within the time established by the instructor. It is the cadet s responsibility to coordinate with the instructor to make up missed work. Makeup uniform day is the day prior or the next school day following the normal uniform inspection day. Uniform Policy: As noted above, wearing, the uniform is required to achieve a passing grade for the course. Uniforms and accessories will be issued to all cadets within the first three weeks. All students must be in uniform not later than the third week of the semester to meet the first graded inspection. Additionally, cadets are required to purchase brass cleaner in order to maintain issued brass items. Some uniform guidelines are: Extreme, eccentric, or trendy haircuts or hairstyles are not authorized. Pants/Trousers of all types will be worn in a normal manner at the waist and not below the waist in an extreme manner. No shirt or articles of clothing displaying any symbol, picture or slogan which may be determined obscene, offensive, demeaning, or disruptively controversial maybe worn. Males are not authorized to wear braids, cornrows, or dreadlocks in uniform. Males with braids or dreads cannot be issued a uniform. Female s hair must be pinned up and kept above the collar. Hairstyles cannot interfere with proper wearing of military headgear. Hair holding ornaments (barrettes, pins, clips), if used, must be transparent or similar in color to hair, and will be inconspicuously placed. Females may wear earrings not to exceed ¼ inches in diameters, and they must be unadorned and spherical (ball shaped) in gold, silver, white pearl, or (clear) diamond. Fingernails will be neatly trimmed. Jewelry. The wearing of a wristwatch, a wrist identification bracelet, and not more than 2 rings is authorized with the Army uniform. Religious Jewelry is the only type of jewelry that can be worn around the neck of a JROTC cadet. Cadets may wear religious jewelry with the JROTC uniform if it is neat, conservative, discreet, and not visible. Males are not allowed to wear earrings while wearing the JROTC uniform. Thursday is usually Athletic and Physical Training (PT) Day. Students must wear clothes and athletic shoes that allow them to fully participate. The principal of St. James High School has directed all cadets to wear the SJH physical education (P.E.) uniform for PT. JROTC T-shirt Cadets are required to purchase a JROTC T-shirt. The shirt will cost no more than $15.00 per student. Cadets will wear the shirt when designated by the Senior Army Instructor. The JROTC T-shirt will be worn in the same manner as the school uniform tucked inside the trouser with a belt.
JROTC POLO The polo is an optional item. The cost is $20.00 Monday is the designated day to wear organizational polo s. The polo maybe worn on Mondays in place of the school uniform shirt. Make-up Work/Late Assignments: It is the student s responsibility to get missed assignments and to complete them. Assignments must be completed and turned in within three school days after the absence. By school and parish policy, if a student has an unexcused absence or tardy, he/she earns "F" for each missed graded activity - No Exceptions. Students have 5 days to get an absence excused. In the case of excused absences, the student has the same number of days he or she missed to complete makeup work. For each day the assignment is late, 10% age points will be deducted. Completed makeup work must be returned to the instructor. If a student is absent on a test day, he or she is responsible for taking the test the day he or she returns (if the absence is excused). No graded work will be allowed to be made up for unexcused absences. If the cadet is present on the day of uniform inspection, but doesn t wear the uniform, uniform inspections cannot be made up. Continued Learning in Extreme Emergencies: Please check the district, school, and class websites for announcements and information concerning continued learning following an extreme emergency. Academic Dishonesty Policy: As per district student policy manual, if a student cheats on a test or plagiarizes he/she will receive one after school detention, no credit on the test/assignment, and an administrative conference. Incomplete Class Work: If a student turns in inadequate or incomplete work, he/she will NOT be given an "F." He/She will be given an "I". The following is by school and parish policy: (1) If an "I" is not made up, the report card grade will be an "I (2) If a student does not remove the "I" by completing the work adequately, the Final Grade will become an "F". Thus, the student will fail the entire course---regardless of other grades. The academic grade assigned to the incomplete work will be lowered according to the St. James Parish School System Pupil Progression Plan. Help Sessions: Students may request help sessions before and after school in the JROTC Building. Students are responsible for coordinating times with instructors. Cadet Notebook: Students enrolled in this class will be required to have a 3 ring binder for their learning and assessment activities, quizzes, exams, notes and projects. The learning activities in each Learning Plan will tell you what you can do to master the learning objectives and competencies. They are your assignments and you will be expected to check off each learning activity in your study guide as you complete it. Assessment activities will tell you what you must demonstrate or submit to your instructor for evaluation. Your instructor will establish deadlines for each assessment.
Cadet Portfolio: Every cadet will create a portfolio that contains an organized collection of work based on accomplishments, personality and aspirations. The portfolio will begin upon entry in the JROTC program and be maintained for the duration of your enrollment in the program. The portfolio will reflect the student s best work and provide insight and information on the cadet s personal achievement and growth over time. Class Conduct/Expectations All cadets are expected to comply with the St. James Parish Student Policy Manual that is used as a guide to the program s organizational structure, promotion system, awards program, and uniform requirements. In addition, each cadet must comply with the St. James JROTC Cadet Handbook. Once a cadet enters the room, class has begun for that student. Cadets will stand in front of their desk and prepare to recite the Cadet Creed led by the class leader. Cadets are expected to be role models and set the example for other students. Service Learning/Community Service Projects All cadets are required to participate in at least 2 Service Learning/Community Service projects per semester. This service must first be approved by the instructors and benefit the community, not just the cadet. Program Expectations: In addition to the student responsibilities outlined by the school, the following procedures will be followed in class: Come prepared to learn and help each other to learn. Always apply effort and stay on task. Wear your uniform properly and with pride ALL DAY on uniform inspection days. All unexcused absences on inspection days may result in penalties that effect grading. Violations of wearing the uniform properly will result in a ZERO for inspection regardless of the initial inspection grade. Listen to each other s ideas. Cooperate with others. Treat everyone and the property of others with respect. Demonstrate leadership and teamwork. Be familiar with current events. Refer to media sources and have at least 1 current event to share with the class. The first period class will be responsible for displaying the American Flag in front of SJH. The 4th period class will be responsible for retrieving the flag at the end of the day. Wednesday is "Show and Tell" time. Cadets will bring one Show and Tell to share with others. Demonstrate respect and good behavior in all classes not just JROTC. Online Communications Policy - The word "netiquette" is short for "Internet Etiquette." You should be aware of the common rules of netiquette for the Web and employ a communication style that follows these guidelines. Blog topics should be treated as serious classroom discussion only, unless noted by the teacher.
All electronic communication between the student and teacher shall be limited to the sanctioned sources, (i.e., School Fusion and Moodle accounts) created for the students. Any electronic communication through any non-sanctioned means (i.e., texting, Facebook) is prohibited, per the district policy manual. JROTC Instructors can contact students via cell phones/texting regarding team practice times and other official notifications regarding coaching and competitive events the cadets are participating in. Possible Revisions----The information in this course syllabus is subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances. All students and parents will be notified of changes. Extracurricular and Co-curricular Activities - Students may voluntarily participate in after-school activities that include: Administrative Leadership - Responsible for planning and executing the operational events, such as community service/service learning projects; district formal balls, Dinning ins; academic bowls; annual inspections; mentoring programs, etc. Color Guard Teams - Responsible for presenting the flags during athletic events, community and school functions and competitive activities. Drill Teams - Execute precise drill movements for competitive programs, parades and demonstrations. Cadet Challenge Team - Demonstrate your physical fitness proficiency by competing against other cadets. Rifle Team Learn the correct procedures of marksmanship in order to compete against other JROTC units. Junior ROTC Cadet Leadership Challenge (JCLC) - Cadets can participate in a one week leadership development summer camp program. This camp is funded by Department of the Army and includes a wide variety of water sports, rappelling, land navigation and orienteering, horseback riding, white water rafting and team building activities. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Camp (STEM) The purpose of STEM Camp is to inspire cadets in relation to STEM related career opportunities and inspire cadets to continue their education beyond High School. Cadets participate in a one week residential experience on the campus of Mississippi State University (MSU). The cadets live in college dormitories visited STEM related work sites and University s Engineering Laboratory and interacts with STEM professors, as well as, graduate and undergraduate students. They also participate in team building and self
awareness activities along with key guest speakers and the University s Senior ROTC programs. JROTC Dining In Cadets will participate in a Dining Inn during the Spring Semester where cadets will wear the JROTC Uniform. The purpose of the Dining In is to provide cadets with the opportunity to experience occasions where they are encouraged to interact with others on a social level. By knowing the rules of proper etiquette, they will not only make a good impression, but also be more relaxed and confident in these situations. Male cadets will wear the Class A Uniform with a plain white button down shirt and bow tie. Both can be purchased at Wal-Mart. Female cadets will wear the Class A Uniform as described in the cadet guide. Cadets will receive a class on proper social conduct and behavior, an important element in their character development. The Dining-In will test their ability to put in action what they learned in the classroom. JROTC Ball Cadets will participate in a formal JROTC Ball which will be held during the Fall Semester. Male cadets will wear the JROTC Uniform with a plain white shirt and bow tie. Female cadets will wear an appropriate semi/formal dress or gown. A detailed letter will be provided to parents 30 days prior to the ball with specific guidance. Again we welcome you to our JROTC Program and look forward to a fun and rewarding year. If you have questions or concerns about the program, please feel free to call 1SG Alsobrook or myself at (225) 265-9397 or email us at lcolar@stjames.k12.la.us or walsobrook@stjames.k12.la.us. LINDA M. COLAR LTC, U.S. Army (Retired) Senior Army Instructor
RETURN THIS PAGE TO YOUR JROTC INSTRUCTOR Parent/Student Statement of Understanding/Approval I (student) have read and understand the JROTC (Print Name) Curriculum and Course Requirements memorandum. (Print Name) I (parent/guardian) have read and understand the JROTC (Print Name) Curriculum and Course Requirements memorandum. Date (Student) Signature (Parent) Signature Step up to the challenge.