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T. Dewitt Taylor

Middle- High School

Student Government Association and Class Officer Application

2013-2014

Thank you for your interest in running for Student Government/Class

Officer. Student Government/Class Officers represent the student body of T.

Dewitt Taylor Middle- High School and must be responsible, hard-working and

of good character. Working with the Sponsors of SGA, this association

demonstrates leadership by organizing and completing many activities on

campus (dances, spirit week, community service projects, etc.). Students

interested in serving as an officer of SGA must be willing to commit their time

and efforts in this endeavor. Students who have jobs or other conflicts, and

those wishing to take leadership merely for a college application, are not

encouraged to apply. In addition, Junior/Senior and SGA (school) officers

should not seek an elected officer in any other organization. For those

students that want to work to make a significant difference in their high

school, it is a rewarding and challenging experience.

With that said, if you meet the criteria described, I encourage you to take

an active role in your school by running for Student Government/Class

officer. It is a fun and rewarding experience with lessons that will benefit you

for a lifetime. Please see me if you have any questions.

Mrs. Beaty/Ms. Nicholson

Student Government Association Sponsors

Taylor Middle-High School

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Student Government Officer Application Timeline, Checklist and Criteria

All of the standards listed below must be met by the deadline in order for

your application to be considered for Student Government/Class officer. There are many pieces that are required; do not procrastinate. Incomplete or late

applications will not be considered. Time line:

April 1st – April 9th: Applications available from Mrs. Beaty or Ms. Nicholson April 10th: Applications are due no later than 8am

to Mrs. Beaty (5-213) or Ms. Nicholson (front office) April 12th: All students who meet the criteria will be invited to a general

meeting to discuss the election process April 15th – 19th: Interviews will be conducted by an election committee (this

applies only to those students running for junior/senior class, or SGA school officer)

-Student will tape a speech no longer than 2 minutes with Mrs. Cardillo April 22nd -25th:Campaigns (must get everything approved by Ms. Nicholson) April 26th: Election Day Checklist: ____ Read the entire application. ____ Obtain your parent/guardian signatures on pages 5 and 6. ____ Complete the application on page 6. ____ Attach responses to the application questions on page 6. ____ Turn in the application before the deadline, April 10th, 2013, 8:00am Criteria:

3.o GPA (cumulative weighted GPA)

Referrals, student conduct and attendance will be reviewed by the election committee

A recommendation from your sponsor will be requested (only for past SGA officers)

Interview will be conducted by the election committee (only applies to Junior/Senior Class and SGA school officers)

Junior/Senior Class and SGA (school) officers may not be an officer for any other club, group and/or organization.

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Student Government Officer Duties (One position available for each class 7th -12th and SGA school officers)

President

- Runs the class/SGA meetings

- Serves as the association’s representative to Mrs. Beaty and Ms. Nicholson; meets with

her to discuss new ideas

- Represents T. Dewitt Taylor Middle- High School at school events

-SGA president will meet with Volusia County School Superintendant

Vice-President

- In case the president cannot perform his/her duties, he/she will take over as president

- Helps manage the meeting and create the meeting agendas

- Reads minutes of last meeting

Secretary

- Takes minutes at each class/SGA meeting

- Takes attendance at each meeting, SGA class events and activities.

Treasurer

- After each fundraiser, he/she will announce how much money was made and give an

updated report of the balance

- Comes up with ideas on how to raise money (fundraising).

Historian (SGA school officer only, 9-12 can run for this position)

- Takes photographs at SGA events

-Class photo album

Sergeant of Arms (SGA school officer only, 9-12 can run for this position)

-Responsible for keeping order during meetings

-Responsible for set up of meetings

-Will lead officers in the Pledge of Allegiance before each meeting

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DECLARATION OF CANDIDACY AND COMMITMENT STATEMENT FOR T. DEWITT TAYLOR MIDDLE- HIGH SCHOOL

STUDENT GOVERNMENT OFFICER

I, ______________________________________ (print your name) wish to declare my candidacy for T. Dewitt Taylor Middle- High School Class/SGA Officer. By signing this declaration of candidacy, I confirm that I have read the entire document and I will: • Consider my position as a student body officer as a trust and not use it for personal gain. • Be constantly aware of my position of student leader, and thereby always act in a manner that demonstrates self and school pride. • Solicit ideas and opinions from all students of the school and work to incorporate their views in the deliberations and decisions of the SGA. • Devote sufficient time, thought, and commitment to my student government responsibilities to insure that the goals of the SGA will be accomplished. • Remember that the basic function of SGA is to serve the best interest of the student body. • Remain conscious of the view of others have of my actions and do my best to be a good role model for others to follow. • Maintain a 3.0 grade point average with no "F's". I realize that I will be removed from office upon failure to do this. • Obey all school rules, policies, and all laws of the community. Should my actions at school or in the community ever result in suspensions from school, I shall expect to be removed from office for the remainder of the year. This shall apply to any violation, on and off school premises at any time, during the entire year in which I am holding office.

Meet district eligibility requirements.

Attendance will be taken at all SGA/Class meetings and events. I realize that I will be removed from office upon missing 2 meetings/events. All excuses must be submitted 24 hours prior to meetings or events.

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Commitment Statement:

I acknowledge and understand that by seeking a position as Class/SGA officer

that I am pledging myself to service for the period of one year beginning at the

end of the election year and running through the end of the next school year.

Procrastination, uncooperative attitudes, non-participation, or non-

commitment will not be tolerated. I understand that there are times when my

participation during off school hours is required, and my continuance in an

officer position will depend on my dependability and work ethic. Class/SGA

officers are required to be at Class/SGA and meetings. I understand that

applying to be an officer requires participation and assistance in SGA events is

mandatory or you may be removed from your position. Officers must also meet

academic eligibility requirements or be removed from office.

I therefore commit to these responsibilities and state that I am willing to serve

as an officer of T. Dewitt Taylor Middle-High Schools Student Government

Association.

I have read and understand this declaration of candidacy and commitment statement and agree to uphold them on and off campus.

____________________________________________ _______________________ Signature of Applicant Date ____________________________________________ _______________________ Parent/Guardian Date

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* PERMISSION TO RUN FOR CLASS/SGA OFFICER *

Due Wednesday, April 10, 2013, by 8:00 a.m. to Mrs. Beaty, room 5-213 or Ms. Nicholson, front office.

Name__________________________________ Grade: _______________ (Please print) Circle the position for which you are running: Class Officers :( 7th – 12th)

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER HISTORIAN

Grade: ___ Grade: ___ Grade: ___ Grade: ___ Grade:___ SGA Officers: (High School Only)

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER HISTORIAN SGT. ARMS Grade: ___ Grade: ___ Grade: ___ Grade: ___ Grade: ___ Grade: ___

I have read the attached information, and the description of the office for which I am seeking. I understand the requirements and expectations of Class/ SGA officers, and I

would like to submit my name as a candidate.

________________________________________________________________________ Student Signature

Email address (if applicable) ______________________________________________ Cell phone: _______________________________________________________________

I give permission for my child to run for Class/SGA officer. I have read the attached information. I understand that my child, if elected, will be required to attend meetings and

stay after school occasionally to help with various projects. ________________________________________________________________________

Parent Signature

Name of parent (please print) ______________________________________________ Email address (if applicable) ______________________________________________

On a separate sheet of paper, answer the following questions and attach it to this application:

1. Why do you want to be an officer?

2. What are your qualifications?

3. What personality traits do you have that will make you a good leader?

4. What goals or ideas do you have that you would like to accomplish next year?

5. What have you accomplished this year as a part to contribute to Taylor Middle-High

School? Applicants who fail to answer these questions will not be considered a candidate.