challenge%202013

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the Junior Police Academy

Good Character Challenge

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The Junior Police Academy Good Character Challenge” is a simple, yet powerful

way to provide students with an authentic and tangible understanding of good

character. Students move from the life and death context of law enforcement to

another brand of good character, the kind that is rarely

acknowledged, little appreciated and yet unfolds right before

our eyes.

The Challenge reveals how good character is the foundation

for our daily life.

It’s expressed in the quality of our communities; the safety

with which we are able to move about, the care provided to

those who are sick, the patient commitment of those who

enrich our minds and the imagination and industrious spirit of

those who build and create.

Justice, diligence, courage, generosity, integrity, enthusiasm and wisdom, will,

by the end of the course, be more than an idea defined (and confined) to the

dictionary, a great novel or the pages of history – each of these exemplary traits

will have a vitality that can reframe a young person’s experience of their own

community.

Revealing Good Character that shapes daily life

Justice

Diligence

Courage

Generosity

Integrity

Enthusiasm

Wisdom

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Action�� Steps

D U P L I C A T E A N D D I S T R I B U T E “ G O O D C H A R A C T E R S T U D E N T W O R K S H E E T S ”

( P A G E 7 - 1 3 )There is a worksheet for each of our 7 character traits.

C O M P L E T E W O R K S H E E T SAssign students to gradually complete each Worksheet using the

insights gained over the course of this project which will include:

C L A S S R O O M D I S C U S S I O N S( P A G E 4 )

G U E S T S P E A K E R S( P A G E 5 )

Breath life into each of our seven good character traits by inviting

a member of your community to speak to you students about the

importance and potential power of a specific trait.

S T U D E N T A C T I V I T I E S( P A G E 6 )

Go online and download Student Activities which oblige students

to step back from the life they take for granted and discover the

extraordinary power of good character to shape and enrich the

quality of their home, school and community.

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INSTRUCTOR:

Bringing criminals to justice is a challenge for law enforcement officers.

They must first confirm that a crime has been committed; then connect the criminal act to a perpetrator; then apprehend the individual to face justice.

You will be following that same procedure, only they will be on the lookout for actions and deeds that often pass undetected, but which nevertheless have an even greater influence on the quality of our lives than those of a criminal.

Our Seven Most Wanted List includes: Justice, Diligence, Courage, Generosity, Integrity, Enthusiasm and Wisdom.

Each of these words is alive and at work in your community. They find expression in those citizens who exemplify their meaning. Each in their own way have the power to enrich our home, school and community.

First you must first create a detailed description of who you are looking for. Like the FBI, you will profile certain types of behavior.

REFER TO WORKSHEETS AND REVIEW:

Classroom Discussion Profiling Good Character

Review Worksheets

JusticeThese individuals take an active

interest in the cause of justice, as well

as the causes of injustice in our

society. Usually encompasses a

refusal to be petty, along with a

willingness to face danger in order to uphold the law.

Exceptional examples of this trait can

be found among: law enforcement

officers and support staff, criminal

justice professionals, community

leaders.

DiligenceIndividuals who expend considerable

energy in the steady pursuit of a commendable goal. Individuals

demonstrate a willingness to dig in for

the long haul. They are rooted in the

belief that great effort and tireless

devotion will eventually yield results

well worth the wait.


be found among: criminal justice

investigators, business owners, city leaders, farmers.

CourageThe state or quality of mind or spirit

that enables one to face danger or

fear with confidence and resolution.

These individuals possess the

strength of character to live their

values independent of the good

opinion of their peers.


be found among: police officers,

military personnel, firefighters, EMS.

GenerosityWith an inclination to perform kind,

charitable works, these individuals

devote their time, wealth, ideas or

talent in ways that benefit others.

Granting those with whom they

disagree a sympathetic ear, these

individuals treat others with respect

and are always on the lookout for the

good within others.

Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: non profit

professional and volunteers,

philanthropists, mentors, educators,

community leaders

IntegrityThe same person in both private and

public life, these individuals live out

their values in all areas of their life.

Their actions reflect a consistent

adherence to their ideals. Reliable, they inspire loyalty and dedication

from those around them.


be found among: law enforcement

officers, athletic coaches.

EnthusiasmThese individuals put their whole

heart into worthwhile tasks. Not

discouraged by failure, they display intense devotion and tackle each

challenge with zeal.


be found among: K-9 handlers, school

leaders, athletes.

WisdomThe trait of utilizing knowledge and

experience with common sense and

insight for the benefit of others. These individuals see and respond to life

situations from a perspective that

transcends their current

circumstances.


be found among: Members of clergy,

church leaders, educators, physicians,

counselors, judges.

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Breath life into each of our seven good character traits by inviting a member of your community to

speak to your students about the importance and potential power of a specific trait.

Below are suggestions for finding citizen speakers:

JusticeExceptional examples of this trait can be found among: law enforcement officers and support staff, criminal justice professionals, community leaders.

DiligenceExceptional examples of this trait can be found among: criminal justice investigators, business owners, city leaders, farmers.

CourageExceptional examples of this trait can be found among: police officers, military personnel, firefighters, EMS.

GenerosityExceptional examples of this trait can be found among: non profit professional and volunteers, philanthropists, mentors, educators, community leaders.

IntegrityExceptional examples of this trait can be found among: law enforcement officers, athletic coaches.

EnthusiasmExceptional examples of this trait can be found among: K-9 handlers, school leaders, athletes.

WisdomExceptional examples of this trait can be found among: Members of clergy, church leaders, educators, physicians, counselors, judges.

Visit JuniorPoliceAcademy.org/ideas

and download and customize our

template letter inviting citizens to

speak.

Guest Speakers Engage Your Community

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Student ActivitiesDownload and Engage

Visit JuniorPoliceAcademy.org/ideas and download Student Activities

which oblige students to step back from the life they take for granted and

discover the extraordinary power of good character to shape and enrich the

quality of their home, school and community.

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Justice: These individuals take an active interest in the cause of justice, as well as the causes of

injustice in our society. Usually encompasses a refusal to be petty, along with a willingness to face danger in order to uphold the law.

Justice: These individuals take an active interest in the cause of justice, as well as the causes of

injustice in our society. Usually encompasses a refusal to be petty, along with a willingness to face danger in order to uphold the law.

“In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small

problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same.”

Albert Einstein

“In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small

problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same.”

Albert Einstein

Based on a guest speaker, student activity or lesson,

what new insights do you have about this trait?

List people you know who possess this trait. Explain

how they put this trait to use in their life.

Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: law enforcement officers and support staff, criminal justice professionals, community leaders.

Go online and scan the news for events related to this trait.

List examples.

Turn ideas into action. Describe ways you could put

trait to work in your life.

“Good Character” Student Worksheet

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Diligence

Individuals who expend considerable energy in the steady pursuit of a commendable goal. Individuals demonstrate a willingness to dig in for the long haul. They are rooted in the belief that great effort and tireless devotion will eventually yield results well worth the wait.

Diligence

Individuals who expend considerable energy in the steady pursuit of a commendable goal. Individuals demonstrate a willingness to dig in for the long haul. They are rooted in the belief that great effort and tireless devotion will eventually yield results well worth the wait.

“Diligence is the mother of good luck.”

Benjamin Franklin

“Diligence is the mother of good luck.”

Benjamin Franklin

Based on a guest speaker, student activity or lesson, what new insights do you

have about this trait?

List people you know who possess this trait. Explain how they put this trait to

use in their life.

Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: criminal justice investigators, business owners, city leaders, farmers.

Go online and scan the news for events related to this trait. List examples.

Turn ideas into action. Describe ways you could

put trait to work in your life.


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Courage

The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger or fear with confidence and resolution. These individuals possess the strength of character to live their values independent of the good opinion of their peers.

Courage

The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger or fear with confidence and resolution. These individuals possess the strength of character to live their values independent of the good opinion of their peers.

“Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway.”

John Wayne

“Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway.”

John Wayne

Based on a guest speaker, student activity or lesson, what

new insights do you have about this trait?

List people you know who possess this trait. Explain how they put this trait to use in their

life.

Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: police officers, military personnel, firefighters, EMS.

Go online and scan the news for events related to this trait.

List examples.

Turn ideas into action. Describe ways you could put trait to

work in your life.


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Generosity

An inclination to perform kind, charitable works, these individuals devote their time, wealth, ideas or talent in ways that benefit others. Granting those with whom they disagree a sympathetic ear, these individuals treat others with respect and are always on the lookout for the good within others.

Generosity

An inclination to perform kind, charitable works, these individuals devote their time, wealth, ideas or talent in ways that benefit others. Granting those with whom they disagree a sympathetic ear, these individuals treat others with respect and are always on the lookout for the good within others.

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong.

Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”

George Washington Carver

“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong.

Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”

George Washington Carver

Based on a guest speaker, student activity or lesson, what new insights do you have about this trait?

List people you know who possess this trait. Explain how they put this trait to use in their life.

Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: non profit professional and volunteers, philanthropists, mentors, educators, community leaders





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Integrity

The same person in both private and public life, these individuals live out their values in all areas of their life. Their actions reflect a consistent adherence to their ideals. Reliable, they inspire loyalty and dedication from those around them.

Integrity

The same person in both private and public life, these individuals live out their values in all areas of their life. Their actions reflect a consistent adherence to their ideals. Reliable, they inspire loyalty and dedication from those around them.

“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no

real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football

field, in an army, or in an office.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower

“The supreme quality for leadership is unquestionably integrity. Without it, no

real success is possible, no matter whether it is on a section gang, a football

field, in an army, or in an office.”

Dwight D. Eisenhower



Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: law enforcement officers, athletic coaches.





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Enthusiasm

These individuals put their whole heart into worthwhile tasks. Not discouraged by failure, they display intense devotion and tackle each challenge with zeal.

Enthusiasm

These individuals put their whole heart into worthwhile tasks. Not discouraged by failure, they display intense devotion and tackle each challenge with zeal.

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”

Winston Churchill

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”

Winston Churchill



Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: K-9 handlers, school leaders, athletes.





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Wisdom

These individuals show a willingness to combine the fruits of their experience with empathy and intellect and act for the benefit of others. They see and respond to life situations from a perspective that transcends their current circumstances.

Wisdom

These individuals show a willingness to combine the fruits of their experience with empathy and intellect and act for the benefit of others. They see and respond to life situations from a perspective that transcends their current circumstances.

“Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.”

Samuel Taylor Coleridge

“Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.”

Samuel Taylor Coleridge



Exceptional examples of this trait can be found among: Members of clergy, church leaders, educators, physicians, counselors, judges.





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transform words into people and people into mentors

Ultimately words like courage or justice are defined, not by the

dictionary, but by people. The Challenge seizes on this as an

opportunity for students to transform words into people and people into

mentors.

I am confident students will look back on this final aspect of our new

course, not so much as a Challenge, but rather as a privilege.

It’s an opportunity for young people to publicly acknowledge acts of

good character which have enriched the quality of their life. It’s a small,

but powerful expression of gratitude, which is, in itself, an act of good

character.

I also believe that years from now, every citizen who participated will

look back in wonderment that the simple act of being recognized by a

young person for their good character was in fact one of their greatest

moments of pride.

Phillip LeConte

JPA Executive Director

Justice

Diligence

Courage

Generosity

Integrity

Enthusiasm

Wisdom

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Action�� Steps

STEP 1

Once Worksheets are complete, duplicate and distribute a “Good

Character Form” (Page 16) to each student.

STEP 2Assign students to select someone from their community who exemplifies each trait and recognize their excellence and inspiration by having them sign their

“Good Character Form”.

INSTRUCTOR’S ADDRESS TO STUDENTS:

You will be expected to seek-out people from your community who exemplify our seven core good character traits: Justice, Diligence, Courage, Generosity, Integrity, Enthusiasm and Wisdom.

This process may require some investigation into your community or family history. It may require that you conduct field interviews or visit your school’s library to do some research.

Individuals matching your description might be someone from your school, home life or local government. Depending on how you define the trait, they could be a local shop owner, a doctor or veterinarian, a member of your church or a member of your family.

Your search may include neighbors, teammates, best friend, teachers, school support staff – and don’t rule out guest speakers who visit your classroom.

STEP 3Collect completed forms from students. Send away for Good Character

Challenge Pin using form on page 18.

STEP 4Present students who successfully complete the Challenge with the JPA Good

Character Challenge Pin in recognition of their exceptional act of good character. Reveal secret of the Pin at ceremony (Page 17).

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the Junior Police Academy GOOD CHARACTER

Challenge Form

STEP 1Review this form and consider each of the traits listed. Return to your “Good Character Student

Worksheets” for insight.

STEP 2Be on the lookout for actions or deeds matching the

description of each trait.

STEP 3Select someone from your community who

exemplifies each trait and recognize their excellence and inspiration by having them sign this form.

STEP 4Print your name below and submit completed form to

your instructor.

Identify individuals in your community who exemplify the meaning of Justice, Diligence, Courage, Generosity,

Integrity, Enthusiasm and Wisdom.

Justice The above Individual has demonstrated excellence in their pursuit of

fairness and equality.

Diligence The above Individual has demonstrated considerable

perseverance in the steady pursuit of a commendable goal.

Courage The above Individual has demonstrated a spirit that has enabled

them to face danger or fear with confidence and resolution.

Generosity The above Individual has given their time, wealth, ideas or

talent in ways that benefit others.

Integrity The above Individual has lived out their values in all areas of

their life, both private and public.

Enthusiasm The above Individual has demonstrated a spirited

commitment to worthwhile endeavors.

Wisdom The above Individual has demonstrated an ability to combine the

fruits of their experience with empathy and intellect.

______________________________________

STUDENT NAME (PLEASE PRINT)

Signature below certifies student has successfully completed the form.

_____________________________________INSTRUCTOR

_____________________________________Law Enforcement Agency

_____________________________________State

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Reveal the Secret of the Challenge

Instructor Overview

Students who successfully complete the course are presented with the JPA Good

Character Challenge Pin in recognition of their exceptional act of good character.

(The exact nature of their accomplishment is only revealed to student recipients

upon presentation of the award.)

Words spoken to recipients ofJPA Good Character Challenge Pin:

JPA’s Good Character Challenge Pin is awarded for an exceptional act of good character. By successfully completing the “JPA Good Character Challenge” and recognizing the people in your life who exemplify “Justice, Diligence, Courage, Generosity, Integrity, Enthusiasm and Wisdom” you have demonstrated what is, perhaps, the ultimate act of good character – gratitude.

To perceive that which merits gratitude and to sincerely express it throughout your life is the very soul of good character. This is especially true in those moments when you are moved by an enlightened sense of justice, diligence, courage, generosity, integrity, enthusiasm and/or wisdom. We are proud to recognize your achievement.

“While the national organization is proud to award students a pin for completing the

Good Character Challenge,” said Kelly LeConte, JPA’s Program Director, “the

enduring reward will be cultivated among members of your community. Years from

now, citizens will look back in wonderment that being recognizing for good character

remains one of their greatest moments of pride.”

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_________________________________________________________________________________________

My Name, (with title)

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Department

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Street Address

_________________________________________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip Code

(______________)_______________________

Phone number

______________________________________

Email

_________Number of STUDENT CHALLENGE FORMS Enclosed

_________ I am pre-ordering pins with understanding that forms will be subsequently provided.

Mail Student forms with this Request Form to:Junior Police Academy1009 West 6th Street, Suite 205,Austin, Texas 78703Attn: Kelly LeConte

The Junior Police Academy Leadership Forum is proud to recognize the achievement of those students who successfully complete the challenge with a “Good Character Challenge” Pin.

Instructions for ordering pin:

STEP 1Collect Completed Forms from students.

STEP 2Mail Student forms with this Request Form to address below.

STEP 3Advisory Council of the Junior Police Academy will ship “Good Character Challenge” Pins for each student who completed the Challenge. Pins are awarded for merit, at no charge. (Pins can be pre-ordered by special arrangement.)

Good Character Challenge Pin

Request form

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