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The Urbandale Activities Department enters its ninth year of J-Hawk Foundations during the 2021-2022 school year.

 

Together with the Institute for Excellence and Ethics out of New York and The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center located at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, J-Hawk Foundations was launched in the fall of 2013. Similar to what Drake University did within its Athletic program at the time, a research-based approach featuring the tools of the Excellence with Integrity Institute is used to help students navigate the challenges facing high school students today.

 

Through the first eight years of programming, a variety of topics have been examined ranging from communication to toughness, integrity to stress management, and goal setting and personal responsibility, to name just a few. In that time, the programming evolved, yet the initial goal of ensuring that students in activities are afforded more than just their experience on the field, court, and stage continues to be at the forefront.

 

After a year hiatus due to the challenges presented during the 2020-2021 school year due to COVID-19 mitigation, we are excited to return to programming this year. 

 

This year’s program includes:

 

J-Hawk Foundations

  • Wide reaching program for students in all activities
  • Three program wide sessions will be offered throughout the year

 

Emerging Leaders

  • Students in Grades 10-12
  • Over 150 students have been extended invitations to participate in 2021-2022 after being nominated by coaches and director
  • 7-10 sessions will be scheduled in 2021-2022

 

Program Work

  • Coach / Director led work will take place during the school year.
  • The focus will be on:
    • Goal setting
    • Development of a Compact for Excellence
    • A program analysis conducted by students around strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
    • An evaluation of stress and how to manage that stress within the season