James Thomas

1890 - 1968

James Thomas was a historic figure who exemplified good citizenship. His humanitarian

efforts improved the community of Plano.

What do these people have in common?

• What do you know about leadership?

• Do you think Plano had any leaders or good citizens 100 years ago?

• What are some qualities of a good leader?

• Personal obligation for the common good-means a person feels it is his/her duty to do good things for others and for the community because it will make the community a better place in which to live. They are considerate of mankind.

• Respect for self and others-means a person’s actions show

he/she cares about him/herself

and about others.

• Responsibility-means a person is in control of

his/her actions and the results

of those actions.

Jane Addams

Jane Addams was a historical figure who was a good citizen. She was a wealthy citizen who traveled to Europe and visited a ”settlement house,” which was created for families in need.

Hull House

Jane Addams is remembered as a social worker who founded Hull House which provided:•day care for working mothers.•a community kitchen.•visiting nurses.•a meeting place for clubs and labor unions.•a place for women to use their education.•a training ground for careers in social work.

Most schools in Plano were named for individuals who were leaders in the community and also believed in responsibility for the human good.

What do you know about our school’s name?

Let’s find out about the history of some other Plano school names.

Read about James Thomas. Mr. Thomas’ life was an example of good citizenship.

Talk about the words businessman, and janitorial service. Use context clues to determine a definition for the following words:– philanthropist – solicited

a man who works in a business

businessman

philanthropist

a person who generously gives to a school, the community, or the poor

janitorial service

a business which provides care and cleaning of a building

solicited

asked for or requested

James Thomas was both a businessman and a philanthropist. Find details that support James Thomas as a businessman and philanthropist and complete the graphic organizer.

Businessman Good Citizen/Philanthropist

Use the graphic organizer and the handout to help organize the information about James Thomas. Choose from the following topics:

• James Thomas As a Businessman

• James Thomas As a Philanthropist and Good Citizen

humanitarian

one who is considerate of mankind

James Thomas was a humanitarian!