1. Introduction to the Senior Project At last! This is the year that you have waited for, and now you have the opportunity to create a memorable Senior Project. You may have already heard rumors about the Senior Project. Some of you may have negative feelings about this assignment and some of you may see it as the wonderful challenge that it represents. You may still be uncertain about what the Senior Project entails, so let’s clear up any misunderstandings that you may have and explain exactly what the Senior Project is.

2. DO I HAVE TO DO A SENIOR PROJECT? First of all, the Senior Project is a requirement of your English 4 class. First of all, the Senior Project is a requirement of your English 4 class. Secondly, if you wish to graduate from RHS, then you must successfully complete a Senior Project. Secondly, if you wish to graduate from RHS, then you must successfully complete a Senior Project. Finally, the Senior Project involves your completion of five components over the course of a year. Finally, the Senior Project involves your completion of five components over the course of a year.

3. Phase 1- The Research Paper 1 The Research Paper Each student will complete a 6-8 page research paper on a chosen topic. 1.You will choose a topic to research in detail for a formal research paper. 2.The research paper is a required component of the English IV curriculum. 3.Students will work on researching, synthesizing information, and writing skills in their English IV classrooms.

4. THE PAPER PROCESS  Each student will submit a full first rough draft (at least six pages with five cited sources) to their mentor.  The mentor will complete a Senior Paper Checklist and return it with the paper.  Students will submit a second rough draft to their English IV teacher with the Senior Paper Checklist completed by the mentor.  The second draft will include all corrections and revisions suggested by their mentor.  Students will work in English IV classes to research the topic, form thesis statements and write the research paper.

5. Phase 2- Fieldwork Phase 2- Fieldwork Fieldwork Fieldwork  Students will complete 15 hours of fieldwork relating to their selected topics in order to gain a first-hand understanding of their subject.  Examples of field work include but are not limited to volunteering, taking a class, interning, job shadowing, interviews, and surveys.  Requirements  Fieldwork supervisor must verify each hour of fieldwork with signature  Must demonstrate a “learning stretch”  Process reflected in logs  Each student must include 4 logs, each a minimum of one typed page following MLA format  Evidence of either a physical product or a presentation to a wider audience  Minimum of 15 hours outside of the classroom.

6. Phase 3- The Product/Project Product /Project Description Product /Project Description  Following your research and fieldwork, you will create a product/project that applies all of the knowledge you’ve gained throughout the entire process.  This will be the evidence that you have completed your fieldwork and have achieved mastery of your topic.

7. Product/Project Requirements During your presentation, you must either display your physical product, or provide visual evidence of it. The “learning stretch” must be evident to the judges. * Each of your products will be different. Do not compare your product to other students. Your product will represent your own unique journey through the Senior Project process.

8. Phase 4-The Portfolio The Senior Project portfolio does several things: It allows the judges to see the process of your Senior Project. It gives the judges a first impression of you. It offers the judges the opportunity to prepare questions they would like to ask you.

9. Each student must produce a well- organized, bound portfolio documenting his or her senior project process. Each student must produce a well- organized, bound portfolio documenting his or her senior project process. The Advisory Board will review and evaluate the portfolio. The Advisory Board will review and evaluate the portfolio. Also, Senior Panel judges will review the portfolios prior to presentations. Also, Senior Panel judges will review the portfolios prior to presentations.

10. Phase 5- Oral Presentation Each student will be allotted 5-7 minutes to share his/her research process and 5-8 minutes for questioning from the panel of judges. Be prepared for questions on any aspect of your project! Each student will be allotted 5-7 minutes to share his/her research process and 5-8 minutes for questioning from the panel of judges. Be prepared for questions on any aspect of your project!

11. Your presentation will be graded on the following aspects: Knowledge of Content Accuracy of Information Oral Presentation Skills Conventions of Language Evidence of Community Impact

12. Oral Presentation Requirements 5-7 minutes long (no more, no less) 5-7 minutes long (no more, no less) 5-8 minutes for questions 5-8 minutes for questions Visual evidence of project available Visual evidence of project available Evidence of technology required Evidence of technology required Professional attire is mandatory! Professional attire is mandatory! Males must wear a dress shirt, dress pants, dress shoes and a tie. Males must wear a dress shirt, dress pants, dress shoes and a tie. Females may wear a skirt (to the knee) or dress pants and an appropriate blouse. Females may wear a skirt (to the knee) or dress pants and an appropriate blouse. ABSOLUTELY NO JEANS OR SNEAKERS!! ABSOLUTELY NO JEANS OR SNEAKERS!!

13. Friday, September 25 Mentor/Student Agreement due Friday, October 9Proposal Approval due Friday, October 23 Thesis Statement due Friday, October 30 Commitment Poster due Friday, November 20 First Draft of Research Paper to Mentor Friday, December 18 Second Draft of Research Paper due Friday, January 15Final Research Paper due Friday, April 16 Fieldwork Timesheet & Fieldwork Reflections due Friday, April 23Letter To Judges & Current Resume due Friday, April 30Portfolio due Week of May 3 Speech Rehearsals Tuesday, May 11 Panel Presentations (Tentative) SENIOR PROJECT TIMELINE DATES ARE NOT NEGOTIABLE!!!!!!

14. Read Carefully!!!!!! Failure to comply with deadlines and/or failure to turn in any part of the project may result in : Failing final grade in English 4 Prohibition of participation in graduation ceremony Witholding of diploma until project is completed in summer school. Failure to comply with deadlines and/or failure to turn in any part of the project may result in : Failing final grade in English 4 Prohibition of participation in graduation ceremony Witholding of diploma until project is completed in summer school.

15. The entire staff at RHS believes that all of you will do an excellent job and will be happy to assist you in any way possible!