SOUTH PAULDING HIGH SCHOOL

SENIOR PROJECT
2016-2017

Principal
Dr. Keith Rowland

Senior Project Committee

Assistant Principal: Dianna Moyer
English Department Chair: Charlotte Morgan

PROJECT OVERVIEW
SENIOR PROJECT is the culminating activity of a students senior year. The project is
embedded in the English curriculum and will count as a percentage of the Senior English
course grade. The project provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their
knowledge and showcase the skills they have acquired over the past eleven years. It
fosters lifetime interests and learning habits while providing students with a sense of
accomplishment. It combines academic, career, and community components intended to
challenge ones ability, stretch ones limitations, and celebrate ones individuality. The
Senior Project is a fitting conclusion to a students high school education.
SENIOR PROJECT GOALS
*To give students the opportunity to apply knowledge in a variety of areas
*To link knowledge from courses to application through a project
*To prepare students for life after high school
*To strengthen students communication skills
*To allow students the opportunity to research an area of interest
*To give students the opportunity in serve in the community
FIVE COMPONENT OVERVIEW: THE 5 PS
PROPOSAL: Through Senior English classes, students will choose a career or area
interest to research. Working closely with the advisor, students will narrow their topic of
research and submit a proposal.
PAPER: Students will write a research paper on their chosen topic and related career
opportunities.
PRODUCT: Students will apply the information gained from research to create a
product. Your product may be an actual physical product, a performance, a demonstration, or a
service. Your product must be related to your research. You need to work within your budget;
you are not required to spend money to complete the Senior Project.
PORTFOLIO: The purpose of the Portfolio is to document the entire Senior Project
process from inception to completion. It will contain the student resume, cover letter, interview,
proposal, research paper, presentation outline, visual, and reflective journals.
PRESENTATION: The final element of the Senior Project is the Presentation.
Students will engage in a formal presentation, no less than 5 minutes and no more than 10
minutes in length. Students must demonstrate proficient speaking skills and the ability to
communicate coherently as they present their project. The presentation must be accompanied
by a visual aid.

PROJECT RECOGNITIONS: Seniors are recognized for Outstanding Product and Outstanding
Presentation. In addition, the top three projects are each awarded a monetary scholarship for

Best Overall Project.

THE CALENDAR

ACTIVITY

Introduction of Senior Project and Handbook

Parent Notification Form Returned
Project Proposal
Resume Lesson
Project Mentor Agreement Form Due
Final Research Paper
Proclamation Poster Due
Speech Presentation Outline
Reflective Journal Entry
Portfolio Due
Presentations

Due Date

SENIOR PROJECT
PARENT/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION FORM

As the parent/guardian of ________________________________, a 201617 senior at South Paulding High School, I am aware that my son/daughter is
required to successfully complete the Senior Project. I am also aware that
the four components of the Project are the Annotated Bibliography, a
Product, a Portfolio, and a Presentation, before a panel of judges.

I understand that the Senior Project is student centered. I am aware that the
the Project will be counted as a grade in my students senior English Class.

I understand that my student is to choose a Project mentor. The mentor can

be a school teacher, advisor, or a community member. I am aware that nonschool personnel are not endorsed by nor are their credentials screened by
the Paulding County School district. Therefore, I understand it is my
responsibility to review the qualifications and/ or background of the Project
mentor and supervise my students work with his/her mentor.

I understand that the Senior Project is part of the course requirements for
Senior English and will be part of my students English grade.

I understand that failure to complete the Senior Project could jeopardize my

students successful completion of Senior English.

Student Name (please print) ___________________________________

Parent/Guardian Name (please print) ____________________________
Address ____________________________________________________

E-mail Address_______________________________________________
Parent Signature ______________________________Date ___________

SENIOR PROJECT PROPOSAL

Student Name (please print) _________________________________
English Teacher_____________________Date_______________

Research Paper Topic_____________________________________________

Related Product Idea______________________________________________
Possible Project Mentor____________________________________________

Questions to consider and answer to the best of your ability

1.

Why are you interested in this area of research?

2.

How long do you expect it to take you to complete your Product?

3.

When and where will you work on your Product?

4.

What are the estimated costs for completing your Product, and how will you fund these costs?

5.

What steps will you need to take before you begin work on your Product?

6.

What are the related careers to your chosen topic?

7.

How will you demonstrate your Product for your Presentation

I hereby agree to complete the Senior Project as a partial requirement for participation in graduation
activities. I understand I must present my Senior Project to a review panel of judges.

Name________________________________________________________
Signature____________________________________________________
Date ____________________

PROCLAMATION POSTER
The Proclamation Poster is a visual that illustrates the topic you have
chose to pursue this year for your Senior Project. Whether computer generated, cut out
of magazines, hand drawn, or a combination of the three, make an attractive, neat,
concise, and creative poster, readable from a distant of six feet.
Poster Requirements
Poster size: 8x10
Correlate visual images to your topic
Write your name and your English teachers name in the bottom right hand
corner of your poster
Poster Evaluation
1. Is the poster the correct size?
2. Is the topic clear?
3. Is there a visual representation of the topic
4. Is the students name and teachers name written in the bottom right-hand
corner?
5. Is the poster colorful and attractive?
6. Are the words spelled correctly? (Remember many people will see your
poster)
7. Is my creativity presented in a neat and polished fashion?

Posters will be displayed in the hallway for others to see, so plan the layout
and make it visually appealing

The Research Paper

Specific guidelines will be covered by your English teacher.

Acceptable Project Topics and Related Products

Project Topics Related Products
Project Topics

Related Products

The Competitive Edge in the Restaurant

Business: Current Trends

Design a restaurant reflecting those

trends, build a scale model

Challenges and rewards in working with

Downs Syndrome Children

Coach or participate in the Special

Olympics

Past vs. Present: Effective Strategies for

Teaching reading

Help tutor elementary students in

reading

The Art of Photography: Effectiveness

of the latest Technology

Create a photograph portfolio; learn

how to frame and mat photos

The Impact of Rap Music on Culture:

Positive vs. Negative

Write and perform an original rap song

Film: Creating or Reflecting Culture

Create and edit an original film

Robotics: Effective Robots

Construct a Robotic hand

The Product
How Do I Choose A Product?
Think about all of the things you are passionate about or interested in. Things such as
skills/knowledge you would like to acquire to make or create something, ways to improve your
community, non-profit organizations you could help fund, events/organizations in which you
could participate, certifications you could obtain, or classes you could take .
Dont limit yourself initially; in fact, brainstorm ideas as they come to you, and then narrow and
prioritize your choices for practicality and cost effectiveness. Make your final decision based
on something you are truly passionate about or interested in pursuing!!! This element
is key in achieving the motivation necessary to meet the challenges, overcome the obstacles, and
excel in the completion of your Product and, ultimately, your Project.
General Requirements for the Product

It must . . .

Be a Product the student has not done before or one that builds on the skills and
knowledge he/she may already possess yet goes beyond that knowledge to develop
another level of skill and a higher level of learning.
Be student-generated.
Be related to the students Research Paper.
Be evidenced through the students Product Work Log and Pictorial Log.
Reflect tangible evidence of each students learning stretch. If the skills and/or
knowledge acquired in the creation of the Product are intangible, students must decide
how to present their newly acquired skills and/or knowledge as tangible evidence of their

learning stretch. (For example: a journal kept about after-school tutoring at an elementary
school, demonstration of a skill learned in a class, portfolio pictures of coaching in the Special
Olympics)
Ineligible Products

No purchased or ready-made models or kits will be accepted.

Other Considerations
Cost: A students grade is NOT based on how much he/she spends on the Product.
Time: The Product must be completed by the due date, no extensions.
Product: Tangible evidence of the skills and/or knowledge acquired in satisfying the
students learning stretch must be presented when Product is due.
Transportation: Accessibility to and from lessons or meetings with your mentor must be
taken into consideration.
Equipment: If the Product requires special equipment (sewing machine, saw,
computer), consider whether or not it is available and working.
Special Permission: Remember that visiting or observing at many sites requires special
permission. Call ahead to make arrangements

THE PORTFOLIO
What is the Senior Project Portfolio ?
The Portfolio provides physical documentation of the students
Senior Project journey. It also serves as the initial introduction
of the student and his/her Project to the Judges at the Senior Presentation in
May.

Required Contents (arranged in the order indicated below) should be placed in

a three ring notebook for presentation.

Cover (outside notebook): Graphically depicts your Project and clearly

displays your topic, your name and your English teachers name.

Letter to the Judges

Student Resume

Parent Notification Form

Proposal Form

Mentor Agreement Form

Reflective Journal

Research Paper

Optional Pictorial Work Log

Poster (not required in the notebook)

The Presentation
Applaud yourself for successfully completing the first three components of your
Senior Project. You have researched a topic of interest and written an in-depth
Research Paper. You worked and produced a related Product, and compiled a
professional Portfolio documenting your journey. Now, you are ready to celebrate your
accomplishments and share your discoveries with your Judges at the Presentation.

Presentation requirements
Presentation 5-10 minutes (timed- must be at least 5 minutes and not exceed 10
minutes)- Your presentation should focus on your PRODUCT, but be sure to include
information about your mentor and related career opportunities in your Presentation.
Create at least one visual
Remember that visuals are important not only to show the Judges what you have
accomplished but also to provide you with a pictorial progression of what you want to
say. The visuals will enable you to keep your Presentation focused and organized as
well as lessen any apprehension you may have about talking in front of people.
Create note cards
Place only key words or phrases on your note cards, just enough to jog your memory
about what you want to say next. Note: Avoid placing complete sentences or jamming
too much information on your note cards since this may lead you down a major pitfall
in presenting: reading rather than telling.
Dress
Your attire for Senior Boards should complement your Presentation rather than become
a distraction that takes valuable points away from your score. Use the following
guidelines in making your decision about what to wear.

* Guys should wear collared shirts, dress pants, or khakis (a sport coat or
suit, if you prefer)
*Girls should wear an appropriate dress, a skirt, or dress
pants and a conservative top or jacket (a suit, if you prefer)
*Hair: Wear your hair in a manner that will allow you to keep eye contact
with your Judges. Avoid playing with your hair during the presentation.
Essential delivery components - maintain . . .
*Eye Contact with your Judges (Avoid turning your back to them.)
*Body Composure (Avoid leaning on the podium stand with confidence.)
*Vocal Expression (Moderate your speech - neither too low too high too fast.)
*Personal Expression ( Its ok to be enthusiastic! In fact, allowing your passion
about your Project to show will go a long way in impressing the Judges and in
making a dynamic Presentation!)

Project Mentor
Choose Carefully !!
Once you have decided on a Product, your next step is to find a Project
Mentor! Your Project Mentor is an extremely important person in the success of your
Product, so choose someone who is an expert or extremely knowledgeable in the skills
and knowledge you need to acquire. This will enable you to create a Product that is
both challenging and rewarding.

The Role of the Project Mentor

This will vary, depending on your Product. He/she will either provide sustained
instruction or periodic instruction or, perhaps, a combination of both.

Sustained Instruction:
The PM may be an instructor of a course that teaches specific intangible skills such as
learning Sign Language or becoming certified in Scuba Diving.

Periodic Instruction:
The PM may only provide periodic instruction with the student. These students will meet
on a regular basis with their PM to obtain the expertise (knowledge or skills) necessary
to complete each step of his/her Product.
Important Reminder: Intangible skills and/or knowledge acquired in creating your
Product must be presented resourcefully as tangible evidence of your learning
stretch. Only tangible Products will be considered and, subsequently, eligible for
the Presentation.
Guidelines for Project mentor(s)
cannot be a family member or a relative
must be an adult (not another student)
must be someone local and someone that you meet with face to face.
must possess the skills and expertise that enables the student to create a challenging
yet achievable Product through his/her expertise in the field.
will meet with student to complete the Product Proposal and verify students progress
*be willing to sign Mentor Agreement form

Is it possible to have more than one Project Mentor?

Yes, in fact, students may need more than one. For example, they may need one PM for
learning how to use a manual camera and acquire the skills for taking pictures with
different subjects and backgrounds. Additionally, they may want to learn how to mat
and frame their photos, and seek another PM for this phase of the Project.

Please confirm your agreement to serve as a Project Mentor for the student
indicated below by completing this form and by signing the subsequent
statement.
Student Name _____________________________________________________
Project Mentors Name ______________________________________________
E-mail Address _____________________________________________________
Contact Phone # ___________________________________________________

I, the undersigned, have met with the above named student and have reviewed plans
for completion of his/her product as outline in the Students Proposal. I have read
and understand the role of the Project Mentor. I acknowledge that it is the
responsibility of the student to complete The Product on his/her own.
Mentor Signature ________________________________Date___________

I acknowledge the above person as my students mentor for his/her Senior Project. I
understand the role the Mentor is to play in aiding and guiding my student in completion
of the Product Stage of the Senior Project. I approve of my students mentor choice.
Parent Signature_________________________________Date___________

STUDENT ACTIVITY CHECKLIST

ACTIVITY
Project
Commitment
Parental
Notification form
Project Proposal
form
Proclamation
Poster

Resume
Research Paper
Introduction

Final Draft

Product
Mentor
Agreement form
Product
Completed

Portfolio
Reflective Journal
Entry
Portfolio
Completed

Oral
Presentation
Speech Outline
Presentation

1st
BLOCK

TRADITIONAL
COMPLETED

COMMENTS