Dear Osprey Students and Families,
As classes wrap up this week and next, we are gearing up for Presentations of Learning (POLs), which take place at the end of each semester. POLs are designed to foster authentic reflection, with a focus on both academic and personal growth.
The format for POLs varies from grade to grade and semester to semester, but generally students use their digital portfolios, samples of work and other evidence to demonstrate learning and articulate goals through a formal presentation in front of an authentic audience. Through this process, students develop self-awareness, direction and presentation skills. Grade-level teachers provide ample support in preparation for POLS, which are often transformational experiences for Animas students. Much like final exams at other schools, POLs are not optional; all students are required to successfully complete a POL in order to continue on with second semester at AHS.
Of course, this December POLs will look a little different than they normally do, as they will be online rather than in person. Each grade-level teaching team except for 12th grade has opted to use a group POL seminar format this semester rather than individual presentations, thinking that building student connections and community are key when we are physically isolated in our homes.
As always, demonstrating professionalism is a critical aspect of completing a successful POL. The COVID epidemic has forced new understandings of what professionalism means in an online setting and we believe that mastering these skills will serve Ospreys well in a 21st century work world. Teachers will coach students to strive for the following:
- Computer video, speakers and microphones in reliable, working order--with cameras turned on
- Eye contact, body language, clothing and speaking style that convey professionalism
- Tidy, non-distracting physical space
Professional Dress in normal times means that students must wear a button-down shirt and tie, shirt with finished neck, sweater or blouse; a nice pair of slacks (no jeans), skirt or dress; dark socks to match trousers and dress shoes (no sneakers, no excessively high heels); for December 2020, we expect Professional Dress from the waist up.
We are here to support any and all students with the tools they need to present themselves professionally. Please communicate with an adult at school if you need help with appropriate clothing, technology or space for POLs and we will find a way to support you!
It’s worth noting that it is not unusual for students to be asked to do POLs more than once before they successfully meet expectations, and that being asked to redo a POL certainly does not mean a student cannot succeed. Students should head into POLs with a growth mindset and recognize that when we hold them to high standards of excellence it’s because we know they are capable of meeting them.
Student Schedules for Final Two Weeks of the Semester
Preparation for POLs will take place during online core classes, which will continue to meet at their regular times on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday until POLs begin. POL start dates vary by grade and are listed below.
The final day for all online elective classes is next Wednesday, 12/9. Friday 12/18 is the last day of the fall semester.
Individual student schedules once POLs begin will vary, depending on when they are presenting and/or paneling for others. Here is the 12th grade POL schedule; we will share out POL schedules for other grades next week. Once students have successfully completed POLs, they are welcome to begin Winter Break.
POL Format and Timing for Each Grade Level
We encourage Osprey families to check in at home about guiding questions and expectations for POLs as a way to support meaningful reflection and preparation. Students will hear more specifics about POLs in their core classes in coming days and it’s critical that they attend so they are aware of expectations and receive support.
9th Grade POLs
Ninth grade POLs will take the form of virtual, real-time Socratic Seminars, providing an authentic and engaging opportunity students to rigorously reflect on the guiding question, “What does it look like for you to create beautiful work in the midst of the COVID pandemic?” Each student group must work together with high-degrees of empathy, communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills in order to successfully pass their POLs. In preparation, students will analyze educational pioneer Ron Berger’s seminal essay “Beautiful Work” and create written reflections. Families are welcome to attend. One hope for this format is to create a springboard for more refined approaches to our collective work as students, teachers, and parents moving forward into the new year.
- POL Prep Monday 12/7 through Friday 12/11
- POLs Monday 12/14 through Wednesday 12/16
- Make-up POLs Thursday 12/17 and Friday 12/18
10th Grade POLs
Sophomores will also participate in Socratic Seminars, with a focus on class culture and community. They will read and analyze Outward Bound founder Kurt Hahn’s “Six Declines of Modern Youth” in preparation for POLs, and combine textual evidence with their own experiences in the seminar discussion. Students will meet with their Seminar Group Leaders for an hour each day on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday next week. All preparation work will be turned in via Google Classroom. The POL prep schedule and groups will be released to sophomores shortly, and students will receive google calendar invitations to these meetings. Students will be scheduled for one time slot of 1.5 hours on either Tuesday 12/15, Wednesday 12/16, or Thursday 12/17; makeups will be on Friday, 12/18. Families are welcome to observe sophomore POLs.
- POL Prep Monday 12/7 through Monday 12/14
- POLs Tuesday 12/15 through Thursday 12/17
- Make-up POLs Friday 12/18
11th Grade POLs
Juniors’ POLs will take the form of Socratic Seminars anchored by the Scientific American article “The 1918 Flu Faded in Our Collective Memory: We Might 'Forget' the Coronavirus, Too.” Core classes will continue through next week, wrapping up on Friday 12/11. On Monday 12/14 and Tuesday 12/15 students will complete POL preparation activities during the regular times online core classes meet. All students will show up professionally dressed and in an appropriate virtual setting for a one hour seminar on Wednesday 12/16 or Thursday 12/17. Those who do not meet expectations for POLs the first time will be asked to further prepare and refine, and be present again on Thursday 12/17 or Friday 12/18 for a make-up seminar. Following their seminar, students will write a reflective piece to close out this semester.
- POL Prep Monday 12/14 and Tuesday 12/15
- POLs Wednesday 12/16 and Thursday 12/17
- Make-up POLs Thursday 12/17 and Friday 12/18
12th Grade POLs
Seniors will use POLs as a way to pitch their Senior Project ideas, and families of seniors are strongly encouraged to attend. Seniors are also encouraged to invite community members beyond their parents to sit on their panel for extra credit. You can view the full Senior POL description and prep calendar here. All seniors will panel twice for peers in addition to presenting their own POL; paneling and presenting will happen on three separate days for seniors.
- POL Prep began Tuesday, 12/1 and continues through Thursday 12/10
-
POLs Friday 12/11 through Thursday 12/17; Senior POL Schedule
- Make-up POLs scheduled as needed
Please take time to check in at home about the end of the semester, when stress levels can run high. Reflective work like this can be challenging, but also deeply rewarding, as students recognize the progress they are making en route to the futures they want for themselves. As always, we’re here to address any questions or concerns you might have.
Best,
Libby
