SENIOR PROJECT ACTION PROJECT: COHORTS, SCHEDULE AND EXPECTATIONS
Hello Senior Families!
The end of the year is rapidly approaching, and the senior team wanted to communicate with you some important upcoming events and information. The senior schedule is going to undergo some changes next week, as seniors gear up for embarking on their capstone senior projects! Here is the outline for the rest of the year:
April 3 through May 5: Senior Project “Take Action” Project Work Time
Beginning next Monday, April 3, seniors will be assigned one of four cohort groups with a corresponding senior teacher directing the group. We are dividing seniors based on their topic and senior teacher expertise.
Goals of Cohort
- Regular individual check-ins with cohort leader
- Group/cohort critiques of senior projects in process
- Provide structure and support during the project process
- Accountability!
- Problem-solving groups
- Time for documentation of project process/reflection space
- Exhibition planning crews
Weekly Schedule for Cohorts
MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, AND FRIDAY, 10:16-12:09
Students will meet with their cohort advisor, Kyle or Lori. During this time students will work in cohorts to project tune, solve dilemmas and critique each other's work. They will also set weekly goals that they review with their cohort teacher. Students are expected to work on campus these 4 days unless they are working one-on-one with a mentor at their off campus location. If this is the case the mentor must email the cohort advisory letting them know they will supervise this 2 hour time each day. During 5th and 6th periods, students are encouraged to meet one-on-one with their cohort leaders, and continue work on the senior projects. If students fall behind in their project progress, they may be required to attend during 5th and 6th. We will communicate with students and families if this is the case.
WEDNESDAY 8:20-12:09, Remote Work Time
So much of the action project magic happens off campus. Wednesday will be a day students can go off campus to secure permits, get film footage, build a prototype at the makerspace, set up interviews for podcasts, etc. Students are welcome to work on campus and if they need one on one support or fall behind this time will be used for this function.
WHAT ABOUT ELECTIVES?
Students are required to attend their electives for as long as that elective is running- in other words, through the end of the semester.
May 3 through May 10: TED Talk Prep
During this week, we will help seniors prepare for their TED Talks, in which they will defend their senior thesis research/conclusions as well as celebrate their action project accomplishments! This will likely require seniors to attend 5th and 6th for TED Talk prep as they finish their projects 3rd and 4th!
Thursday, May 11: Senior Project Exhibition
Seniors will be exhibiting their projects during All School Exhibition on May 11. While some may exhibit at other times, the vast majority will be required to exhibit at this exhibition. Stay tuned for times!
May 11 through May 18: TED Talks
Seniors classes will be transformed into TED Talk stages. Seniors will be scheduled for a 30 minute time slot to deliver their TED Talks sometime during this week and a half. In addition to delivering a TED Talk on their research topic, they will need to serve as panelists for 6 of their peers. All other classes will continue as normal and seniors are expected to attend their elective classes. Most TED Talks are open to the public.
Thank you all for supporting us and your student through this busy and inspiring last year of high school—they are doing some amazing work, and we can’t wait to see what they produce for their Senior Project. As always, please let us know if you have any questions.
Thanks,
Lori Fisher and Kyle Edmondson
