Senior Project Reminders It’s coming up quickly…double check that you’re on the right track! Please take out your senior project handbook, planners, and something to take notes with (notebook paper or Bellwork Journals are fine) You’re almost done, but there’s still a lot of work to be done! 8 Apr. 2013

Upcoming due dates April 11th (This Thursday!): 15 hours due in correct format 20 points (but first in category…so your grade will get skewed!) April 24th-26th: “Mini-speeches” for project justification Using the project-specific teacher evaluation rubric in your senior project handbook, you give a short (3-5 minute) speech to the class explaining what your project was and how it went, being sure to explain why you think you deserve the grade you want on the rubric You need to print out the appropriate rubric for your type of project to bring to class on the day your presentation is happening More informal is okay, but be prepared with what you’re going to say. Notes are fine if you would like them. No visual needed. 50 points

Hour Log Reminders Your hour log needs to follow the format in the book exactly. Make sure it is neatly done and legible. Don’t forget your explanation paragraphs-those should be in depth (look at the example). Each box needs to be signed-total the number of hours at the bottom of your document.

Next big thing Items to turn in: Project should be totally completed by Tuesday, April 30th to be evaluated. We’ll have ONE in-lab work day on this (4/29). Most of this needs to be done outside of class. Items to turn in: Final hour log with 20+ hours 50 points Needs to follow format exactly, show quality in written summaries All boxes need to be signed for credit Final mentor verification 25 points Give your mentor plenty of time to work on this. A nice review looks great in your portfolio. Good idea to make a larger format for your mentor- more lines = more feedback, usually! Your Senior Project Self-Evaluation Answer each question completely and thoughtfully. Use the format provided in the SPH page 38 (also in shared folder)

Hour log signature issues? The person listed as your mentor on your proposal needs to be the person who is verifying all your hours. Include a “key” for signatures if you have more than one mentor and total numbers they can verify. For example, make a chart for both your mentors- Name: Signature: Relationship: Total # of hours verified: Did you switch or update mentors? Adjust that on your proposal, and take it to Mrs. Downs to re-sign.

Then… NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED FOR THIS. Your Portfolio is due Tuesday, May 21st. 50 points. Review the checklist in the handbook for reminders about what needs to be included for your specific type of project Most of this is already done or will already be done by that point…you should start now if it’s not! If you are doing a paper redo, your paper MUST be acceptable by 5/17 in order to be able to turn in your portfolio on time MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KNOW: NO LATE WORK IS ACCEPTED FOR THIS. IF IT’S NOT IN ON TIME, YOUR BOARD SPEECH IS NOT SCHEDULED, WHICH MAY AFFECT YOUR GRADUATION. This will be evaluated by the staff and can be returned to you for corrections if required

Portfolio reminders Most of what will go in your portfolio is already done-just make sure it’s organized, and in the proper formats (which may require re-typing!) I am not editing these-BUT, your board evaluates them as part of your speech grade. It’s your first impression to the boards-make them great! Feel free to include color, pictures, table of contents, or other organizational or decorative tools to help your portfolio really stand out as excellent!

FAQs for Portfolios What if something about my project has changed? You need to update your proposal, and check in with Mrs. Downs. Just include any updated proposals in your portfolio, along with a short justification or explanation of why it has changed. Be prepared for questions from the board about why you did or didn’t (needs to be a really good reason-talk me me ASAP!) accomplish your initial objectives.

Not too late if you haven’t started yet-just catch up quickly! What if I have a job shadow, volunteer job, physical fitness, room remodel, or performance or event project? Don’t forget to check for your project specific requirements in the handbook. This information needs to be included in your portfolio for evaluation by the board (due May 21st). Not too late if you haven’t started yet-just catch up quickly!

Finally… Board Speech practices! Weeks of May 6th – 22nd Required assignment, worth 100 points. In order to get full credit (potentially): Must have your visual/props completed (let me know about tech needs in advance) Must be very close to proper timing (check yourself at home before presenting to class). Practice, practice, practice! Must dress up Must be prepared on the day you’re assigned-zero credit for late presentations (and may not have time to make it up later!)

Ideas for visuals PowerPoint (just don’t be wordy!) Prezi Read page 39 in your SPH PowerPoint (just don’t be wordy!) Prezi Tri-fold boards Needs to be something large scale-not just something small you hand to the board (although you can additionally do things like pamphlets, handouts, etc.)

How you’ll be evaluated Read rubric on page 40 Most common reasons for failing boards? TIME! Lack of eye contact Informal/inappropriate language

The actual speech Have notes, but no more than 2-3 notecards with some reminders You SHOULD NOT try to memorize the whole thing! (But memorizing your intro and conclusion is good) You SHOULD sound natural, but professional. Remember, you’re telling YOUR story about your experience…be excited! Avoid negative tones or excuses-be positive! Read pages 41-43 for more tips about writing it We won’t officially write out a whole speech for you to turn in, but we can arrange extra help after school if you need it!

Work time days April 29th in Lab 200 to prepare for “mini-speeches” or to work on project due date assignments May 1st in Lab 100 for preparation for practice speeches (and/or work time on your literature circle assignments) May 20th in Lab 503 to work on portfolio arrangement (and/or work time on your literature circle assignments) You will get ONE day during practice board speeches to work in a lab or the library on your own presentations/portfolios

Any questions?