1. LEAD: 2 nd Semester Service Projects Guidelines and Requirements February 12 th, 2016

2. Project Overview The 2 nd Semester Service Project is designed to give LEAD students an opportunity to apply their skills in a meaningful and impactful way Students with successful projects will have utilized their abilities not only to be creative, organized, and discerning, but also to think critically and follow through The focus of the project is decided entirely by the student group

3. Overall Project Requirements One of your responsibilities as a LEAD student is to make an impact in your community; for the 2 nd Semester Service Project, you will do so by: Identifying a problem/need in the community that can be resolved by community service Determining a solution to fix the problem or fill the need Working collaboratively to execute your plan Documenting each step and monitoring progress Reflecting on the effectiveness of your work Outcomes must be measureable

4. Project Requirements 9 th Grade Groups can consist of 3-6 members Each member must have a documented 5 hours towards the project (not including organizing the presentation/portfolio or writing the paper) 10 th Grade Groups can consist of 3-4 members Each member must have a documented 7 hours towards the project (not including organizing the presentation/portfolio or writing the paper)

5. Project Requirements 11 th Grade Groups can consist of 2-3 members; if you have an idea for an individual project, see Ms. Siegert Each member must have a documented 10 hours towards the project (not including organizing the presentation/portfolio or writing the paper)

6. Project Requirements Groups must submit a complete, typed proposal to Ms. Siegert by 3:00pm on Friday, March 11 th Time/date stamps will be recorded Each group member must be responsible for an equal share of the work required for the project Each group member must take equal part in the Final Presentation and submit a Final Reflection Paper

7. Basic Project Idea Example Group A is made up of four students, each with distinct strengths, and all members want to help younger students with their math skills After doing some research and speaking with staff at Sequoia Elementary, Group A determines that there is a need for after school tutoring for approximately 15 students Group A decides on a plan/schedule to provide tutoring for those in need to such a degree that they can measure and document improvement

8. Successful Past Projects Teaching elementary students about the importance of nutrition, recycling, physical education through a combination of hands-on activities and presentations Volunteering at local organizations such as the VA Hospital, Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary, START programs Continuing work from earlier community service at schools such as Sequoia, Erlewine, Golden Empire

9. Successful Past Projects Creating an afterschool tutoring program at local elementary schools Building brick benches for RHS tennis courts Organizing a donation drive for prom dresses for underprivileged teens Volunteering/fundraising for local homeless shelters, hospitals, animal shelters, etc.

10. Project Pitfalls Waiting until the last minute does not work with a demanding project like this Simply walking into a ready-made volunteer opportunity has not yielded the most successful projects If you choose to work at START or 4 th R or volunteer somewhere, you need to make the project your own in some way

11. Overall Grading Your grade will depend on how well you plan, work collaboratively, complete your proposed idea, and present your overall project Each element of the 2 nd Semester Service Project will be counted as part of your grade in both LEAD classes Presentation—100 points Portfolio—50 points Reflection Paper—50 points Group Grading—50 points

12. Presentations To showcase your group’s project, you will give a 6-8 minute PPT presentation that chronicles your overall project to a panel of judges Your presentation should include Evidence of everything your group has done from the time you were approved in the form of pictures, video, email correspondence, time logs, etc. Evidence of your successes and challenges Evidence of your personal growth

13. Presentations All Presentations will take place in the large theater in late May/early June 11 th grade Presentations will take place during the week of May 31 st —June 3 rd (specific dates/time slots TBA) 9 th and 10 th grade Presentations will take place during the week of June 6 th –June 9 th (specific dates/time slots TBA) More specific information regarding the presentations will be given once they are closer

14. Other Graded Elements Portfolio This is a binder that included the written documentation of all of the steps your group took in order to fulfill your project; only one binder is necessary per group Reflection Paper Each group member will complete this portion; it shows your personal experience with the project Group Grading This is your opportunity to reflect on the work that you and each of your group members completed

15. Getting Started Determine your groups and brainstorm project ideas Research possible ideas/community needs Today is not the day to call people; you need to put more thought into your project and prepare a calling script before you do this You also need to run your idea by one of your LEAD teachers or Ms. Siegert before contacting anyone Set up a meeting with the person in charge Create/submit your proposal to Ms. Siegert as soon as you can Document EVERYTHING you do from the time you’re approved

16. Considerations When determining groups, consider the following: Are the skills sets of group members complementary or redundant? Are you in a group with responsible people? Is working with your closest friends the best idea? When can your group members meet outside of class to complete the project? Do not rely on your LEAD teachers giving you time in class to work on the project

17. Considerations If you choose to work at an elementary school/junior high school, they are in session the same time we are If you choose a project like this, all group members must have parent permission to miss school in the form of an early dismissal—this does not count as a school-sponsored activity How are you going to get to your location? You need to have contacted the site and discussed your basic proposal with the person in charge before you’re approved

18. Considerations When calling schools, businesses, etc., you need to have written out what you want to say Begin with a proper greeting and identify yourself Ask to speak with a specific person/person in charge Be prepared to provide specific details about your project idea If you need to leave a message, be sure to determine which member of the group is the best contact person and provide a phone number The outgoing message for this voicemail should be appropriate

19. Considerations When emailing schools, businesses, etc., you need to be formal Begin with a salutation Identify yourself and your purpose Let them know the action you want taken (return email, call, etc.) PROOFREAD YOUR EMAIL All group members should be a part of this

20. GOOD LUCK