The Graduation Project is a mandatory experience that all seniors must complete in order to graduate and receive their diplomas. The project consists of four components:
- Research paper (written in English III)
- Product (created in English IV)
- Portfolio (created in English IV)
- Presentation (given in May 2018)
What if i can't find my junior research paper?
The first thing to do is check ALL your Google drives - personal and school. It could be in your "sent" email box if you emailed it to anyone. Ask your English III teacher if she still has a copy in Schoology.
What if i don't like my topic from last year?
You have the option of rewriting your junior research paper with a new topic. Realize, however, that this will be done independently through a course I created in Schoology, and you will need to add yourself to that course.
What if i never wrote a research paper my junior year?
You will write a research paper now. You are required to have a written paper in order to present your project.
do i need a printed copy of my paper?
Yes, you will put a printed copy of your research paper in your binder. It must be clean - no teacher editing marks.
what if my paper is still marked up by my teacher? can i use it?
You must have a completely clean copy of your paper for your binder.
what's the point of making a product?
The product shows the extension of your knowledge and research. This is where you put to use everything you've learned.
what are the requirements of the product?
The product must be a creation of something that does not already exist. It must be original, whether it be a video, a craft, a series of drawings, etc. You must be able to present your actual product at school; if that's not possible, you will need to discuss your options with Mrs. Suarez.
can i make a video for my product?
Yes, you can make a video. It must be completely original; you can't put three YouTube videos together and call it your own. You must appear in the video, and it can not be longer than five minutes.
can i do a live demonstration for my product?
Yes, you can do a live demonstration in front of the judges. You are responsible for bringing all supplies that you need. Judges can also change location (auditorium, gym, Ag world, etc.).
who is supposed to help me with my product ideas?
Your mentor is your #1 source for help with your product. They should help you brainstorm ideas and steps, and then help you bring it all together. You can also talk to other students, your English teacher, and Mrs. Suarez.
***You need to have an idea in mind if you come to talk; we will not come up with an idea for you.***
***You need to have an idea in mind if you come to talk; we will not come up with an idea for you.***
can other people be part of my demonstration or video?
Yes, other people can be involved. It is your responsibility to make sure they are here by the time of your presentation. We will not reschedule your time or wait longer than five minutes for your guests to arrive.
what's the difference between a mentor and an advisor? do i need both?
You must have both a mentor and an advisor. The mentor is your person with knowledge about your topic. He is your real-life experience versus your online research. Your advisor is your West Block teacher. The advisor is someone who checks on you to make sure you are meeting deadlines and have the things you need.
what if i can't find a mentor?
Mentors are mandatory, so if you are having trouble finding one, make sure you've exhausted all possibilities. Ask your family and friends...ask in your community...ask at your church...ask adults and students here at West. You never know who has a connection you might need. If you've done ALL of these and are still without a mentor, see Mrs. Suarez.
what if i want a different advisor?
You must ask a different teacher to be your mentor, and that teacher must contact me.
what are the requirements of a mentor?
A mentor has to be older than 25 years of age, and a mentor can not live with you. They must also have more knowledge in your subject area than you do.
what are the requirements of an advisor?
Advisors are West Block teachers or a different teacher that has accepted the role.
what if i am absent on presentation day?
If you are absent on May 15, you will meet with me on the first day of your return. We will reschedule your presentation if you have a valid excuse for being absent. There will be very, very little flexibility in rescheduling presentations otherwise.
how long do i have to present?
Your presentation must be at least 8 minutes. No more than 5 minutes of that time can be devoted to your product. The judges will stop your time when you are done presenting, and then they will ask you questions.
who will the judges be?
Judges are always community members and WRHS staff.
can i present my project somewhere other than a classroom?
If you need to present somewhere other than a classroom, you must let me know on the sign-up sheet that will be circulated soon.
what if i transferred from a school that didn't do the graduation project?
Inform your English teacher that you did not do the graduation project at your former school, and then come see Mrs. Suarez immediately (Office 507).
Are we going all digital or all paper for the forms?
All your forms and research paper must be printed. You will present the judges with a binder of your work. You may store the files digitally if you want, but there must also be a printed copy.
how will the graduation project be graded?
English teachers have the option of taking grades on the work that is due at each deadline. The overall project is pass or fail.
is it possible to fail? what happens if i do?
It is possible to fail. If you do, then you and Mrs. Suarez will have a conference to determine what area of your presentation was weak and what to do to improve it. You will be given a second chance to present.