Class+of+2013

March 26, 2012

Dear Students:

In order to keep pace with the high expectations of today’s graduates, Rutland School has implemented a program that will better prepare you for life after high school. Each graduating student will complete a Senior Endeavor Project that will entail: o a research paper, o a electronic portfolio, o a presentation, o working with a mentor, and o a product.

The purpose of the project is to allow you to demonstrate the knowledge and maturity they you have gained during the course of your education. This project must be a “learning stretch,” meaning that it must go beyond what one already knows or has experienced.

The cost is the sole responsibility of the student. Projects do not have to have ANY expense.

You will choose a mentor in the field that you have selected. The role of the mentor is essential to the success of your project. The professional mentor may not be a family member. It is up to you to find a mentor; exceptions may be made for students having difficulty finding a mentor in their subject area. Project committee must approve the mentor.

The project should not violate any school rules or policies.

You may wish to begin your project over the summer; you will need permission from your parents and the project committee before starting work on the project. There will be a meeting during the summer and you are welcome to come visit with us at that time if you have further questions. During this meeting you will be reassigned your school computer for project use.

Project information can be found at http://rutlandseniorendeavor.wikispaces.com/

Mrs. Lauren Olson lauren.olson@k12.sd.us

Mrs. Karen Rahn karen.rahn@k12.sd.us

Mrs. Kathleen Trower kathleen.trower@k12.sd.us  1

Rutland Senior Endeavor - Introduction The purpose of the project is to allow students to demonstrate the knowledge and maturity they have gained during the course of their education. It must be a “learning stretch,” meaning that it must go beyond what one already knows or has experienced. The project is a four-part process consisting of a research paper, an electronic portfolio, a project/product that is an extension of the research, and an oral presentation.

Requirements:

 Research Paper

 Electronic Portfolio

 Presentation

 Mentor

 Product

Statement of Intent will address the following criteria for each individual project. > > > Committee Proposal: This is what the committee will consider; you should have an answer ready for each issue: > > > >  2
 * 1) Describe the steps you will need to do to complete your project.
 * 2) What subject(s) or topic(s) do you expect to learn about through your experience?
 * 3) What skills or understanding will you develop and/or demonstrate?
 * 4) What kind of product do you envision?
 * 5) Where would you look for a mentor?
 * 6) What do you hope to learn about yourself?
 * 7) What most excites you about your proposed Endeavor?
 * Cost
 * Mentor availability
 * Space (where will you complete your project?)
 * Safety
 * Ethical (the project should not violate any school rules or policies)

Project Criteria - Student Accountability

Electronic Portfolio on a Wiki page to include (navigation bar): > > Presentation to include: > > Keep records. > When you meet with your mentor take the time to explain your project. 3
 * 1) Statement of Intent
 * 2) Monthly Log should include record of progress
 * 3) Senior Endeavor Process Paper
 * 4) Research paper
 * 5) Pictures/ Sample work (indication of project progress)
 * 6) Final Product
 * 1) What you did to create your product
 * 2) How it worked
 * 3) What you did with it
 * 4) How it “stretched” you
 * 5) What you learned
 * 6) Pictures/video
 * 7) Final Product
 * Receipts of anything you buy.
 * A log/schedule of your work.
 * Any fliers or permission slips you give out.
 * Anything that you create regarding your project.
 * Tell them your goals.
 * Give them an idea of how much time you’d like to spend with them.
 * Find out how much time they can give you.
 * Tell them what you expect to learn from them.