Be Cautious About...
...Anything involving DHS or CSD Facilities
Our facilities (theater, gym, library, field) are used nearly all of the time, require faculty supervision for you to use them, and some require a fee for use. For these reasons, you should look elsewhere in the community for a facility if you need one or be prepared to start working on reserving a DHS space months in advance
...Individual fundraisers
Consider planning a project where you serve with a community or work with a group of people to create a substantial project, rather than raising money. An IB Coordinator and the principal must approve your fundraiser if you don’t work through a school club.
...Working with children
You must get parental permission before working with any group of children, even if those children are in the Frasier Center.
...Making a movie
There are two kinds of movies: Movies that document a process and movies that count as the product of your project. You don’t need to worry about editing and film quality if you’re documenting your process. If your project’s goal is to make a movie or an instructional video you must learn how to make a good movie.
...Sports camps
Student-created camps require months of planning because you have to recruit players, get permission, secure space, and plan the camp. If you’re interested in coaching, you may want to talk to a local organization (Decatur Rec/Active Living, Boys and Girls Club) about their needs and how your project could help them instead of creating your own camp. Do not attempt to do a sports camp on DHS facilities. (See Anything involving DHS or CSD Facilities, above.)
...Selling stuff
If you like to create (art, jewelry, clothing), then push yourself to improve your creative abilities. If you decide to make money during your Personal Project, then most of your project should be devoted to learning about and developing a business. You can certainly sell the fruits of your own labor, but learning how to sell successfully must be a part of your project, not a last-second addition.
...Group work
Group work is allowed and, in the case of some Learn and Serve projects, encouraged. Any group projects must be approved for the entire group and each individual must have a distinct role in the process. Group work is especially effective for large community service projects.
...Creating Clubs and Sports Teams
Creating a new club or sport at DHS requires the approval of the principal and a detailed plan for how this new club or sport will last beyond this project and beyond your graduation from high school. Such endeavors are often beyond what is necessary for the Personal Project. If, for example, you are a yoga enthusiast and want to lead your friends to do yoga, you can create a yoga and meditation group without holding meetings at DHS and forming an official club.