Embedded Files
How can I help my student?
Help students brainstorm potential ideas. Think about their hobbies, interests, skills, and things they may want to develop or explore more. Remember though, it is THEIR personal interest! No "my mom/dad made me pick this." They need to be excited and invested in the idea.
Review their final proposal plan WITH them (this will be completed in Google Classroom for them to show you). This plan requires students to be very thorough and consider all aspects of their idea before committing. Things like cost (see below), time of year/weather, feasibility, skills needed, family participation.
Many students need family support with their project. Families have shared how much they enjoyed time spent together helping their student.
Keep referring back to the student calendar. This is a live document has all due dates and assignments listed.
Time management is something students underestimate needing for this project. They hear it's not due till April, and think they can push it off. Following due dates will help with organization, but it is important for them to really map out (ideally with you) WHEN they will be creating/ building/ doing their actual project. Is it something that can be completed over a weekend, or is this something that is worked on over several weeks? These are all project dependent.
If possible, attend their presentation in the spring and/or send grandparents/ older siblings/ cousins/ aunts and uncles. 70 % of families attended presentations last year! Your student will be assigned either April 28 or 29th, and a slot between 8:15am-11am. It's a great opportunity to see your student showcase their hard work to others and to show support! Invitation with RSVP will be sent soon. If your plans change and you are able to come last minute, please attend! Don't worry about updating your RSVP.
How can I see my student's progress and their work?
Powerschool under their ELT class will show due dates and assignments, along with any comments (late work, missing, incomplete etc). Initial work will be completed in the Class of 2030 Google Classroom which students can show you.
Ask your student to show you their PIP website. Students access this by going through Clever, and clicking on the Skills21 icon to enter. Mrs. Gale can also send you a direct link to their website. This website will be shown for presentations, and will house their logo, trailer, and final video for the audience to view.
Students can show you their Canva page (also accessed through Clever) to show you their logo, trailer, and final video. These can all be updated by students if you happen to see room for improvement/ editing. Any updated versions will need to be re-uploaded by students to their PIP website page.
Refer to the student calendar to know upcoming due dates and assignments. The majority of student work is completed outside of school.
How much am I spending ?
Financials are up to the family. Students built personal computers for over a thousand dollars, and others complete projects completely free- whether already having the needed materials, or getting materials from other family or friends. Students complete a part of their plan that asks, what materials and supplies do you need? Will your family support you financially? Have this conversation early! A great way to introduce or reinforce budgeting with students.
What do students need to do for the presentation?
All students will have some sort of physical prop/ tool/ item to show their audience. Think of it like a show and tell item for their PIP.
Students are encouraged to 'dress' for the occasion, they don't need to be dressed 'up', but they are representing themselves and our school to the audience! For example, choosing jeans/pants over sweats/pj bottoms, or combing their hair, are simple ways to give a confidence boost!
The best presentations are well scripted/ rehearsed. Presentations do NOT need to be memorized. Smiles, eye contact, and enthusiasm for their project are loved by the audience!
Why are students doing this? What are the benefits?
Graduating Barlow students wished for more opportunities to practice real world skills, including more opportunities to learn what THEY were truly interested in.
This is a shared experience- all eighth graders in both Redding and Easton complete a Personal Interest Project and present it to the community.
The overview and benefits of PIP are on the home screen of this site.
Who can I contact if I still have questions?
Email Allison Gale at agale@er9.org
Page updated
Report abuse