What is it?
The Capstone is an opportunity for students at LGHS to have sacred and protected time during the school day to really dive into the things that they love and are passionate about. At the end of their high school journey, LGHS students will end up with a robust portfolio of academic and authentic experience to speak to in a final presentation to a panel of judges. This portfolio will aide students in applying for colleges as well as interviewing for careers! We believe that school should encourage students to explore and learn more about the things they love and help students make connections to academics through that authentic learning.
Help students choose authentic topics and realistic goals, and connect them with outsiders who can help them
Remind students of deadlines
Grade student Capstone work using the criteria provided here
Offer opportunities within advisory to meet the Capstone needs of the student
Choose a topic that you are interested in
Join your grade level Google Classroom
Stay up to date on deadlines for each component of the Capstone (see the pages in this website for guidance)
Step up as a leader in your advisory or pathway
Collect multimedia throughout your work and continue to add to your portfolio
Ask questions
HAVE FUN!
Classroom teachers should:
Be aware of their students' Capstone topics in order to connect their content with student Capstone experiences
Offer opportunities for extra or replacement grades when students meet standards through their Capstone work (i.e. a grade for academic research using the Annotated Bibliography)
Serve as an additional mentor
How students benefit:
The short version:
1) They have fun!
2) They get to spend time every day with people who like the same things they do!
3) They get to explore their passions and interests during the school day!
4) They walk away with real-world experience and the benefit of serving others!
The long version:
As students continue to add their components to their high school portfolio, they will have a “one-stop shop” that showcases all of their proudest accomplishments from high school. This can and should be utilized in order to apply for colleges, scholarships, and/or jobs after graduation.
Though there once was a time when Capstones were primarily a graduate school requirement (Masters degrees and above), more and more colleges are utilizing Capstones much like this in their undergraduate programs. By having this experience in high school with many mentors and advisors to aid in completion, students who do intend to pursue post-secondary school will have the experience needed to be successful.
Students who do not intend to pursue post-secondary education are at just as much of an advantage! Capstones offer the ability for students to potentially gain experience in the career field of interest. If students do not complete a career-driven Capstone, they will still gain countless skills that will positively contribute to their employment after graduation.