Each March, all upper school students put their regular class work aside to participate in a wide range of alternative educational experiences during Project Week.
They may choose to travel the world or explore their city, participate in service efforts or outdoor expeditions, and gain a fuller appreciation of different cultures, languages, art or music. Successful completion of a project is required each year of upper school.
Students must select a total of eight project choices, four of which must be in-town projects. Up to four selections may be out-of-town projects, all selections can certainly be in-town. If a student has participated in a project that is offered again this year, it may not be selected again.
Online registration must be completed no later than Monday, November 14, 2022, 9 PM. There is no priority given to early registrations, but late and incorrectly completed registrations forfeit inclusion in the lottery for over-subscribed projects. Students and parents/guardians will be notified of Project Week assignments on Wednesday, November 30th, 2022.
We are confident students will learn more and make new connections within our community by joining with students across grade levels. Students are assigned to projects with limited enrollment by means of a lottery system, and must keep in mind that they might not be assigned to their highest ranked choices.
To ensure an adequate number of choices and to facilitate appropriate adult supervision, projects are generally limited to 16 participants, though some projects may be limited to fewer students or allow more. All projects outside of Chicago will be accompanied by at least two faculty members.
Due to factors beyond the control of faculty leaders, any information regarding individual projects is subject to change, including the cost, dates and faculty assignments. Every effort, however, is made to conform to what is stated in this catalog.
Students and Parents/guardians are advised to read carefully the philosophy and guidelines of Project Week for further information about project selection and assignment procedures.
After students are assigned to a project, the Business Office will include the entire cost of the project in the December 20, 2022 statement, payable January 15, 2023.
To participate in a project costing $500 or more, all tuition accounts must be current with the Business Office at the time of registration. If an account is in arrears after the project placement is made, the student may be removed from that project and placed into one of a lesser price.
A student may be assigned to any of the projects selected. It is important for every parent to come to a deliberate and conscious decision regarding their child's Project Week choices.
Once a student is assigned to a project, Parents/guardians are financially responsible for the full cost of the project.
A parent who subsequently decides that, for personal reasons, a child cannot participate in a project for which parental permission has already been given will need to accept full financial responsibility for any non-refundable costs associated with that project. Latin School will not issue a refund to Parents/guardians who change their minds about a project after the assignment has been made.
In the instance of a student violating a major school rule, (Student/Parent Handbook p. 4-5) resulting in their Project Week privileges being revoked prior to the start of Project Week, Parents/guardians will need to accept full financial responsibility for the cost of the project
Financial assistance is provided for students who are currently receiving financial aid. This financial assistance may or may not cover the entire cost of the project depending on the level of financial aid received by the student and prior use of the student's Project Week financial aid allocation. Parents/guardians will receive information regarding the Project Week grant from the Office of Financial Aid.
The cost of each project is an estimate based on a minimum number of participants. Final costs may differ based on factors beyond the control of faculty leaders. Final costs significantly different from estimates will result in an additional billing or refund to Parents/guardians. Every effort will be made to conform to what is stated in the catalog. Latin School reserves the right to cancel or alter any project.
Parents/guardians will assume responsibility for any/all incurred expenses that are due to the negligent behavior of their child while a participant on the project.
Please note that some venues may require proof of COVID vaccination for entry. Students should be prepared to provide this information.
Participation in Project Week is a privilege. The highest standards of conduct and integrity are expected. Given the fact that many students will be traveling well beyond the confines of Latin’s campus, they must realize that they will be representing both their family and the school during Project Week.
All school rules (e.g., regarding the use, purchase, and distribution of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs) will be in effect during Project Week activities. Students that violate rules while on project week will be subject to the disciplinary action as if the violation occurred on campus. Depending on the circumstances in a given project's location, if an offense occurs that is worthy of suspension or expulsion, the school and project leader may elect to have that student removed from the project and sent home at the expense of the family.
Students must abide by all curfews and guidelines set by the project leaders. Violations of these guidelines will be construed as a violation of the school’s rules. In the event that a student violates the curfews or guidelines of the project or commits offenses worthy of suspension or expulsion, the school and the project leader may elect to send that student home at the expense of the family.
Respectful and kind consideration of students toward all participants is essential to the success of the project and is expected of all students.
Daily attendance, promptness, and participation are essential. The burden is on the student and/or a parent/guardian to communicate with the Project Week leaders if they are going to be late or unable to attend. Any absences, excused or otherwise, will require that the student make up the missed work in coordination with the project leaders.
Students must participate fully in all project activities to receive a Pass. Check the project descriptions carefully for meeting dates and times, and do not select projects that conflict with any other planned activities. Students who do not meet the minimum requirements of Project Week, whether through absence or lack of effort, will receive a recorded grade of Incomplete after the due date set by the faculty. Fulfillment of the Project Week requirement will then revert to the supervision of the upper school director.
Certain projects may require additional permission slips and/or waivers. These must be completed in a timely manner to ensure participation in the project.
As stated above, annual participation in Project Week is both a privilege and a graduation requirement. Successful completion of Project Week activities will be recorded with a non-credit grade of Pass on the student’s permanent record and transcript. An explanation of the purpose and structure of Project Week will be included with all transcripts sent to colleges.