Common Questions
Questions about the Assignments
For 2021 and 2022 Senior Projects, students were allowed to have parents/guardians as mentors. Is this still an option?
No, for the 2023-2024 school year (and beyond), you must find a mentor that isn't a parent/guardian. In addition, we strongly discourage asking teachers to be mentors, but this is at their discretion. Your faculty advisor cannot be your mentor.
Can I have more than one mentor? For example, I want to split my 70 hours into 35-hour sessions with two mentors.
This can be allowed with permission from your faculty advisor; however, each mentor will need to individually sign the SP4 Form for you to submit.
What is the difference between assignments and SP Forms?
Assignments are exploratory and preparatory documents to assist you in the development of your Senior Project. The SP Forms (which can be assignments as well) are signed documents that verify you, your parent/guardians, mentor(s), and advisors understand the scope and sequence of your Senior Project. For Assignment 9, the mentor, parents/guardians, and advisors do a final evaluation of your Senior Project.
Can I pass Senior Project with missing or incomplete assignments?
No, in order to pass Senior Project, you must receive passing scores on all 9 assignments.
If I have missing or incomplete assignments, can I still start the Experiential Phase after Assignment 6?
No, if you haven't completed Assignments 1-6 before the Experiential Phase, then you cannot start this phase of the project. On the Monday after Senior classes end, you will need to attend a mandatory meeting with the Senior Project Coordinator to create an action plan to complete the missing assignments. You will need to attend subsequent days until you are ready to start the Experiential Phase.
What if I have all of the assignments completed, but the mentor cancels my placement?
With guidance from your teacher advisor, you will need to develop a new Senior Project before you start the Experiential Phase. Right after you become aware of the cancelled placement, review the "Types of Projects" link again to assist you with a new placement idea. It's at your advisor's discretion whether you will need to submit new assignments.
If I started a portion of my Senior Project before the Experiential Phase in May, can I use this as credit towards the mandated 70 hours?
No, you must complete 70 hours during the Experiential Phase, but you can include these preparation hours into the project for the presentation and overall experience.
Questions about the Experiential Phase
What assignments are completed during the Experiential Phase?
Assignment 7 is your daily reflection form that documents your weekly project work.
Assignment 8 are the instructions for your presentation.
Assignment 9 (SP5) is to verify, from your mentor and parents, that you completed the Senior Project.
Can I exceed the mandated 70 hours?
Yes, but don't create a project that becomes overwhelming for you and those that assist you. Do your best to keep it as close to 70 hours as possible.
During the Experiential Phase, what are the expectations from my advisor?
This is at the general discretion of the individual teacher advisors but, generally, you are expected to meet with them weekly in order to provide an update on your progress with the project.
Will the teacher advisor communicate with my mentor?
Yes, it's expected that the teacher advisor will reach out in the first week of the Experiential Phase, then during the last week to ensure the project will be completed on time.
What if my Senior Project is cancelled during the Experiential Phase?
Immediately contact your teacher advisor and Senior Project Coordinator, in order to create a modified project option or change the format of the project from its original purpose. For example, an internship can be changed to a research paper.
Questions about the Presentations
For 2021 and 2022 Senior Projects, students were allowed to present via Zoom or in-person. Is this still an option for 2023?
No. Students will be expected to present in-person.
For 2021 and 2022 Senior Projects, guests (parents, guardians, caregivers, mentors) were not allowed to attend presentations in-person but only through Zoom. Is still the same for 2023-2024?
This will depend upon CDC guidelines and LMSD requirements when the presentations will occur. If there are no restrictions, then students will be allowed to invite guests to in-person presentations.
If I don't present my Senior Project, do I still pass?
No, the presentation is Assignment 8, and you must receive a passing grade on all assignments to pass the Senior Project.
What do I need on presentation day, and what happens after I present?
Arrive five to ten minutes early to prepare and start on time. Be properly dressed (see question below). You need to have a PPT or another presentation format ready to present what you did during the experience. There is flexibility in ways you can present your experience on this day, but you must include Assignment 8 questions in it. Before or after the presentation, you need to submit Assignment 9 in order to finalize and pass the Senior Project. The teacher advisor will fill out the rubric, then inform you, your parents/guardians/caregivers, the Senior Project Coordinator, your counselor, and your Assistant Principal whether you passed or failed.
How should I dress for the presentation?
"Business Casual" is best for a presentation of this nature. If you are not sure what "business casual" means, here is a link to guide your decisions: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/starting-new-job/guide-to-business-casual-attire
Once I am finished the Senior Project and no longer need my school laptop, can I turn it in after I present?
Yes, but please review the guidelines from administration on how to do this during presentation week.