Portland Middle

Personal Interest Project

The 8th Grade Capstone Project for Portland Middle School

Students worked to Learn, Solve, Make, or Do a project that explored one of their own interests or passions.

Mission of the project

The Personal Interest Project is an opportunity for students to explore their interests and learn something new. It demonstrates students' progress towards meeting core elements of Portland Public School's Vision of the Graduate. Throughout the project they must utilize effective communication, civic engagement, innovative problem solving, media and technology literacy, and lofty personal expectations to Discover, Create, and Share a finished project that explores who they are as learners at the end of their Middle School experience.

Stage 2: Create

Students independently plan, research and develop their projects, blogging about the process.

Stage 1: Discover

Students explore their interests, brainstorm ideas, and them down to a project proposal.

Stage 3: Share

Students present their project, reflect on their learning, and how they can apply these skills in the future.

PIP Rubric

2022 Projects

2024 Projects

PIP Platform

2023 Projects

PIP Fair

Prior to Spring Break, the Middle School held a PIP Fair, where 8th graders shared their different projects to 7th graders, teachers, and parents. Students displayed their websites while presenting their Personal Interest Projects for a live audience.

Best In Show 2024

Anna Vicino - Best in Culinary

Aurelia Napp - Best in Art (Traditional Medium)

Parker Johnson - Best in Art (Alternative Medium)

Jack Hallinean - Best in Engineering

Marcus Clements - Best in Woodworking

Nolan O'Connor - Best in Athletics

Bianca Labbadia - Best in Creative Skills

Ella Woodward - Best in Community Service