Milestone Projects

Keystone, Fall 2024

Opening Remarks

This is our second year of Milestone Projects, this year came with a few new and welcomed changes. The Keystone projects remain the bridge between the Grade 6 Cornerstone Project and Grade 8 Capstone Project. In the spirit of Grade 7’s essential question, "Small and Large Scale: do similar principles hold true for both?" students identified a problem, some local, others nationally, and on a larger scale, global issues in addition to working on a topic in which they were interested. Student research supported the issue that they worked toward solving. Sometimes going back to the drawing board was required. Their projects showed how small scale solutions, prototypes, and experiments all hold true to solving bigger scale problems. Students were resilient, iterated, and modified their projects during the process when necessary. These skills led to growth and success.

It was a joy working with the students on a different level this year. Knowing what was expected of them, and the familiarity of the project and process allowed us time to dive deeper into brainstorming ideas. I enjoyed witnessing their curiosity about our world, and learning about their personal interests.

I wish I had some of these innovative solutions in my past as well as my present. Whether it would have been a swimsuit that I felt more comfortable to wear as a self conscious pre-teen taking diving lessons, a better way to manage my sleep (then and now), or how to get my personal artwork out there to be seen, and even that day my stomach hit the floor as I sat in my high school architecture class as a Jewish student hearing an antisemitic comment from another student in my class. Our Rashi students addressed some challenging topics, no matter how big or small. They are all working toward making our world a better place. 

I would like to hand the podium over to the mentors to introduce their mentees. As you are about to hear, the Keystone Projects allowed each student to celebrate their voice and choice. Each student will present a “Ted Talk” style presentation to give you a taste of their project. Please follow the lead and do the theater clap, one clap following each students’ talk. We will give them a big round of applause at the very end. Following the student talks we will proceed to the Kol-lab for a gallery walk and Q & A to learn more about the students’ Keystone work. Thank you for coming and enjoy the evening ahead.