Anticipating great things

40 Warwick Valley High School students to embark on pilot program of ‘senior projects’ Warwick - Forty Warwick Valley High School students have volunteered to participate in a yearlong pilot program in which they will each be expected to demonstrate knowledge of a subject through a paper, project, portfolio and presentation. The senior project will mean an antithesis of a senior year with a light schedule, sometimes late arrival and early dismissal. To teachers and administrators in Warwick, that scenario doesn’t seem like the ideal way for students to gear up and get ready for what awaits them after high school - whether it be tough college courses or a demanding job. This past summer, five Warwick teachers and three administrators attended a five-day training session in Seattle, Wash., to learn more about the senior project for high school seniors. They liked what they saw and heard and have decided to start a pilot program in Warwick this year. The teachers and administrators were pleasantly surprised to have 40 high school seniors volunteer for the project. They are aiming for 100 percent participation in the project by 2010-11, by which time it may even be a graduation requirement. “We hope this rigorous and exciting program will energize students in their senior year,” said Dr. Marijane Reinhard, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instructional services. “High school educators who have had the senior project as part of their high school curriculum for a number of years report that students really like the experience. In fact, many students start looking forward to it as early as middle school.” According to the Partnership for Dynamic Learning, the senior project is a “culminating exit program demonstrating a senior’s ability to read, write, speak, apply knowledge, problem-solve and use real-world skills such as time management, organization, communication and self- discipline.” Community members and school staff act as judges and mentors during the research, project and presentation phases. The main criteria for a senior project are that it must challenge and stretch a student. It has been described as “passion awaiting discovery” and a “doorway to dreams.” During the final presentation phase seniors will be required to speak to a board of judges. They must not only demonstrate knowledge of the chosen subject, but must also demonstrate competent speaking skills and an ability to think fluidly and effectively answer impromptu questions from the judges. The project is a yearlong activity with a time line of scheduled deadlines and meetings with mentors to guide the students’ progress. Some examples of senior projects done by students in high schools that use this as part of the senior curriculum include “Infinity,” where a student developed an original mathematical concept; “Robotics relationship to prosthetics,” where the student built a robotic hand; and “Effective physical conditioning techniques for the middle aged,” where the student designed a fitness program for his father. Warwick High School senior Jason Spiegel has chosen to do his project on something that is sure to benefit local business owners and Warwick high school students alike. Although Jason hasn’t decided on a title for his project yet, he plans to design a Web site that will link local businesses and organizations in need of help with students looking to do community service. “Local businesses can log on and put in their volunteer needs,” Spiegel said, “and kids can log on to view volunteer opportunities available in the community. This will help the students because a certain number of community hours are required for graduation. I think it’s an interesting topic and a good way of helping out the community.” Holly Marcolina, the senior project coordinator for the high school, said a student’s project should be fun. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for seniors to explore their interests,” Marcolina said. “It can even be a life-changing experience, giving the student real insight into real-life work and life beyond high school. We are anticipating great things.” For parents of Warwick students who are interested in learning more about the senior project, there will be a information meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium.