Subject: Senior Projects 2017
From: "Emily Thigpen" <[email-masked]>
Date: 7 Dec 2016 17:00:21 -0500

Dear Parents and Guardians of Seniors,

In the upcoming months, our students will plan, craft, and bring their senior projects to fruition. A great amount of preparation goes into this process, so getting an early start and offering ongoing support and encouragement will help ensure that every senior has a valuable, worthwhile experience.

To provide students with the time and assistance necessary for planning a great senior project, they will each be assigned to small groups led by a faculty member who will work with them as they refine and shape their ideas into a viable project proposal. The senior project advisor (SPA) will offer practical advice in contacting potential project mentors and creating a realistic daily schedule during the project period.

Senior projects must fit into one of the following categories: (1) Internship, (2) Community service, (3) Independent study. All students will be responsible for a senior project defense, which will take place in the final week of the senior project period and the days leading up to graduation. Seniors will deliver a five-minute presentation before a panel of two faculty members, followed by a five-minute Q&A session.

The senior project period will begin at the conclusion of senior classes, and run from Monday, May 1, 2017 to Friday, June 2, 2017.

I encourage you to speak with your student now about ideas for senior projects to help them plan and avoid missing deadlines. Group project proposals are due Monday, February 13, 2017 and individual project proposals are due Monday, March 6, 2017. Students who fail to meet the deadlines will receive points. Our goal as a committee, however, is to engage every senior in the planning process so that each student can create a suitable and meaningful project. The senior project is both a graduation requirement and a wonderful opportunity to explore an interest, gain knowledge and experience, and have fun. The committee appreciates your help and support in making sure that your student has a successful and meaningful experience.

Sincerely,

Emily Thigpen, Senior Projects Coordinator