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Senior Project Handbook Table of Contents

Statement of Purpose 2 Topic Selection Requirements 3 Project Components 4 Dates and Deadlines 5 Initial Proposal Form 6 Liability Release Agreement 6a Career Research Pamphlet 7 College Application Essay 8 Job Packet Components / Cover Letter explanation and rubric 9 Sample Cover Letter 10 Resume explanation and rubric 11 Sample Resume 12 Thank you letter explanation / rubric / sample 13 Poster Explanation and rubric 14 Process Journal Explanation 15 Fieldwork log / Journal Order 16 Contact information form 17 Contact information form 18 Journal rubric 19 Presentation Explanation 20 Rubric 21

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Senior Project Statement of Purpose

All graduating seniors at Bear River High School must complete a Senior Project. The Senior Project is a requirement of the Nevada Joint Union High School District and is implemented at both Nevada Union and Bear River High Schools. The Senior Project at Bear River High School has been designed to give students an opportunity to explore a career path and move progressively and successfully towards entering the adult world of community and work. At Bear River High School, students are required to select a career path, research the details of that career and the training and education needed for entrance, do field work that allows them contact with professionals in that career, and then present the entire experience to a panel of teachers and community members at the end of the year. The research and writing phase of the Senior Project is managed in the student’s senior English class during the first semester. The fieldwork and presentation phase of the Senior Project is managed in the student’s Government/Economics class during the second semester. All Senior Project assignments are given point values and integrated into the grading systems of the respective English and Government/Economics classes. STUDENTS MUST SUCCESSFULLY PASS EACH SENIOR PROJECT ASSIGNMENT in order to pass senior English and senior Government/Economics. FAILURE TO PASS any part of the Senior Project WILL JEOPARDIZE THE STUDENT’S ABILITY TO GRADUATE.

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Senior Project Topic Selection Requirements

At Bear River High School, students must choose a career path for their Senior Project topic. The career they choose must be a career that a high school student can legally, safely, and practically research and explore through academic investigation and actual fieldwork. The primary goal of the Senior Projects is to have our students expand their knowledge and understanding of a particular career by working in the community to complete the Senior Project requirements. Students can not complete their hours using a Bear River teacher or coach as a mentor. Students may complete hours in their family’s career or business, but are not allowed to use their immediate family as a mentor. Both the student’s English and Government/Economics teachers must approve topic choices and fieldwork assignments. The Senior Project Topic Approval Panel, who will make all final decisions, will review any dispute over the acceptability of a Senior Project topic or the fulfillment of fieldwork requirements.

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Senior Project Project Components

Senior Project Topic Choice = Must be a Career Choice

Components of the project include: A. Process Journal

1. Career research pamphlet 2. College application essay 3. Job packet 4. Interview of a professional 5. Fieldwork log 6. Daily journal entries of fieldwork 7. Visual evidence of fieldwork

B. 20 hours field work – 10 hours max in any one category (unless otherwise noted)

1. Job Shadowing 2. Internship/Apprentice 3. Community Service – 5 hours maximum 4. Interview – 2 hours maximum 5. Program Visitation 6. Educational Classes 7. Producing an actual Product 8. Career Presentations 9. College Visit – 2 hours maximum

C. Oral Presentation

1. Content: Introduction / Description of Value to Student / Presentation of Portfolio / Evidence of New Skills Gained / Reflection 2. Delivery and Speaking Skills 3. Multi-media / Visual Display / Product 4. Questions and answers 5. Professional Dress

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Senior Project Dates and Deadlines

2013 – 2014

3 September 2013 Topic Selection / Proposal Form

24 - 27 September 2013 College Application Essay

1 – 8 November 2013 Career Research Pamphlet

2 December – 9 December 2013 Résumé / Cover Letter

11-12 December 2013 Mock Interviews

13 December 2013 “Thank You” Letters

29-30 January 2014 Senior Project Poster

4 April 2014 First Five Journal Entries

25 April 2014 Process Journal

28 April – 9 May 2014 Practice Presentations

20 – 21 May 2014 Final Presentations

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Senior Project Proposal Form

Student Name: ____________________________________________Date________ Last, First Government/Economics Teacher _________________________________Period______ English Teacher_________________________________Period______ Your Career Choice _______________________________________ How will you fulfill your 20 hours of fieldwork requirement? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Student Signature _________________________________________

English Teacher Signature ______________________________________

Government/Economics Teacher Signature ____________________________________

TURN IN THIS SIGNED AND COMPLETED FORM TO YOUR GOVERNMENT/ECONOMICS TEACHER

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NEVADA JOINT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

LIABILITY RELEASE AGREEMENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY, THIS LIMITS THE DISTRICT’S LIABILITY.

1. This agreement is entered into between (name of parent/guardian or student if over the age of 18) and the Nevada Joint Union High School District, its officers, employers, agents, servants and volunteers (herein collectively referred to as “District”), concerning the participation of (“Student”) in the “Senior Project” (hereafter “activity”) at Bear River High School. For purposes of this agreement, the activity consists of (describe the activity).

2. The undersigned hereby gives his/her consent for the above named Student to participate

in the activity without limitation. Furthermore, the undersigned releases and discharges the District from any and all liability arising out of or in connection with the activity, or all liabilities associated with any and all claims related to such activity, that may be filed on behalf of or for the above named Student.

3. The undersigned further agrees to indemnity and hold the District and any third parties

harmless from any and all liability, loss or damage (including reasonable attorney fees) caused by or arising in any manner from the Student’s participation in the activity.

4. For purposes of this agreement, liability means all claims, demands, losses, causes of

action, suits or judgments of any and every kind that occurs during the above described activity and that result from any cause, including the negligence of the District.

Dated: , 2013 Parent/Guardian Signature Printed Dated: , 2013 Student Signature

Printed

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Career Research Pamphlet You are required to research a career and produce a pamphlet to demonstrate your knowledge of the occupation. Content

● Description of the job ● Occupational opportunities/prospects ● Advancement potential ● Education and skills required ● Values/Personality traits required ● Salary and Benefits ● Current issues ● Technical terms

Layout

● Title ● Graphics ● Statistics/Facts ● Quotes ● Bibliography ● MLA heading

Sources

● A book ● An article from a professional journal ● One directed internet site ● One free choice source

Notetaking Requirements

● 40 citations total ● 10 notes from each source (template will be provided by English teacher) ● Notes must be a mix of summaries, paraphrases, and quotations

A note on overall appearance: These pamphlets will be displayed and judged. The top three will be awarded prizes. Tips for a quality product

● Do adequate research ● Write several drafts ● Edit carefully ● Use good paper ● Choose suitable graphics ● Use consistent fonts/font size ● be consistent in presentation (bullets, capitalization, sentence structure, parallelism)

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Senior Project

College Application Essay

NJUSHD District Scholarship Application Prompt

1. Please address your educational goals and future plans, explaining how your high school activities, extra-curricular activities, life experiences, and/or employment have enhanced or determined those future goals. You may briefly describe any unusual circumstances or challenges you have faced and the ways you have responded, if applicable.

http://www.njuhsd.com/files/392896/Page%2007-personal%20statement%202009%202010%2012%20font.pdf University of California Prompts

1. Describe the world you come from — for example, your family, community or school — and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.

2. What is your intended major? Discuss how your interest in the subject developed and

describe any experience you have had in the field — such as volunteer work, internships and employment, participation in student organizations and activities — and what you have gained from your involvement.

3. Tell us about a personal quality, talent, accomplishment, contribution or experience that

is important to you. What about this quality or accomplishment makes you proud and how does it relate to the person you are?

http://admission.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/personal-statement/index.html

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Senior Project Job Packet

The Senior Project Job Packet consists of four components

1. Cover letter 2. Resume 3. Interview with a career counselor 4. Thank you letter

Cover Letter

Purpose *Cover letters “cover” and enhance your resume. *Act as a “cover” for necessary information not mentioned in your resume. *Personalize your correspondence with an employer. *Emphasize the type of employment you are seeking. *Explain WHY you have sent the resume (Ad in paper, personal contact, etc). *Stress how specific skills match the employer’s job. *Show the employer that you know something about the company. *Make your resume package complete and professional. *Give you the competitive edge! Format *Must be typed on quality 8 ½ x 11 paper *Must be error free *Address the letter to employer. Be sure to verify the name spelling. *Brevity is essential, less than one page. *First paragraph—state your purpose. *Second paragraph—stress your contributions relevant to employer’s need. *Third paragraph—ASK for an interview.

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Sample Cover Letter

James Bruin 11130 Magnolia Rd. Grass Valley, CA 95949 (530) 268-3700 jbruin@aol.com November 1, 2013 John M. Stillway Western Sierra Engineering 155 South Mission Street Grass Valley, CA 95945 Dear Mr. Stillway: Western Sierra Engineering has a reputation for being a leader in innovative solutions to building and environmental projects. I noticed your job announcement in our career center and was able to look up more information on your website for the entry level field representative position. I feel that my work experience in construction, my energetic and responsible attitude as well as my skills in math make me a good fit for this position. While attending Bear River High School I developed strong organizational skills, balancing my academics with sports and a part-time job. My greatest assets are a strong work ethic, the ability to learn new concepts quickly, and to either work independently or on a team to complete a quality job. Attached is my resume. I would enjoy the opportunity to discuss my qualifications for this position with you and express my desire to become a part of your innovative engineering company. I am available for an interview at your convenience. I can be reached at (530) 268-3700. Sincerely, James Bruin enclosure

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Senior Project Job Packet Resume

A resume tells who you are, what you know, what you have done, what kind of work you want, and why you should be hired. A resume is not a biography, and it should not provide too much information. A resume should be one page, or two if necessary. Nonessential information should be omitted. Remember: a resume is a brief summary of your experience, education, training, and accomplishments. Writing a resume is an excellent way to prepare for an interview. It organizes one’s accomplishments, skills, knowledge, and abilities. The resume should be focused on a career objective. Students need to analyze their work experience to define the tasks they have performed, the skills that were utilized, and their accomplishments (results of their productivity). DO’S OF A RESUME

Write at least two drafts Type your resume Stress your accomplishments Error-free: correct spelling, even margins, blocks of information Well-organized so employers do not have to hunt for information Proper length: one page; employers do not want to spend a long time looking at a resume Pertinent information: nothing unrelated to objectives, skills, knowledge, and ability Well-defined job objective and career goal Use short sentences Stress your accomplishments Send a cover letter with resume Use dates for past employment, graduation, specific class taken, CPR certificate Use original when duplicating your resume

DON’TS OF A RESUME Topics such as religion, age, marital status are illegal A personal photograph (unless appearance is job related) Inaccessible telephone number or incorrect address Health and political affiliations Salary history or desired salary Job supervisors’ names Recreational activities/hobbies/social clubs Performance reviews Put today’s date on resume Use the pronoun “I”

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John J. Resume Sample 112 Superior Way

Grass Valley, CA 95949 (530) 268-3700

Email (only if you check it daily)

Objective: Marketing Assistant with Sierra Financial Services

Education

Bear River High School, Class of 2014 college preparatory (or general education) American Red Cross, May of 2013 CPR Certificate PADI, July 2013 certified scuba diver

Skills

Excellent Phone Skills, handled a multi-line telephone network Proficient in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, utilized for four years Effective Communication Skills, participated successfully in speech & debate Strong Research & Organizational Skills, served as the activities director in

leadership class for one year Efficient Time Management Skills, maintaining a 3.5 GPA while working part-time

and playing sports

Work Experience

UBS Paine Webber, Grass Valley, CA June 2013-Present Marketing Assistant – managed busy phone lines, Updated customer accounts, research and data entry

Darkhorse Golf Club, Auburn, CA Sept.-Dec. 2013 Physical labor, golf course construction/maintenance

High Sierra Divers, Auburn, CA unpaid internship Summer 2012 Customer assistance, equipment repair, cash register

Extracurricular Activities

Bear River High School baseball and soccer, community sports, weekend rugby & wakeboarding

Volunteer Work, baseball field maintenance for Bear River Little League, Campaign for Measure G

International Club member for two years

Honors and Recognition

California Scholastic Federation member Scholar Athlete

References Available upon request

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Senior Project Job Packet Thank You Letter

Purpose: A Thank You Letter thanks an interviewer for granting you your interview. This Thank You Letter will be appreciated by the interviewer, call attention to you and your interview, and substantiate your professional attitude. The Thank You Letter has another purpose: it tells the employer that you will be contacting him or her in a few days. Format: Write a Thank You Letter to the company or person to whom you have written the cover letter. Be sure to use excellent letter writing skills and proofread carefully. One note of caution: Do not use “I” at the beginning of each sentence. Use a variety of sentence structures. Take full responsibility for your writing. Proofread and edit your letter until it is perfect.

Sample Thank You Letter Name Address Phone E-mail May 28, 2014 Name of interviewer Company Address Dear Name of interviewer: Thank you for taking some of your time to interview me for the position of technical assistant and desk secretary. I am excited about the position because it involves most of the computer skills I have acquired this year while performing my internship hours for the Senior Project. Although I understand that there are other competitors for this position, I look forward to hearing from you on your decision. Again, thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you. If you would like to contact me, I can be reached at PHONE NUMBER, or at E-MAIL ADDRESS. Sincerely, Name

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Senior Project Senior Project Poster Rubric

The Senior Project Poster requirement is a way for a student to visually display his/her career choice. The poster should be a visually appealing way for an observer to understand what career a student has chosen to investigate. Awards, prizes, and grades will be given based upon the following: CONCEPT

The basic subject of the poster is quickly and easily understood. The poster is original, and it does not imitate others. The student’s career choice is clearly understood.

CRAFTSMANSHIP The poster is neat and clean. Student’s name appears on the front lower right hand corner in large

lettering. Graphics and lettering look professional and are easily readable. Words are spelled correctly.

COMPOSITION The poster has artistic/aesthetic appeal. The poster is neither too crowded nor too sparse. The items on the poster are well-placed and balanced.

EFFORT

It appears that student put in a significant amount of time and effort. The poster reflects an attempt to produce a quality, finished product.

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Senior Project Process Journal

The Process Journal is a reflection of your 20 hours of fieldwork. It is to be made up of the following: 1. Table of Contents 2. A log of all of your required hours of your fieldwork

Job Shadowing Internship/Apprentice Community Service Interview Program Visitation Career Presentations Educational Classes Producing an actual Product Up to 2 hours for a college visit

3. Daily Journal Entries – You are required to submit a minimum of 10 one-page typed entries specifically documenting, describing and reflecting on the knowledge gained during the 20 hours spent doing fieldwork. 4. Visual evidence of your fieldwork

Pictures Pamphlets Business cards Class Syllabi

5. Contact Information Forms – One or more signed Contact Information Forms that confirm and document your fieldwork experience with an expert or mentor in your chosen topic area. 6. Interview

You must interview someone who is (or was) a professional in the career you have chosen (check with your English or Government teacher for appropriate interview choices)

Complete required interview form 7-10. First Semester English Work Note: Since the Process Journal is one of the culminating pieces of your Senior Project and a major focus of your presentation, it needs to be professional looking and visually appealing. Therefore it must be typed, free of errors, clearly presented, clean, neat, and organized. Remember, the process journal is not only proof of your participation in your fieldwork, but is also a means for you to reflect upon the experience. The panel should be able to go through your Process Journal and get a clear picture of both how you spent your 20 hours of fieldwork, as well as what knowledge you gained from the experience.

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Senior Project Process Journal Fieldwork Log and Outline of Journal Order

Create a log to document the fieldwork you complete for your Process Journal. This will become the first page of your journal (a type of table of contents). Please spend some time making it visually appealing. Your log must contain the following information: Date of fieldwork activity Time spent on this particular activity Category (See below list) Brief description of this particular fieldwork activity Remember, you are required to complete at least 20 hours of fieldwork--10 hours maximum in any one of the following categories:

Job shadowing Internship/Apprenticeship Community Service Interviews Program Visitations Career related presentations Educational Classes Producing an actual product Up to 2 hours for a college visit

________________________________________________________________________

Process Journal Order 1. Table of contents 2. Fieldwork Log 3. Ten Journal Entries 4. Visual Evidence Pages 5. Contact Information Form 6. Typed Interview 7. Career Research Pamphlet 8. College Application Essay 9. Resume and Cover Letter 10. Thank you letter

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Contact Information Form Student Name: _____________________________________________Date_________ Last, First Government/Economics Teacher _______________________________Period_______

English Teacher _______________________________Period________

Name of business, company, or place where you completed your fieldwork: Address: ____________________________ ____________________________ Phone Number: ________________________ Contact person (person who supervised your activity) Name: __________________________ Work number and extension: ___________________________ Hours at job site: __________________ Brief description of the tasks activities performed: _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Signature of contact person: I verify that the information on this sheet is accurate: ___________________________________________ Printed name: __________________________________

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Senior Project Career Related Informational Interview Guidelines and Questions

(Retype with answers for the Process Journal) Student Name: Date of Interview:

Name of Person Interviewed:

Address:

Phone Number:

1. On a typical day in this position, what do you do?

2. What training or education is required for this type of work?

3. Which college of or vocational schools have the best programs for this occupation?

4. What personal qualities or abilities are important to being successful in this job?

5. What part of this job do you find most satisfying?

6. What part do you find most challenging?

7. How did you get your job?

8. What opportunities does the future hold for advancement in this field?

9. What entry-level jobs are best for learning as much as possible about this field?

10. What are the salaries ranges for various positions in this field?

11. How do you see jobs in this field changing in the future?

12. How do you see demand for new people in this field in the future?

13. What special advice would you give a person entering this field?

14. What types of training do companies offer persons entering this field?

15. What are the basic pre-requisites fir t jobs in this field?

16. Which professional journal or organizations would help me learn more about this field?

17. From your perspective, what are the problems you see working in this field?

18. If you could do things all over again, would you choose the same path for yourself?

19. What other fields or jobs would you suggest I research further before I make a final decision?

20. Who do you know that I should talk to next? When I call him/her, may I use your name?

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Senior Project Process Journal Rubric

Journal provides documentation of the required hours:

Log of Hours Certificates/License /Proof of Completion (if any) Contact Information Forms

Journal provides visual evidence of the required hours and the activities in which the student participated:

Pictures Pamphlets Business Cards Course Syllabi Shows development of Product and Finished Product (if any)

Journal provides an evaluation/summary of the experience:

Daily Journal Entries Journal Entries formatted as shown below.

Journal is visually appealing: Typed Free of Errors Clean Professional Pictures

Sample process journal entry formatting style: (Reduced in size to fit the page.)

Journal Entry # 1 March 15, 2014

1:00pm to 4:00pm – 3 hours Job Shadow – Maverick Graphic Design

Experience: Provide a thorough description of fieldwork experience here. Reflection: Provide a description of how you felt about the experience and discuss what you learned. (Each journal entry should total about one page in length double-spaced.)

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Senior Project Presentation: Things To Remember

1. Most important: Be Prepared! Practice, practice, practice! 2. Senior oral presentations occur at the end of the school year. You will be given the exact dates well in advance. You must plan ahead to be sure you are present during your time period and that of the other students presenting on the same day in the same classroom. You will be required to be present for two hours (from 1pm to 3pm) on your scheduled day. And to ensure that presentations start on time (1pm), you should report to your assigned classroom a minimum of 10 minutes early (12:50pm). 3. Consider what props you will need for your presentation. If you want to show a video, remember that it cannot last more than three minutes of your entire presentation. Podiums and TV/VCRs will be provided. You will need to make your own arrangements for other forms of technology you may need. 4. Time is carefully monitored. Your presentation must be no less than seven and no more than twelve minutes in length. A student with color-coded cards will let you know how much time you have to speak. 5. The panel members who listen to your presentation will consist of BRHS staff and community volunteers. They are here to support your efforts and are interested in what you have to say. They want you to succeed and will help you to do so. Their questions will deal with why you chose the topic, how it affected you, and what you learned. 6. The goal of your presentation is to present to the panel what the entire process of the senior project has taught you and how it has affected you personally. 7. In your delivery, keep in mind the following: poise, projection, and eye contact. Be enthusiastic! 8. Dress appropriately in business attire suitable for a professional interview. Dressing in the uniform of the chosen career field will not be allowed. 9. Once again, you will be expected to stay the entire two hours on your Senior Project presentation day in order to support your fellow students. If you arrive late, you will have to re-schedule your presentation for another day. 10. You will not be allowed to participate in the oral presentation if any component of your senior project is incomplete.

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Senior Project Presentation Rubric

STUDENT’S NAME ____________________________________________________ GOVERNMENT TEACHER _____________________________PERIOD _________ Please evaluate the student in every category. Students need a score of 70 out of a total of 100 to pass. Grading Scale: 4 (8) = very good, 3 (6) = good, 2 (4) = unclear or below standards, 0 = fail Note: All students are required to bring a completed process journal to their presentation. Students will not be allowed to present without a process journal.

ORGANIZATION and CONTENT Comments Introduction 1. Introduction is creative while stimulating interest 4 3 2 0 2. Personal introduction of himself or herself 4 3 2 0 3. Clearly states topic and explains why topic was chosen 4 3 2 0 Main Body of Speech 4. Interesting description of valuable learning experiences gained from the writing and research assignments 8 6 4 0 5. Interesting and creative description of the most valuable aspects from the fieldwork experience 8 6 4 0 6. Audio/Visual aid, product, or demonstration is effectively presented and reflects quality craftsmanship 8 6 4 0 (Do not give points for the Senior Project Poster) 7. Ideas are developed, supported and logically organized 4 3 2 0 Conclusion / Questions 8. Overall reflection of the experience 4 3 2 0 9. Presentation provides evidence of new skills or knowledge gained from the experience 4 3 2 0 10. Explains impact of project on his or her future 4 3 2 0 11. Responds coherently and completely to questions 4 3 2 0 12. Responses to the questions demonstrate inherent knowledge about the topic 4 3 2 0 Process Journal 13. Is effectively presented and integrated into the presentation 8 6 4 0 DELIVERY Effective Speech Techniques 14. Demonstrates well-rehearsed presentation by use of effective eye contact and minimal dependence on notes 8 6 4 0 15. Use of appropriate voice inflection and volume 4 3 2 0 16. Student poise, posture and gestures effectively engage the audience 4 3 2 0 Dress and Appearance 17. Appropriate and professional appearance 8 6 4 0 Time 18. 7-12 minutes 8 under 7 minutes 0 over 12 minutes Total Points (out of a possible 100) ________________________