By second semester many high school seniors are in the throes of senioritis. The Senior Success Project may change that.
A new requirement for graduation, the project is similar to a capstone or passion project.
“The goal of teaching is to help students find what they are passionate about,” said teacher Kayla Corvino.“We want students to reflect about what they have learned throughout high school. The project is totally different from a class. It’s all about a student’s interest.
“The project focuses on a weave of critical skills students are expected to include in their final project,” said teacher Andrea Perdicho, “In doing this project they may realize what they want to do or don’t want to do in their future.”
Dream team Andrea Perdicho and Kayla Corvino are shattering traditional ideas of success and causing staff and students to rethink and redefine what it means to be successful.
“Some students may be great at things we don’t measure in the classroom. This project is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate every student,” said Perdicho.
Seniors and their faculty advisors met this week in the high school library for a checkpoint meeting. Most students had come to the meeting with ideas that were personal and passionate:
Hiking guide for teens who are not into hiking by a hiking enthusiast
Fantasy fiction novel written by an aspiring novelist
Cooking show to teach teens how to cook
Solving the food waste problem at the high school with a food pantry bin
Varsity soccer player sharing his love of soccer with free skills clinics for elementary players
Reducing the amount of paper used during school registrations
Recruitment campaign for the swim team
Scouting reports of rival teams created by Varsity Football player to help the team
Guide for ADHD students with study tips, self-advocating at IEP and 504 plan meetings
Concert Show of Sondheim favorites at the Old Town Hall by a theater student
NJROTC recruitment video
A guide on How to Buy a House to prepare for the future
“I’d like to create a pamphlet for students with ADHD for the guidance office. When my guidance counselor suggested I go to my own IEP meetings, it totally changed the way I thought about my educational journey–I was proactive and improved the way my IEP works for me based upon the way I learn,” said Gianna Santos.
Roisin O’Reilly has been a member of the swim team for the past four years and believes that swim has changed her life for the better. Unfortunately the team might be cut because a number of seniors are graduating. For her project, she plans to spread the word about the team and the benefits to swimming by recruiting new members at the middle school.
“It’s an individualized sport so it’s good for self-esteem, it's great for exercise, it’s not a contact sport, it’s great for your brain, and team spirit–the McDonalds trips, the overnights, t-shirts, cheering one another on as we race. I want the team to thrive!”
The success project which includes the work product, a digital video and a written reflection is due in a few months. But it is already teaching students that success means more than just grades. It includes skills such as the ability to communicate, persevere, think critically, collaborate, connect with community and find a passion.
