SENIOR PROJECT
CAPSTONE
CAREER
HANDBOOK
2015-2016
1
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 – Introduction to Senior Capstone Career Project .......................................................... 4
About the Senior Capstone Career Project .................................................................................. 4
APEX British Lit/Comp & The Senior Capstone Career Project ............................................... 5
Overview of the Five Components of Project ............................................................................. 5
Portfolio Requirements ............................................................................................................... 6
Chapter 2 –The Product .................................................................................................................. 7
How Do I Choose A Product? ..................................................................................................... 7
Pre-planning ................................................................................................................................ 7
Considerations ............................................................................................................................. 7
Types of Products ........................................................................................................................ 8
Requirements for the Product ...................................................................................................... 8
Product Verification form ........................................................................................................... 9
Senior Capstone Career Project Approval .................................................................................. 9
Chapter 3 - Product Work Log & Pictorial Log ........................................................................... 10
Requirements:............................................................................................................................ 10
How Do I Create My Product Work Log? ................................................................................ 10
Product Work Log Formats: ...................................................................................................... 11
2-Column Method: .................................................................................................................... 11
4-Column Method: .................................................................................................................... 11
Template for Creating 4-Column Log ....................................................................................... 11
Chapter 4 – The Project Facilitator/Mentor .................................................................................. 13
What is the Role of a Project Facilitator/Mentor?..................................................................... 13
Is it possible to have more than one Project Facilitator/Mentor? .............................................. 13
How do I find a Project Facilitator/Mentor? ............................................................................. 14
Required Forms ......................................................................................................................... 14
Chapter 5 – The Research Paper ................................................................................................... 15
The Paper................................................................................................................................... 15
Chapter 6 - The Portfolio .............................................................................................................. 16
What is the Senior Capstone Career Project Portfolio ? ........................................................... 16
Why Do I Need a Portfolio ? .................................................................................................... 16
Required Contents ..................................................................................................................... 16
Chapter 7 - The Presentation, Senior Boards................................................................................ 17
The Presentation ........................................................................................................................ 17
Presentation requirements ......................................................................................................... 17
Speech Outline .......................................................................................................................... 18
Appendices .................................................................................................................................... 19
Appendix A-1................................................................................................................................ 20
Senior Capstone Career Project Due Dates | 2015-2016 | 1st semester..................................... 20
Appendix A-2................................................................................................................................ 21
Senior Capstone Career Project Due Dates | 2015-2016 | 2nd semester .................................. 21
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Appendix B-1 ................................................................................................................................ 22
Senior Capstone Career Project Proposal Approval Form ........................................................ 22
Appendix B-2 ................................................................................................................................ 24
Senior Capstone Career Project Proposal Approval Form Model ............................................ 24
Appendix C ................................................................................................................................... 27
Senior Capstone Career Project: Parent/Guardian Consent Form ........................................... 27
Appendix D ................................................................................................................................... 29
Student Agreement Form: Project Facilitator/Mentor’s Role .................................................. 29
Appendix E ................................................................................................................................... 30
Project Facilitator/Mentor Agreement Form ............................................................................. 30
Appendix F.................................................................................................................................... 32
Product Verification Form: Completion of Student Product .................................................... 32
Appendix G ................................................................................................................................... 33
Product: Evaluation Rubric ...................................................................................................... 33
Appendix H ................................................................................................................................... 34
Senior Capstone Career Project Presentation Part I - Evaluation Rubric ................................ 34
Senior Capstone Career Project Presentation Part II - Evaluation Rubric ................................ 36
Appendix I .................................................................................................................................... 37
Letter to the Judges ................................................................................................................... 37
Appendix J .................................................................................................................................... 38
Sample Ideas ............................................................................................................................. 38
Appendix K ................................................................................................................................... 42
Considerations To Make Before Doing A Fundraiser As A Product ........................................ 42
Appendix L ................................................................................................................................... 43
Thank-you email to your Project Facilitator/Mentor ................................................................ 43
Appendix M .................................................................................................................................. 44
Senior Capstone Career Project Portfolio Checklist ................................................................. 44
Appendix N ................................................................................................................................... 45
Senior Capstone Career Project Ethical Commitment .............................................................. 45
Appendix O ................................................................................................................................... 46
Apex British Literature/Comp and the Senior Capstone Career Project ................................... 46
Appendix P.................................................................................................................................... 47
Senior Project Presentation | Part I – Student Evaluation Rubric .............................................. 47
Senior Project Presentation | Part II – Student Evaluation Rubric II ......................................... 49
Congratulations! You made it!..................................................................................................... 51
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Chapter 1 – Introduction to Senior Capstone
Career Project
Senior Capstone Career Project is the concluding phase of the Cherokee County School District’s
Career Pathway model initiated to better prepare you, the student, to meet the needs of employers,
technical schools, colleges, or universities in your post-secondary endeavors. This initiative
provides you with a capstone Project to showcase the skills you have acquired over the past eleven
years of public school. It combines both academic as well as career requirements intended to
challenge your ability, stretch your limitations, and celebrate your individuality. In addition to
completing the requirements for your senior English curriculum, you will also complete each of
the four components of the Project: the
 Research Paper (1st semester)
 Product (2nd semester)
 Portfolio (2nd semester)
 Presentation, Senior Boards (2nd semester – 15% of 2nd semester grade)
ABOUT THE SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT
The Senior Capstone Career Project was implemented as a pilot project at Sequoyah High School
in 2004-05 and became a Cherokee County system wide initiative in 2005-06. With Georgia’s
transition from No Child Left Behind to the College and Career Ready Performance Index
(CCRPI) in 2012-13, the percentage of students who complete a Career-Related Capstone Project
(or a work-based learning program) was planned to be included in the CCRPI for 2016-17 as a
performance indicator. The Cherokee County School District Senior Capstone Career Project was
found to be in complete alignment with the requirements that were released by the Georgia
Department of Education (GaDOE) for the Career Related Capstone Project.
Students with special needs may require modifications to the Senior Capstone Career Project as
determined by an IEP Committee.
Students with a 504 plan may require accommodations to the Senior Capstone Career Project as
documented in the student's 504 plan..
The goals of the Senior Capstone Career Project are as follows:
• To provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in their
courses to research relating to a career interest area
• To allow students to extend their academic experience into areas of personal career interests, to
include working with new ideas, organizations, and individuals
• To encourage students to think critically and creatively about academic, professional, and/or
social issues and to further develop their analytical and ethical leadership skills
• To provide students with the opportunity to refine research skills and demonstrate their
proficiency in written and/or oral communication skills
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APEX BRITISH LIT/COMP & THE SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT
Apex cannot be used to avoid components of the Senior Capstone Career Project. The APEX
teacher will collaborate with the student’s original senior English teacher, when possible. The
student must complete to the satisfaction of the English teacher all missing components.
 Often the Brit Lit A students have not completed the research paper. Any missing
components should be complete by the end of the first nine week period. These will be
graded by the English teacher and added by the Apex teacher to the Apex Grade Book as
Additional Assignments (following Unit 6).
 The Brit Lit B students may need to complete logs and the final presentation. The English
teacher will provide the final Senior Capstone Career Project grade which will be used as
the test out grade for unit 5 in Apex.
 The student will simply pick up where they left off. This will be worked out in
collaboration with the English teacher on a case-by-case basis. Collaboration and
communication will be very important.
OVERVIEW OF THE FIVE COMPONENTS OF PROJECT
1 – the Paper
After you have decided upon a Product, you will need to know more about it. This is where the
Research Paper comes in. No problem. For the past three years, you have researched a topic and
written a paper. This paper only builds on those skills.
For example: If you plan to design an advertising campaign, you might want to write a paper
titled – Trends in Advertising: Ineffective vs. Effective Advertising Campaigns. Obtaining this
information from your research will enable you to create a dynamic Product.
2 – the Project Facilitator/Mentor
As part of the Project, students must obtain a Project Facilitator/Mentor to assist in learning
more about the career area. The Project Facilitator/Mentor must be someone who is
knowledgeable in the chosen area of interest or someone working in the field. The students have
the responsibility to obtain a Project Facilitator/Mentor and then submit a signed agreement
between the school, the Project Facilitator/Mentor, the student, and the parent.
3 – the Product
The most successful Projects and subsequent Products are the ones that tap into an area of interest
for the student, one the student is passionate about pursuing. By tapping into this individual
resource, the student innately receives the motivation necessary to meet the challenges, overcome
the obstacles, and excel in the completion of his/her Product and ultimately Project.
With this in mind, choose a Product that taps into your passion, extends your learning, stretches
your potential, and challenges your abilities. What that may be is up to you. The goal is to find
something that you have never done before but always wanted to do or something that you have
done before but want to take to a new level. Just remember the requirements. Your selection must
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provide you with a rigorous, measurable “learning stretch” – one that will take you at least 15
hours outside of class to complete as well as one that you can “link to a career” of interest to you.
It must represent a significant body of work.
For example: A possible Product for someone who might be interested in a career in Advertising
would be to design an effective sustained advertising campaign for a local business – more than
just a single poster or video.
4 – the Portfolio
The purpose of the Portfolio is to document your entire Senior Capstone Career Project process,
from inception to completion. It is graded by your teacher, but it is previewed by your Judges for
Senior Boards as an introduction to you and your Project. With this in mind, you will want to
create a Portfolio that celebrates your individuality and creativity as well as one that conveys the
time and effort you put forth in completing your Project. This is essentially a journal of the
creation of your product. If you do it well, it will provide the script for your speech outline and
prepare you for your presentation to the Judges.
5 – the Presentation
The culminating component of Senior Capstone Career Project is the Presentation known as
Senior Boards. It represents 15% of your 2nd semester grade. Your formal Presentation will be
given before a panel of Judges, a minimum of one teacher and two community members. You
will tell them about your Project – the thesis you supported in your Research Paper, how your
Product relates to your Paper, and the process you followed in the completion of your Product.
You will end your Presentation by explaining to the Judges what you have learned about yourself
– how you have grown as an individual and how the experience of Senior Capstone Career Project
has prepared you to accomplish your future goals. This is the time to celebrate the passion that
went into your Senior Capstone Career Project as you proudly present your accomplishments.
PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
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Thank You Letter to the Judges (Appendix I)
Proposal: Senior Capstone Career Project Approval Form (Appendix B-1)
Product Verification Form (Appendix F)
Product Work Log
Pictorial Work Log
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Chapter 2 –The Product
HOW DO I CHOOSE A PRODUCT?
Because Senior Capstone Career Project will be one of the most important assignments of your
high school career, not to mention the fact that it will take up much of your time in the coming
months, you need to consider your choice for the Product very carefully. As stated earlier, the
most successful Products are the ones that result from your passion about your topic. It is this
passion that gives you the motivation necessary to meet the challenges, overcome the obstacles,
and bring your product to fruition.
PRE-PLANNING
Senior Capstone Career Project is so much more enjoyable if you choose something you REALLY
want to do. Think about all of the things about which you are passionate. Thing about things that
interest you – things you would like to fix, do, learn, understand, see, improve, create, experience,
or own. Brainstorm your ideas as they occur to you: don’t edit yourself at this point. If you’re into
sailing and want to sail solo to the Bahamas, write it down. You can always eliminate ideas later
if they turn out to be impractical or too expensive. Narrow your ideas down to three or four which
are “do-able” and prioritize them. In deciding whether or not a particular Product idea will work,
take into consideration whether or not research information will be available and whether the
Product is one which you can financially afford to undertake. Also, consider if it will maintain
your interest for eight months, take you at least fifteen hours to complete, stretch your abilities,
challenge your limitations, and provide you with a rigorous, significant learning stretch.
CONSIDERATIONS

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Cost: Your grade is NOT based on how much you spend on your Product.
Time: Your Product must be completed by the due date.
Product: Tangible evidence of the skills you acquired in satisfying your learning stretch
must be presented in class when the Product is due for Stand and Deliver, as well as for
Senior Boards. Think carefully and creatively about how you will present your Product:
a demonstration, performance, or portfolio displaying your skills, or physical evidence
and explanation of skills required to complete Product.
Transportation: Accessibility to and from lessons or meetings with your Project
Facilitator/Mentor must be taken into consideration.
Equipment: If the Product requires special equipment (sewing machine, saw,
computer), consider whether or not it is available and working.
Special Permission: Remember that visiting or observing at many sites requires special
permission. Call ahead to make arrangements.
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TYPES OF PRODUCTS
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Physical Product – Shape a surfboard, learn to oil paint, make stained glass windows,
design a webpage, restore a boat, install a sound system in a car, design a house/building,
write and direct a film, build a piece of furniture
Written Product – Write a family history; write a book of poetry/short stories, etc.; write
a screenplay; write and illustrate a children’s book, etc. This must be professionally-bound
in order to be considered a complete product.
Performance Product – Choreograph and perform a dance, organize an improvisational
theatrical group, direct a short drama piece, learn to play an instrument
Leadership Experience Product – Organize an advocacy group, teach others in an area
in which you have skills and expertise
Physical Experience Product – Go on a wilderness survival trip, learn to fly an airplane,
learn to scuba dive, run a marathon/10k/5k, train for a special event
Experiential Project – Apprentice with an elementary teacher and teach a lesson to the
class
Community Service Project – Raise money for a local non-profit organization, organize
a community service event. Remember, you must be able to relate your efforts directly to
a career that you are considering.
Work-Based Project – Students who would like to pursue a career-related project at their
Work-Based Learning site may do so. If they do, the project they propose must go above
and beyond the requirements of their job description. Students should discuss possible
projects with their work-based learning supervisor, who may serve as their Project
Facilitator/Mentor. Projects must meet the requirements for the learning stretch and for
the additional 15-hour minimum of effort beyond their assigned duties for their WorkBased Learning position.
Remember: Shadowing (Watching someone else) is not a product and does NOT count
toward the 15 hours required to produce your Product! You must be ACTIVELY
involved in the creation of a finished body of work in order to enter the hours into your
Product Work Log.
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PRODUCT
It must. . .
 Reflect tangible evidence of a rigorous learning stretch –
 Be a Product you have not done before, have had absolutely no experience with, or one
that builds on the skills and knowledge you already possess – yet goes beyond that
knowledge to create a higher level of learning.
 Be student-generated.
 Be related to your Research Paper.
 Be linked to a Career you are considering to pursue in your postsecondary endeavors.
 Take a minimum of 15 hours to complete.
Continued on Next Page
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

Be documented by keeping a Product Work Log as well as a Pictorial Log to record steps
taken, time spent, expenses incurred, and photographic evidence (at least 9) of your
progress. Both logs will be turned-in at specified intervals for periodic checks.
Ineligible Products :
No purchased or ready-made models or kits will be accepted; moreover, Products
presented in Stand & Deliver that are not evident as your production as evidenced
throughout your digital Portfolio, and that are not present in the final picture with your
Project Faciltiator/Mentor, will not be accepted.
PRODUCT VERIFICATION FORM
IMPORTANT: Before the Portfolio will be graded and before you can present at Senior Boards,
the Product Verification Form must be completed by your Project Facilitator/Mentor(s) and
submitted to your English teacher (Appendix F).
SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT APPROVAL
Once you have decided on the Product for your Senior Capstone Career Project, you are to submit
the following forms to your teacher for approval:
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Proposal: Senior Capstone Career Project Approval Form (Appendix B-1))
Parent/Guardian Consent Form (Appendix C)
Student Agreement Form: Project Facilitator/Mentor’s Role (Appendix D)
Project Facilitator/Mentor Agreement Form (Appendix E)
Important: Before you can begin work on your Product, these forms must be turned in for
approval of your Product. Products that are not approved by the deadline will be subject to
substantial penalty, as will Portfolios. Students will ultimately not be allowed to present their
Project at Senior Boards. Once your approval form is signed, however, feel free to congratulate
yourself; you’ve just taken the first step toward completing your Senior Capstone Career Project
requirement.
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Chapter 3 - Product Work Log & Pictorial Log
Since much of the work on your Senior Capstone Career Project will be done outside of class, you
will need to keep accurate records of the time you devoted to completing your Product, the
expenses you incurred, where you went, whom you talked to, what you learned, what obstacles
you overcame, and how you overcame those obstacles. You will incorporate these details in your
speech before the Judges during your Presentation. In addition to keeping a written log of your
Product from the inception to the completion, you will need to keep a Pictorial Log. Both your
Product Work Log and your Pictorial Log will become an essential component of your Portfolio.
The pictures will become a part of your Presentation before the Judges.
REQUIREMENTS:
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Begin work on your Product Work Log and your Pictorial Log the moment you begin
work on your Product.
Make a log entry each time you work on your Product and/or meet with your Project
Facilitator/Mentor. (Note: Each of the three progress checks must reflect at least one
meeting with your Project Facilitator/Mentor. Periodic checks with your Project
Facilitator/Mentor will be made by your teacher.)
Begin each entry with the date, and end with the actual time (hours, minutes) you spent
working on your Product.
Include in your Product Work Log not only a description of what you did, but also a
reflection on the successes and failures, frustrations and victories you met along the way.
In other words, your Log should be more than a record of the time and work done; it should
be a journal of your feelings, emotions, and reactions as well. A Log entry could cover as
little as a short phone call to arrange an interview or as much as a day spent working
alongside your Project Facilitator/Mentor.
Making accurate entries in your Product Work Log will enable your teacher to better
evaluate your Product and enable your Judges for Senior Boards to evidence the effort you
put forth in creating your Product. Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling are
essential for your log entries. Remember that this is the information the Judges see before
seeing your Presentation. Create a great first impression!
Pictorial Log: Begin taking pictures and creating captions for those pictures (3 at the first
check, 3 at the second check, and 3 for the final check) as soon as you begin work on
your Product. The first installment of your pictorial log must include a photo of you
and any project facilitator/Mentor(s), along with a brief bio of the Project
Facilitator/Mentor’s qualifications (#8 on the Project Facilitator/Mentor Agreement
Form Appendix E).
HOW DO I CREATE MY PRODUCT WORK LOG?
YOU MAY USE the 2-column or 4-column methods exemplified on the following pages to
create your Product Work Log. Use active verbs such as writing, designing, constructing,
planning, taking classes or lessons, contacting sources, volunteering, etc. in writing each entry. In
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addition to logging your time and activity, write a reflection on your activity, the commentary.
This is the journal you are creating. You will find that your commentary will be an asset to you as
you begin preparation for your Presentation at Senior Boards. Be diligent in recording your
journey so that your hard work will be evident.
PRODUCT WORK LOG FORMATS:
2-COLUMN METHOD:
4-COLUMN METHOD:
Requires Separate Pictorial Log
Includes Pictorial Log
Models of both formats will be covered; templates will be made available.
TEMPLATE FOR CREATING 4-COLUMN LOG (see next page):
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Product & Pictorial Work Log
Name: Last Name, First Name
Product: Insert Title of Product
Date &
Time
Day of
Week
00/00/00
00
hh:mm
-hh:mm
Day of
Week
00/00/00
00
hh:mm
-hh:mm
Day of
Week
00/00/00
00
hh:mm
-hh:mm
Day of
Week
00/00/00
00
hh:mm
-hh:mm
Total
Hours
Date: 00/00/0000
Activity &
Commentary
Activity:
Photos
Photos should be scaled to 3
inches wide.
Commentary:
Photo Caption:
Activity:
Commentary:
Photo Caption:
Activity:
Commentary:
Photo Caption:
Activity:
Commentary:
Photo Caption:
TOTAL
PROJECT
HOURS
ACCUMULATED THUS FAR:
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Chapter 4 – The Project Facilitator/Mentor
WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A PROJECT FACILITATOR/MENTOR?
The role of the Project Facilitator/Mentor(s) will vary depending on each student’s Product. The
expertise of the Project Facilitator/Mentor makes it possible for students to complete the second
component of their Project - the Product.
 Sustained Instruction: The Project Facilitator/Mentor’s role may be to give sustained
instruction in the form of a progression of lessons during which the student might learn
how to scuba dive or how to communicate through the use of Sign Language. The
instructor becomes the Project Facilitator/Mentor. In this case, you, the student will meet
with your Project Facilitator/Mentor on a regular basis in completing most of the 15
required hours. To satisfy the remaining hours required for the “learning stretch,” you will
then decide how to reveal your new skill(s) as a tangible Product. You might create a
demonstration, digital scrapbook, a professionally-bound cookbook, a video, or a digital
portfolio, separate from your Senior Capstone Career Project Portfolio.
 Periodic Instruction: In other instances, the Project Facilitator/Mentor’s role may be to
provide you with periodic instruction. If this is the case, you will meet with your Project
Facilitator/Mentor for step-by-step instruction. However, you complete each task on your
own without the Project Facilitator/Mentor present. Most of the required 15 hrs. is
completed away from the Project Facilitator/Mentor, yet the Project Facilitator/Mentor still
provides the you with the expertise necessary to create a challenging yet achievable
Product. Once again, to satisfy the remaining hours required for a rigorous learning
stretch, you will then decide how to reveal your new skill(s) as a tangible Product. You
might create a demonstration, digital scrapbook, a professionally-bound cookbook, a video,
or a digital portfolio (separate from your Senior Capstone Career Project Portfolio).
 Fundamentally, the role of the PF is to . . .
o enable the student to create a challenging yet achievable tangible Product
o guide, encourage, and oversee the student’s progress
o verify the time student spends on his/her fieldwork (minimum of 15 hrs.)
IS IT POSSIBLE TO HAVE MORE THAN ONE PROJECT FACILITATOR/MENTOR?
Yes, in fact, you may need more than one. For example, if you want to learn how to use a manual
camera and acquire the skills for taking pictures with different subjects and backgrounds, you will
have one Project Facilitator/Mentor. When you decide to mat and frame your photos, you may
need to seek help from another Project Facilitator/Mentor.
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HOW DO I FIND A PROJECT FACILITATOR/MENTOR?
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Your Project Facilitator/Mentor must be at least 25 years of age and someone you seek out
for his/her expertise or knowledge on your topic. It is your responsibility to find a Project
Facilitator/Mentor.
Your Project Facilitator/Mentor cannot be a family member.
Your Project Facilitator/Mentor cannot be a faculty member.
Your Project Facilitator/Mentor must be someone local and someone with whom you can
meet face-to-face. Go over the Agreement Form (Appendix E) with your Project
Facilitator/Mentor, so that you are both clear about what is expected.
Follow up often with the Project Facilitator/Mentor so that you do not lose contact with
him/her.
REQUIRED FORMS
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Submitted to your teacher before beginning work on your Product:
o Student’s Agreement Form: Project Facilitator/Mentor’s Role (Appendix D)
o Project Facilitator/Mentor’s Agreement Form (Appendix E)
Submitted to teacher after completion of Product. Your Product and your Portfolio will
not be graded and your Presentation at Senior Boards cannot be given unless this form is
submitted to your teacher by the due date:
o Product Verification Form (Appendix F)
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Chapter 5 – The Research Paper
THE PAPER
Your Research Paper is NOT a chronicle of “What I did for my Senior Capstone Career Project”
nor is it a “how-to” paper or a “report.” Rather, it is a paper that supports a thesis, your
stance/evaluation of a specific issue associated with your topic. For example: by comparing and
contrasting the latest trends in the field of Advertising, you will be able to evaluate which campaign
strategies are most effective for your target audience. After formulating your thesis, you will
research your topic to find specific details to support your point of view.
Your foundation for writing this paper has been well established throughout the past three years:
this Research Paper is simply an extension of those skills. Specific guidelines and due dates for
each stage of the process will be covered by your English teacher and confirmed in written
instruction.
See Appendix J for Acceptable Paper Topics and Related Products
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Chapter 6 - The Portfolio
WHAT IS THE SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT PORTFOLIO ?
The Portfolio is a professional-grade, organized notebook documenting Your Vision, Your
Challenge, and Your Journey as you completed your Senior Capstone Career Project.
WHY DO I NEED A PORTFOLIO ?
It . . .
 gives evidence of a rigorous learning stretch in the body of work you call “Senior
Capstone Career Project.”
 allows your Judges for Senior Boards to evidence your progress in completing each
component of the Project.
 gives the Judges a first impression of you.
 offers the Judges an opportunity to prepare questions they would like to ask you about your
Project.
REQUIRED CONTENTS
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Letter to the Judges
Photo and Bio of Project Facilitator/Mentor. Include a paragraph or two about your
Project Facilitator/Mentor’s life/work that is related to the Senior Capstone Career
Project you are doing
Thank You Email to Project Facilitator/Mentor (Must Carbon-Copy (CC:) teacher
on all correspondence and must include Project Facilitator/Mentor responses)
Product Verification Form: Completion of Student Product
Product Work Log – 15 documented hours, minimum
Pictorial Work Log – 9 photos, minimum
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Chapter 7 - The Presentation, Senior Boards
THE PRESENTATION
Applaud yourself for your accomplishments on the first three components of your Senior Capstone
Career Project. You have researched an issue related to your topic and written an in-depth Research
Paper. You have devoted at least 15 hours in completion of your Product. You have compiled a
professional Portfolio documenting your journey over the past year. Now, you are ready to
celebrate your accomplishments and share your discoveries as you complete the final component
of the Project, Senior Boards.
PRESENTATION REQUIREMENTS

Prepare an 8 – 10 minute Presentation (timed – no less than 8 – no more than 10).
Time does not include Judges’ questions.

Create at least two effective visuals
Remember that visuals are important not only to show the Judges what you have
accomplished but also to provide you with a pictorial progression of what you want to say.
The visuals will enable you to keep your Presentation focused and organized. You will
find that they also lessen any apprehension you may have about talking in front of people.
o Use PowerPoint or Prezi to present research paper information.
o Use video for performances.
o Scrapbooks or portfolios may exist in hard form, but must be presented via
slide show.
o PHYSICAL PRODUCTS ARE visuals!
This is a professional-grade presentation. No posters or project boards. Anything
that can be put on a poster or project board can be scanned and put on a screen!
Create note cards
Place only key words or phrases on your note cards, just enough to jog your memory about
what you want to say next. Note: Avoid placing complete sentences or jamming too much
information on your note cards since this may create the major pitfall of presenting or
reading rather than telling.
Dress
Business Attire: Your attire for Senior Boards should complement your Presentation
rather than become a distraction taking valuable points away from your grade. Use
the following guidelines in making your decision about what to wear.
Girls: No jeans; metal-studded clothing; denim; shorts; t-shirts; skirts that are too
short or too tight; tops that are too short, too low, or too tight. (No cleavage or bellies
should be in sight.) Girls should either wear an appropriate dress, a skirt or dress
pants and a conservative top or jacket (a suit, if you prefer) may be worn in lieu of a
dress.
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
Guys: No jeans, denim, shorts, t-shirts, or flip-flops. Wear tucked-in collared shirts,
dress pants, or khakis (a sport coat or suit, if you prefer). Wear dress socks and dress
shoes.
Your Hair: Keep it out of your face! Wear your hair in a manner that will allow you to
keep eye contact with your Judges and allow them to keep eye contact with you. Any
fiddling with your hair during the Presentation will distract the Judges and may result
in a lower score.
Essential delivery components - maintain . . .
o Eye Contact with your Judges (Avoid turning your back to them.)
o Body Composure (Avoid leaning on the podium. Stand with confidence.)
o Vocal Expression (Moderate your speech - neither too low, too high, nor too fast.)
o Personal Expression (It’s ok to be enthusiastic! In fact, allowing your passion about
your Project to show will go a long way in impressing the Judges and in making a
dynamic Presentation!)
SPEECH OUTLINE
Directions: Create the following outline in preparation for your Presentation. You may embellish
it to complement your Presentation, but make sure you cover the basics.
 Template for working out your script is located below.
 Evaluation Rubric for Presentation located in Appendix H
 Self-Evaluation of video of Stand and Deliver Performance is located in Appendix P
Outline format – Use only key words or phrases in creating your outline.
I. Introduction
A. Introduce yourself, shake hands with Judges, and thank them for coming.
B. Capture the attention of your Judges with an appropriate attention grabber.
C. Briefly introduce your Project, the thesis you supported in your Paper, and how the
Product you created relates to your Paper.
II. Body
A. Introduce your Product and explain the process you went through to complete your
Product.
B. Explain how the Product was a rigorous “learning stretch” – a significant body of work –
how it challenged your ability and creativity and allowed you to problem solve as you met
and overcame obstacles.
C. Explain how you feel – the pride – the great sense of success – you feel now that Your
Vision, Your Challenge, Your Journey is now Your Accomplishment!
III. Conclusion
A. Conclude with what you learned about yourself through your Senior Capstone Career
Project journey and state whether or not the career associated with your Project is
something you still want to pursue.
B. Thank the Judges for their time.
Page 18
Appendices
The Senior Capstone Career Project items listed in the following appendices are for your reference
only; items in any appendix are not to be copied, printed, or submitted to teachers as completed
assignments.
Every item listed in this Appendix will be posted online for you to download and complete
individually.
Page 19
Appendix A-1
SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT DUE DATES | 2015-2016 |
1ST SEMESTER
Assignment
Due Date
1.
Paper & Product
Registration of SP Paper Topic / Product
August 7
2.
Meeting
Fundraising Meeting for All Fundraising
Proposals
August 11 7:45 a.m.
or
3:45 p.m. in Media Center
3.
Paper & Product
Presentation
August 12
4.
Form
Master Agreement Form Due
August 19
5.
Paper & Product
Final date to change topic
August 29
6.
Paper
Annotated Bibliography
7.
Paper
First Draft Due; Peer Reviews in class
8.
Workshop
Senior Project Workshops
9.
Paper
Second Draft Due
10.
11.
September 11
October 14
Locations and Topics TBD
October 15
Paper
Teacher Conferences on Second Draft
Form
Project Facilitator/Mentor Agreement & Role
12.
October 09
Paper
FINAL Draft Due to Turnitin by 11:55 P.M.
Page 20
October 15-November 4
October 29
November 9
Appendix A-2
SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT DUE DATES | 2015-2016 |
2ND SEMESTER
Assignment
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Due Date
Product & Portfolio
Product Log / Pictorial Log Check #1
Minimum of 3 Photos / 5 hours
Product & Portfolio
Product Log / Pictorial Log Check #2
Minimum of 3 Photos / 5 hours
Product & Portfolio
Product Log / Pictorial Log Check #3
Minimum of 3 Photos / 5 hours
Presentation | Stand & Deliver
Portfolio
All Site requirements
All Product Work Logs / Pictorial Logs
Product Verification Form
Product
Completed
Presentation
8-10 Minute Speech (on note cards)
Dress Rehearsal Completed
Portfolio
Digital Portfolio Completed (full site is edited,
ready for Judges’ review)
Presentation | Senior Boards
Page 21
January 21
February 23
March 17
March 28 – April 22
April 13
April 27 – 28
Appendix B-1
SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT PROPOSAL APPROVAL FORM
Master Agreement Form
Please fill out the following form in its entirety. It is important that all information be accurate for
the success of your overall project. A digital copy of this form will be included as a part of your
digital portfolio.
Senior Project Proposal (TYPE IN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION.)
Student Name
Your Cell Phone
Home
Address
E-mail
Teacher
@cherokeek12.net
Phone
Directions: You will “pitch” your proposal in class via PowerPoint or Prezi. The following
questions are to be addressed in your presentation. Describe your Product and respond to the
following questions in as much detail as possible. All questions must be completed thoroughly to
receive approval for your Product and Project. Follow the model on the following page precisely.
1) Describe what you are proposing to do for your Product step-by-step and in detail.
2) What is your previous experience in this area of study?
3) How is this Product a “learning stretch” and challenge for you?
4) How long do you expect it to take you to complete your Product?
5) When and where will you work on your Product?
6) What are your estimated costs for completing the Product, and how will you fund these costs?
7) Whom have you chosen as your Project Facilitator?
8) What is this person’s expertise in this field?
Page 22
9) What steps will you need to take before you begin work on your Product?
10) What concepts, skills, knowledge, and/or career goals do you hope to attain upon completion of your
Product?
11) How will you demonstrate your Product for Presentation at Senior Boards?
Using the above information, you should create a PowerPoint proposal. Each
question can be its own slide, or you can combine them. Do it however you see fit,
but remember, you’re selling me on this idea. After your presentation, your
product will either be accepted or denied. If denied, it is your responsibility to
redo the PowerPoint with another idea and present it to me before or after
school, so take your time and do well the first time around!
Page 23
Appendix B-2
SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT PROPOSAL APPROVAL FORM MODEL
(Type in demographic information here according to the form)
Directions: You will “pitch” your proposal in class via PowerPoint or Prezi. The following
questions are to be addressed in your presentation. Describe your Product and respond to the
following questions in as much detail as possible. All questions must be completed thoroughly to
receive approval for your Product and Project.
1) Describe what you are proposing to do for your Product step-by-step and in detail.
I intend to organize a fundraising walk for charity. The first thing to do is find a location that
I can hold the event. Next, I want the first fifty people to get a t-shirt when they arrive, so I
need to order the t-shirts. At walks there is always some sort of food and drink supplied. I am
going to go to Publix and Kroger and ask for donations of items such as water, apples and
bananas. On top of that I will get sponsors to donate certain items like bags, pens, or other
simple accessories. To get the walk started, I am going to play the national anthem and I am
going to ask Mark Wills to sing it. I will most likely have to have police there to keep watch
over the event. Both my neighbors are members of the police force, and I will be asking them
to volunteer their time for this event. Throughout this whole experience of planning I am going
to be meeting with Alice Ramsey, my Project Facilitator/Mentor. She will be helping me and
guiding me.
2) What is your previous experience in this area of study?
I have absolutely no experience in this area of study. I am a naturally organized person and
enjoy helping people. I can handle pressure really well and feel like I am really cut out to be
an event organizer.
3) How is this Product a “learning stretch” and challenge for you?
I have never organized an event of any kind. With all the responsibility on me, I will have an
enormous amount of pressure to complete my Project and I have never had to experience
anything like that before.
4) How long do you expect it to take you to complete your Product?
Considering that I will be working on it day by day, I will be working on it from now until the
event happens which will be in a couple of months.
5) When and where will you work on your Product?
I will work on my Project bit-by-bit every day. Such an event has a lot that needs to be planned
and organized so getting a little done each day will make the task easier. Most of the work and
Page 24
organization will be done at my home, but I will eventually go out and ask for sponsors around
Towne Lake. I will also be experiencing my Project Facilitator/Mentor’s event that happens
late September and will be learning a lot during that time.
6) What are your estimated costs for completing the Product, and how will you fund these
costs?
I will be asking for sponsors for certain items needed for the event. That will cut back on a lot
of costs. I will probably need to pay for t-shirts for a certain amount of people. The price varies.
7) Whom have you chosen as your Project Facilitator/Mentor?
Alice Ramsey will be my Project Facilitator/Mentor. I have known her since I was just a little
girl and she has always been an inspiration and a great role model.
8) What is this person’s expertise in this field?
Alice Ramsey is the founder of the Pink Posse. She has hosted a cancer walk/run for the past
several years. It started out as a small-scale walk just between friends and has grown to several
hundred people. The walk/run raises a good bit of money, all by donation, it is free to walk,
and the money is donated to a person who is struggling with cancer. Her walk/runs have
become very successful.
9) What steps will you need to take before you begin work on your Product?
The first step is to find someone who has experience in this field of work. The walk is going
to be a fundraiser so I need to figure out who to donate the money to. I will also need to set a
date for my event, but in order to do that, I will first need to find a place to host the event and
get permission to use that place. I will also get sponsors for my event. I will go to businesses
and ask them to donate to my event. I have forms to get signed and approved as well and will
need to get those completed before I proceed with my Project.
10) What concepts, skills, knowledge, and/or career goals do you hope to attain upon
completion of your Product?
Not everyone can become an event planner. It takes a certain type of person to be able to handle
the pressure and have the right skills to be able to complete such a large task. I must be very
organized to keep this event under control and to make sure I meet certain deadlines. My event
will of course involve other people; therefore, I must be respectful of others and responsible
enough to keep others in mind and not waste any time. By planning this event, I will have my
first event planned and hopefully completed. This will teach me whether or not I want to pursue
a career in event planning or if I am even cut out for the job.
Page 25
11) How will you demonstrate your Product for Presentation at Senior Boards?
My Presentation will include pictures, publicity materials, and facts and information about the
walk. The Presentation will include videos of the setup and of the walk, itself. It will also
include the amount of money I raised and a copy of the check I am able to present to the
organization.
I hereby agree to complete the above stated Product in partial fulfillment of my Senior Capstone
Career Project requirement. I understand that I will not be allowed to change my topic after August
29, 2015. I understand that I must also obtain my parents’ or guardians’ permission on the proper
form before this agreement is valid.
Name (type)
Date (type)
Signature (Your PERSONAL Signature)
Page 26
Appendix C
SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT:
FORM

PARENT/GUARDIAN CONSENT
As the parent/guardian of __________________________, a senior at Etowah High
School, I am aware that my son/daughter is required to successfully complete the Senior
Capstone Career Project in addition to their senior year English curriculum. I am also
aware that the four components of the Project are the Research Paper, a tangible Product,
a comprehensive Portfolio, and a Presentation before a panel of Judges from the
community and school, known as Senior Boards.
 I understand that the Project selection is student-centered and career-related. I realize the
tangible Product that is due the third nine weeks of the school year must relate to the
Research Paper and represent a rigorous, definable “learning stretch” that must reflect a
significant body of work.
I know that my son/daughter will be signing an Ethical Commitment Form, which I have reviewed
(
Page 27




Appendix N).
I understand that if my son/daughter plagiarizes any of the three components - prior to
Senior Boards - that he/she will have to complete an entirely new Project and submit a
Portfolio of the new Project by the Stand and Deliver date. Only in this way will he/she
become eligible for completion of the fifth component, the Presentation.
I understand that the Project Facilitator/Mentor(s) is chosen by my son/daughter. I assume
all responsibility for costs and risks inherent in his/her chosen Project. I am aware that
these individuals are not endorsed by nor are their credentials screened or reviewed by the
Cherokee County School District. Therefore, I understand that it is my responsibility as
the parent/guardian to review the qualification and/or licensing of this Project
Facilitator/Mentor prior to giving my consent/endorsement as well as to provide all
supervision of my child while working with this individual on his/her Product.
Cherokee County School District has not undertaken any background checks on the Project
Facilitator/Mentor. It is the responsibility of each parent to ensure the suitability of the
Project Facilitator/Mentor that you and your student select.
Parent/Guardian Name:
Address:
City, State, Zip:
Email Address:
Parent Signature:
Date:
Student Signature:
Date:
Page 28
Appendix D
STUDENT AGREEMENT FORM: PROJECT FACILITATOR/MENTOR’S ROLE
Name of Project
Facilitator/Mentor:
Area of interest/expertise:
Email address:
Phone #:
Read the following statements and sign below to acknowledge that you understand your role as
well as that of your Project Facilitator/Mentor in completing the Product component of your
Senior Capstone Career Project.
 I understand that I have to give my Project Facilitator/Mentor a copy of the Project
Facilitator/Mentor Agreement Form.
 I understand that it is my responsibility to present my Project Facilitator/Mentor with a
copy of my Senior Capstone Career Project Approval Form which outlines the projected
steps, costs, and timeframe projected for completion of my Product.
 I understand that my Project Facilitator/Mentor’s role is to enable me to create a
challenging yet achievable Product. Depending on the nature of my Product, I may meet
with him/her on a sustained basis or a periodic basis. If it is a sustained period of time in
the form of a series of lessons, I will complete the majority of my 15 hrs. in the presence
of my PF. If it is on a periodic basis, I will meet with my PF at specified intervals to
acquire the knowledge necessary to complete the Product on my own.
 I understand that my Project Facilitator/Mentor will be asked to verify the time I spend on
my fieldwork (minimum of fifteen hours) by signing the Product Work Log on the specified
due dates. I also understand that my PF must submit the Product Verification Form to my
teacher upon completion of my Product confirming it is my work.
 I understand that my parent/guardian or relative cannot serve as my Project
Facilitator/Mentor and that my PF must be 25 years of age or older.
 I understand that my PF must be someone who resides locally, whom I can contact easily,
so that I may maintain contact with him/her.
 I understand that my parents/guardians must sign the Senior Capstone Career Project:
Parent/Guardian Consent Form endorsing my Project Facilitator/Mentor and that it must
be turned into my teacher by the designated due date.
Student Name:
Date:
Student Signature:
Date:
Page 29
Appendix E
Student’s Name (type name):
PROJECT FACILITATOR/MENTOR AGREEMENT FORM
Thank you for volunteering your time to serve as a Project Facilitator/Mentor (PF) for a student
involved in Senior Capstone Career Project at Etowah High School. This Project offers seniors a
real world experience as they journey into a topic of their choice, one that they are passionate
about, and one that they link to a career. Throughout the year, they must pursue a rigorous,
measurable “learning stretch” as they complete each of the four components of the Project: a
Research Paper, a Product, a Portfolio, and a culminating Presentation in May – Senior Boards.

Sustained Instruction: The PF’s role may be to give sustained instruction in the form of a
progression of lessons during which the student might learn how to scuba dive or how to
communicate through the use of Sign Language. The instructor becomes the Project
Facilitator/Mentor. In this case, you, the student will meet with your PF on a regular basis
in completing most of the 15 required hours. To satisfy the remaining hours required for
the “learning stretch,” you will then decide how to reveal your new skill(s) as a tangible
Product. You might create a demonstration, digital scrapbook, a professionally-bound
cookbook, a video, or a digital portfolio, separate from your Senior Capstone Career
Project Portfolio.

Periodic Instruction: On the other hand, the PF’s role may be to provide you with periodic
instruction. If this is the case, you will meet with your PF for step-by-step instruction.
However, you complete each task on your own without the PF present. Most of the
required 15 hrs. is completed away from the PF, yet the PF still provides the you with the
expertise necessary to create a challenging yet achievable Product. Once again, to satisfy
the remaining hours required for a rigorous “learning stretch,” you will then decide how
to reveal your new skill(s) as a tangible Product. You might create a demonstration, digital
scrapbook, a professionally-bound cookbook, a video, or a digital portfolio, separate from
your Senior Capstone Career Project Portfolio.

Fundamentally, the role of the PF is to . . .
o enable the student to create a challenging yet achievable tangible Product
o guide, encourage, and oversee the student’s progress
o verify the time student spends on his/her fieldwork (minimum of 15 hrs.)
Please confirm your agreement to serve as a Project Facilitator/Mentor for the student
indicated below by completing this form and by signing the subsequent statement.
Page 30
TYPE IN THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:
Project
Facilitator/Mentor’s
Name: Click here to enter text.
Home Address: Click here to enter text.
Email Address: Click here to enter text.
Home Phone #: Click here to enter text.
Work/Cell Click here to enter
#: text.
I, the undersigned, have met with the above named student and have reviewed the plans for
completion of his/her Product as outlined in the Proposal: Senior Capstone Career Project
Approval Form. I acknowledge that it is the responsibility of the student to complete the Product
on his/her own by March 28, 2016. I also agree to complete the Product Verification Form and
send it to the student’s English teacher once the student has completed the Product.
Signature:
Date:
(Project Facilitator/Mentor’s Personal Signature)
Page 31
Appendix F
PRODUCT VERIFICATION FORM: COMPLETION OF STUDENT PRODUCT
Student’s Name: _______________________________________________________________
(Please Print)
Project Facilitator’s Name: ______________________________________________________
(Please Print)
To the Project Facilitator: Since most of the time spent on the Product phase of Senior
Project has been out of class, verification of the student’s effort in the creation of his/her
Product is necessary. This verification will enable the student to complete the final component of
the Project, Senior Boards and assist the teacher in evaluation of the Product. Thank you for your
time.
1. Can you verify that he/she spent at least 15 hours creating this Product?
Yes _____ No_____ Comments _____________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Have you seen this Product at different stages of completion, not just the final phase?
Yes _____ No_____ Comments _____________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. What specific problems did this student encounter and overcome? _______________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. What successes have you seen this student achieve? __________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Project Facilitator’s Signature _____________________________________Date __________
Page 32
Appendix G
Excellent
Very Good
Satisfactory
Unsatisfactory
PRODUCT: EVALUATION RUBRIC (To be completed at Stand and Deliver)
Creates a unique product/performance that relates to research paper.
5
4-3
2-1
0
Reflects excellent skills in synthesizing, evaluating, and analyzing knowledge of topic
to create and develop Product.
Product reflects unique creativity/precision & planning/design.
5
4-3
2-1
0
5
4-3
2-1
0
Product reflects outstanding quality: polished & visually appealing.
5
4-3
2-1
0
Provides a unique performance in content, style, and medium appropriate to audience’s
interests and level of maturity.
5
4-3
2-1
0
Criteria
Total ___________________x4_______________/100
Product final grade
Comments:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Page 33
Appendix H
SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT PRESENTATION
PART I - EVALUATION RUBRIC
Student’s Name___________________________________________Teacher’s Name_________________
Project _______________________________________________________________________________
Directions for Part I– Score each component for the Content area of each Presentation according to the
following scale
5 = Excellent 4 = Above Average 3 = Average 2 = Below average 1 =Failing
0=Not Evidenced
Area I: Content
Scoring
Introduction
Begins with an appropriate attention grabber
- - - 2 1
Establishes why he/she chose this topic
- - 3 2 1
Establishes topic of Paper and how Paper relates to Product
- - - 2 1
Establishes connection between Paper, Product, and career/academic goals
5 4 3 2 1
Introduces Project Facilitator/Mentor and explains qualifications he/she has to help
5 4 3 2 1
them with his/her Project
Body of Speech
Explains every step of the process for creating Product
Explains problems encountered and changes made throughout the process of creating
the Product
Presents information in a logical and organized manner using transitions to move from
one point to the next
A tangible Product, or the materials used to create it, is presented
Product reflects creativity and precision as well as outstanding quality (polished and
visually appealing)
Conveys a rigorous learning stretch – student demonstrates a significantly challenging
personal, career-based, or academic accomplishment as a result of completing the
Senior Capstone Career Project
Presentation is free of errors, visually appealing, and easily viewable by the Judges
Presentation effectively uses visuals and audio
Conclusion
Concludes with an explanation of what he/she has learned about himself/herself as a
result of completing Senior Capstone Career Project
Explains how the skills acquired throughout this journey will be reflected in his/her
post-secondary endeavors
Thanks the Judges and prompts them to ask questions
Questions from Judges
Page 34
0
0
0
0
0
5
4
3
2
1
0
5
4
3
2
1
0
5
4
3
2
1
0
5
4
3
2
1
0
5
4
3
2
1
0
5
4
3
2
1
0
5
-
4
-
3
3
2
2
1
1
0
0
5
4
3
2
1
0
5
4
3
2
1
0
-
-
-
2
1
0
Responds to questions from Judges thoughtfully and maturely, reflecting
knowledge/skills acquired as a result of Project
Raw Score _____/70
Page 35
-
-
3
2
1
0
SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT PRESENTATION
PART II - EVALUATION RUBRIC
Directions for Part II– Score each component for the Delivery area of each Presentation according to the
following scale
5 = Excellent 4 = Above Average 3 = Average 2 = Below average 1 =Failing
0=Not Evidenced
Area II: Delivery
Scoring
Makes Eye Contact with Judges throughout (does not read from notes)
5 4 3 2 1
Maintains Body Composure (poise, gestures, posture)
5 4 3 2 1
Moderates Voice/Vocal Expression (rate/volume, pacing, inflection, enthusiasm)
5 4 3 2 1
Uses appropriate Language (avoids slang)
5 4 3 2 1
(Avoid penalizing non-native speakers of English.)
Dress/appearance is “business casual”
5 - 3 - Adheres to 8 – 10 minute time limit requirement
5 - 3 - 1
5 = 8-10 minutes
3 = Within 1 minute, over or under time limit requirement
1 = Under/Over more than 1 minute of time limit requirement
0
0
0
0
0
-
Please record how long the student presented; time begins with the student’s Attention
Grabber and concludes with Thanking the Judges. (Question and answer time does not
count toward the time limit requirement.)
Time: _______min. : _______sec.
Raw Score _____/30
Comments: Your comments are very important to the students. Please be specific and constructive.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
The Administrators, Senior Project teachers, and students at Etowah High School sincerely appreciate the time
you have devoted to serving as a Judge for Senior Capstone Career Project.
Page 36
Appendix I
LETTER TO THE JUDGES – Due at Stand and Deliver
Dear Judges:
Paragraph 1:
Briefly introduce yourself, your goals – your choice for Senior Capstone Career Project
(Minimum 5 sentences).
Paragraph 2:
Introduce your paper topic, the issue you researched, and briefly explain what you learned by
researching this issue. (Minimum 5 sentences).
Paragraph 3:
Describe your Product and how it relates to your Research Paper. Also, explain the obstacles you
overcame and success you achieved in process of completing your Product (Minimum – 5
sentences).
Paragraph 4:
Explain how your topic and research relate to a career and what you learned about yourself.
Address the Career Link and your desire on whether to pursue this career in your postsecondary
endeavors. (Minimum- 5 sentences).
Paragraph 5:
In this paragraph sum up your thoughts about Senior Capstone Career Project and thank the
judges for their time (Minimum – 2/3 sentences).
Sincerely,
Your signature
Your Name – typed
You never get a second chance to make a great first impression!
The first page following the table of contents in your Portfolio will
be a Letter to the Judges for your Presentation. Use the full-block
letter template and double space between sections, single space
within text. Remember the only abbreviations that you can use are
the postal codes for each state (GA) and a person’s title. You will
use the following format in preparing this business letter.
Your Letter to the Judges introduces you in your own words. It
will allow the Judges to see you as a whole person beyond the
Senior Capstone Career Project. This should be your best writing,
carefully edited, and in correct business form. Keep the tone
Page 37
honest, yet positive.
Appendix J
SAMPLE IDEAS: RESEARCH AREA to PRODUCT
REQUIREMENT: Both the Research and the Product MUST PROVIDE A “RIGOROUS
LEARNING STRETCH,” which conveys a SIGNIFICANT body of work.
RESEARCH AREA
PRODUCT
Anesthesia’s Effects on the Human Replica of Body Organs to Help Show the Effects of
Body
Anesthesia
Leukemia
PowerPoint on Leukemia and 3-D Model of Cells and
present to STEM Academy or Elementary School
Fundraising Success of Benefit Plan and Host a Benefit Concert to Raise Money for
Concerts*
Crisis in Darfur*
Firefighting
Make a Scrapbook/Journal Recording My Hands-on
Experience at the Fire Station
Scuba Diving
Get Certification in Scuba Diving and Go Scuba Diving
Teaching Methods and Techniques Create and Teach a 2nd Grade Lesson on Bullying and
Show to Judges on Video and Pictures
Sports Injury Prevention
Plan for Sports Injury Prevention
Growing Career of Forensic Build a Miniature (3D) Crime Scene
Science
Fashion Design
Design and Create 5 Original Pieces for a Clothing Line
Benefits of Faith to Well-Being
Plan, Conduct, and Video A Religious Retreat
Murals
Create a large-scale mural
Women’s Dresses Since the 1920’s Make 3 Dresses and Wear One for Senior Boards
Sustainable Architecture
3-D Model, Printed Model, House Plans,
Interior/Exterior Renderings
The History of Roller Coasters
Develop a Computer and Physical Model of a Roller
Coaster
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Fundraiser for Web Design to Fight Rheumatoid
Arthritis*
Hydrogen Technology
Design and Build a Hydrogen Booster Cell
The Art of Assemblage (a form of Create a Work of Art Using Assemblage
Collage)
Three American Charities Helping Conduct a Fundraising Activity to Raise Money for
Orphans
Orphans*
Favorite Poet
Create a Book for Personal Short Stories/PoemsPerform a Reading for Presentations
Auto Performance Technology
Engine Performance Upgrade
Montessori Preschool Curriculum
Create Weekly Montessori Lesson Plan for 3-4 year olds
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Film a Documentary of Patient Undergoing Treatment
Tap Dancing
Video Performance of Tap Dance
The History of Dance
Video Performance of Modern Dance
Page 38
Zoology
Fashion Design
ASPCA
Financial Planning
Automotive Restoration
Career of Nursing
Dual-Sport Motorcycles
Skin Esthetics
Children’s Storytelling
Technology in the Elementary
Classroom
History and Evolution of Sports
Photography/Photography
Most Effective Discipline
Techniques for Children
Early Childhood Learning
Strategies
Top Value-Adding Residential
Renovations
History of the Hobby of Caving
Career of Dance Choreographer
Art
History of Lockheed-Martin,
Marietta
Auto Mechanics (Diagnostics)
Learning Styles: Auditory, Visual,
Kinesthetic
Career of Advertising Manager
The Use of Fashion as a Universal
Form of Expression
History of Illustration
Teaching Choral Middle-School
Music
Evolution of Residential
Architecture
The History of American
Cinematography
Opening a Small Business
Small Business Entrepreneurship
Role of Flowers in Special
Occasions
Journal/Portfolio/Book Presented Via Video
Design and Wear a Prom Dress
Create a Public Service Announcement to Prevent
Animal Abuse
Virtual Portfolio (presented ppt.)
Restoring a Vintage Vehicle
Profile-Presentation of Various Nursing Programs
Convert Dirt Bike to Street Bike
Giving a Facial via Video
Write a Children’s Story That Teaches a Lesson
Teach an Elementary Class Using Technology
Coffee Table Book (Portfolio) of Sports Pictures
A Book of Techniques for the Teenage Babysitter
Devise and Use an Educational Game With Elementary
Children
Document and Aid in renovating a house for sale
Journal and Video of Personal Spelunking Experiences
Learning a Routine/Teaching a Routine to a Class
Piece of Art or Gallery of Art Work
Working Model of Airplane Made from Scratch
Perform Auto Maintenance
Create a Lesson Plan and Teach
Create Two Print Ads and a Commercial for Imaginary
Product
Create an Original Design from Fabric
Create Portfolio of Original Illustrations and Favorite
Illustrations
Video of Teaching and Conducting a Choral
Performance
Design a Residential Structure
Short Individual Film
Business Plan/Location/Goods for Sale
Start Virtual Business with Complete Business Plan
Various Flower Arrangements for Prom and Weddings
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Various Causes
Landscape Photography
Martial Arts
Clay Sculpting
Airbrush- Metal Art
Origin and History of a Musical
Instrument
Basic Life Support
Domestic Abuse
History of Wedding Cake
The Effect of Photography in
Culture and Technology
Teen Fashion Industry
Robotics
Harlem Renaissance: effects on art,
music, and poetry
Progression of 20th- Century
architecture
Fly fishing
Stylistic innovations of Frank
Lloyd Wright
Copyright laws as protection
Emergency Medical Technicians
Fashion and social change
Stained glass through the ages
Aluminum welding
Art of silk screening
Battle of Kennesaw
Historical sites in Woodstock,
Georgia
History of sailing vessels
Waste disposal and the
environment
The Competitive Edge in the
Restaurant Business: Current
Trends
Organize and Conduct a Fundraiser to Support Your
Cause
Multi-Photo Picture Frame
Earn a Martial Arts Belt and Perform a Live Video
Demonstration of Techniques
Make an Abstract Sculpture
Design and Airbrush Sculptures from Sheet Metal
Learn to Play an Instrument and Perform Live For Senior
Boards
Earn Life Support Certification and Help Scouts with
Merit Badge Clinic or train community members
Volunteer at Domestic Abuse Shelter
Design and Learn to Make a Wedding Cake
Present Techniques in Low Light Photography
Make, Wear, and Accessorize a Dress for Senior Boards
Construct a Robotic Hand
Make a video of music, art, poetry
Design a modern building; make an original model
Learn to fly-fish and go on a fly-fishing trip
Design a window in Wright-style
Write, copyright, and publish a story
Ride with EMT’s; keep journal and take photos
Design and construct a 20’s era gown
Take stained glass lessons; create a project
Construct a model (or actual) river boat (from scratch,
no kits)
Design and create a T-shirt logo for school club
Create a map/model of battles to donate to social studies
department
Create a video walking tour of Woodstock
Make a model of a sail boat; take sailing lessons; go on
a sailing trip; participate in a regatta (from scratch, no
kits)
Organize/supervise group to pick up trash on campus for
the semester. Keep records of activity.
Design a restaurant that reflects current trends and build
a scale model of your restaurant.
Page 40
Organize a Fundraiser for Missing Children Foundation
Missing Children: Found but
– include publicity materials and spreadsheet; provide
Coping with Psychological Trauma
copy of final check to organization.*
Learn to Scuba Dive – Must provide certification and
Causes and Effects of Pollution on
must have participated in an official dive experience;
Tide Pools
must provide photos and footage.
Design a lesson and work as a teacher’s aide. Videotape
Past vs. Present: Effective
yourself teaching a lesson and create a digital portfolio
Strategies for Teaching Reading
of children’s work and activities.
Industry Standards and Prevention Test and monitor E-Coli bacteria in local groundwater.
of E-Coli Bacteria in Groundwater Compile data in a digital portfolio.
Compare/Contrast Elizabethan
Design and Produce an Authentic Elizabethan Garment
Drama to 21st-Century Drama
Causes/Effects of Teenage
Design and Implement the Red-Ribbon Campaign
Drinking
Develop and Choreograph a High-Impact Exercise Class
Compare/Contrast the Effects of
and Teach it to Low-Impact Exercise Class. Chart
High-Impact Exercises
results and compile a Digital Portfolio.
Hone your skills as a photographer and create a digital
The Art of Photography:
portfolio that reflects your progression of skill. Learn
Effectiveness of Latest Technology how to mat and frame pictures to present a mini-gallery
in your Presentation to Judges.
ADDITIONAL SUGGESTED PRODUCTS
First Aid Kit and Manual for Dogs
Home Decoration Models
Design Cloth Purses
Photography Portfolio
Animated Short Film
Movie Trailer
*Senior Projects incorporating a fundraiser or the collection of money as part of the Product
require additional approval. See you English teacher for additional information if you wish to
pursue a fundraiser (whether a tournament, walk-a-thon, bike ride), raffle, or sell items to collect
money to donate to an organization.
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Appendix K
CONSIDERATIONS TO MAKE BEFORE DOING A FUNDRAISER AS A PRODUCT
Points to consider before committing to a fundraiser:
1. Where are you going to hold the fundraiser?
2. For which organization are you raising funds? What are their requirements for
fundraisers?
3. What are your fundraising goals? Are you comfortable with a product grade
which is directly linked to your fundraising goals?
4. How does this project reflect a career or academic interest?
5. Can I attend the mandatory meeting before or after school on August 11th in
the Media Center?
Fundraiser Requirements:
 Student must secure a location off campus.
 Verify fundraiser with organization and collect information for how to
submit money to them.
 Complete the District’s fundraiser form—submit to Dr. Ruiz (3109) for
approval
 Establish Plan for Donation Collection
Collection of funds on EHS campus
 Have a teacher present while funds are being collected (not the
project facilitator)
 Receipt all funds given over a dollar
 Turn in all collected funds to Michelle Stephens.
 If funds are collected on campus a check will be mailed
 Complete W-9 with organizations information and submit to
Michelle Stephens
 After completed fundraiser, EHS will mail a check to the address
on the W-9
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Appendix L
THANK-YOU EMAIL TO YOUR PROJECT FACILITATOR/MENTOR
MAKE SURE THAT YOU USE STANDARD ENGLISH – NO TEXT-SPEAK! USE PROPER
SPELLING AND GRAMMAR RULES! THIS IS BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE –
PROFESSIONAL GRADE.
Your project facilitator/Mentor has spent many hours helping you through your product, so it is
important that you express your thanks. Take the time to email a personal thank-you letter. You
will CC your teacher in all correspondence with your Project Facilitator/Mentor. A copy of
the email and Project Facilitator/Mentor’s response should be included in your portfolio.
Follow this format in your email to your PF:
Dear _____________________,

Be sure to mention why you are thanking your Project Facilitator/Mentor. I want to
thank you for the time you spent helping me (build my doghouse). Express your thanks
simply and directly.

Say something here about what it is you appreciate about your Project
Facilitator/Mentor. You were always so patient with me, even when I made mistakes.
This part addresses specific qualities you found in your facilitator/Mentor.

End your letter with a general comment. You have made a difference in my life or My
Senior Capstone Career Project would not have been possible without your help or I hope
that you will continue to Mentor young people, because you have much to offer.

Close the letter with “Sincerely,” or “With gratitude”

Use your FULL name (first and last)
Page 43
Appendix M
SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT PORTFOLIO CHECKLIST
This will be provided by your classroom teacher. A sample Site will be provided too.
Page 44
Appendix N
SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT ETHICAL COMMITMENT
As a student completing my Senior Capstone Career Project, I pledge to adhere to the following
as a demonstration of my honor and integrity:
1. I understand that I am responsible for meeting all deadlines and completing all
requirements as stated in the assignment due dates in the handbook.
2. I alone will complete the research necessary to write the research paper component of my
project.
3. I will document my paper according to the MLA format as shown in the MLA stylebook.
4. I will maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity while writing my research
paper.
5. I promise not to plagiarize my paper in whole or in any part, which includes submitting the
work of another, either published or unpublished.
6. I will include in my portfolio only work that I have created and completed myself.
7. I will collect accurate verifications of the fieldwork I do. I will not forge any verification
documents.
8. I alone will do the work necessary for the completion of the product.
9. Throughout the work on my Senior Capstone Career Project, I will maintain the highest
standards of moral and ethical conduct.
10. I understand that if I am suspected of committing plagiarism or misrepresenting any
portion of my project, I will be referred to the Advisory Board for appropriate disciplinary
action.
As an honorable student of integrity with full realization of the responsibility and commitment
involved, I agree to adhere to the above criteria in completing my Senior Capstone Career Project.
Student Name (print):
Student Signature:
Date:
Page 45
Appendix O
APEX BRITISH LITERATURE/COMP AND THE SENIOR CAPSTONE CAREER PROJECT
Completing all components of the Senior Capstone Career Project is a requirement for passing British Literature
& Composition in Cherokee County Schools.
(student)
must complete these
Senior Capstone Career Project components as a part of (check one)
 Apex
 British Lit/Comp A
 British Lit/Comp B
(Provide details and deadlines here.)
English Dept. Teacher:
Date:
Student Contract:
1. I understand that I am responsible for completing all requirements of the Senior Capstone Career Project:
Paper, Product, Portfolio, Presentation.
2. I have contacted the Senior Capstone Career Project Facilitator/Mentor or my English teacher to determine
what sections need to be done.
3. I alone will do the work necessary for completion of any outstanding portions of the Project.
4. If the research paper is required, it must be turned in to the English teacher by the end the first nine weeks.
I agree to adhere to the above criteria in completing my Senior Capstone Career Project as a part of my Apex
British Lit/Comp credit recovery.
Student Name (print):
Student Signature:
Date:
Page 46
Appendix P
SENIOR PROJECT PRESENTATION | PART I – STUDENT EVALUATION RUBRIC
*Complete this as if you are the Judge watching your Presentation. Complete this as a Judge who has watched at
least 5 of your peers complete their own Presentations too (just like you saw your peers present too). How does
your Presentation stack-up? Complete this as if you are the Judge watching the Presentation.
Student’s Name
Project
Directions for Part I– Score each component for the Content area according to the following scale:
5 = Ecstatic
4 = Very Pleased
3 = Pleased
2 = Disappointed
Area I: Content
1 = Shamed
Scoring
Introduction
Begins with an appropriate attention grabber
5
4
3
2
1
Write what the attention grabber was, if present; if it was not present, help write one right now:
Establishes topic of Paper, career link, why he/she chose
5
4
3
2
1 this topic, and how paper
relates to Product
Body of Speech
Explains process for creating Product, problems
5
4
3
2
1 encountered, changes made
Is there an organized, sequential explanation regarding how the Project came to be?
Yes
No
3
2
1
If answering “No”, what needs to be added to your Presentation?
Effectively uses TWO visuals/audio props into Presentation
Introduces
and
explains
role
of
Project
Facilitator
Presents information in a logical and organized manner
usingNo
transitions to move from one point to the next
Conclusion
Presents how creation of Product was a Learning Stretch
Concludes with an explanation of what he/she has
learned about himself/herself as a result of completing
Senior Project and explains how this journey will
be reflected in his/her postsecondary endeavors.
Thanks the Judges
(over)
Page 47
5
4
Yes
No
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
5
4
3
2
1
Yes
No
Questions from Judges (complete if you were asked questions)
Responds to questions from Judges thoughtfully
5
4
3
2
1
and maturely reflecting knowledge/skills acquired
as a result of Project.
Using the space below, please list any/all 3s, 2s, 1s or “No”s you assigned yourself in this evaluation. Include a
plan for fixing each problem area or write down what questions you have regarding how to fix it. Your plan
should include when you will make the changes, what you need to do in order to make the change(s), detail
what the modification(s) to your Presentation will involve, and estimate what aspect of your Presentation the
alteration will remediate.
Page 48
SENIOR PROJECT PRESENTATION | PART II – STUDENT EVALUATION RUBRIC II
*Complete this as if you are the Judge watching your Presentation. Complete this as a Judge who has watched at
least 5 of your peers complete their own Presentations too (just like you saw your peers present too). How does
your Presentation stack-up?
Student’s Name
Project
Directions for Part II– Score each component for the Delivery according to the following scale
5 = Estatic
4 = Very Pleased
3 = Pleased
2 = Disappointed
Area II: Delivery
1 = Shamed
Scoring
1. Establishes/Maintains Eye Contact with Judges
(does not read from notes)
5
4
3
2
1
2. Maintains Body Composure (poise, gestures, posture)
(avoids bouncing, hair playing, shifting weight from
Foot to foot, rocking back and forth, fidgeting, passing
Notecards back-and-forth from hand to hand, etc.)
5
4
3
2
1
3. Moderates Voice/Vocal Expression
(rate/volume, pacing, inflection, enthusiasm)
5
4
3
2
1
4. Uses appropriate Language (avoids slang, avoids repeating
certain words or phrases)
 List slang term(s) to omit:

Yes or No
List repeated phrase(s)/cliché(s) to omit:
5. Dress/appearance (appropriate)
5
4
3
2
1
6. Adheres to time limit requirements of 8-10 minutes before
being asked questions by the Judges in the room.
5
4
3
2
1
(over)
Page 49
Using the space below, please list any/all 3s, 2s, 1s or “No”s you assigned yourself in this
evaluation. Include a plan for fixing each problem area or write down what questions you have
regarding how to fix it. Your plan should include when you will make the changes, what you
need to do in order to make the change(s), detail what the modification(s) to your Presentation
will involve, and estimate what aspect of your Presentation the alteration will remediate.
Page 50
Congratulations! You made it!
If all went well, Senior Capstone Career Project was a rewarding
experience. It was Your Vision, Your Challenge, Your Journey—a
Celebration of your Creativity and Individuality! You designed it from
start to finish, and You Excelled! We are proud to send you off into the
world as a Cherokee County School District Senior Capstone Career
Project graduate.
Embrace Your Future Knowing You Can Achieve
Whatever You Seek to Accomplish!
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