Culminating
Project &
Portfolio
Guidelines
2014
Beginning with the Class of 2008, Washington graduates must: pass state
tests showing achievement in basic skills or complete approved
alternatives to those tests, complete a culminating project, satisfy class
credit requirements, and craft a high school and beyond plan (5-year plan).
Everything
you need to
know about
your senior
project!
Table of Contents
Project/ Experience Guidelines .................................................................................................................. 3
Selecting a Project ...................................................................................................................................................... 3
Project/Experience Options .................................................................................................................................... 4
Choosing a Mentor .................................................................................................................................................... 7
The Project – Required Elements................................................................................................................ 8
The Project Proposal ................................................................................................................................................. 8
Project Proposal Cover Sheet .................................................................................................................................. 8
Project Approval ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
Mentor Agreement .................................................................................................................................................... 9
Parent Verification Form .......................................................................................................................................... 9
Work Log .................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Mentor Interview and Insights................................................................................................................................. 9
Mentor Thank You Letter ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Self Evaluation ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
The 5 Year Plan – Required Elements........................................................................................................ 11
Plan Summary ........................................................................................................................................................... 11
Personal Statement .................................................................................................................................................. 11
The Portfolio – Required Elements ............................................................................................................12
Portfolio Requirement............................................................................................................................................. 13
Letter to the Judges ................................................................................................................................................. 13
Portfolio Checklist ................................................................................................................................................... 14
Service Learning Documentation .......................................................................................................................... 15
Best Works ................................................................................................................................................................ 15
Academic and Personal Growth Essay ................................................................................................................. 16
Current Resume ....................................................................................................................................................... 17
Letters of Recommendation ................................................................................................................................... 19
Project Documentation ........................................................................................................................................... 19
The Presentation – Requirements ..............................................................................................................21
Delivering the Presentation .................................................................................................................................... 21
Dressing for the Presentation ................................................................................................................................ 21
Your Score ................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Presentation Tips ..................................................................................................................................................... 21
Making the PowerPoint .......................................................................................................................................... 23
Students with Special Circumstances ........................................................................................................ 25
Students with Disabilities........................................................................................................................................ 25
Running Start Students ........................................................................................................................................... 25
AP Euro Students .................................................................................................................................................... 25
Transfer Students ..................................................................................................................................................... 25
Medical Lake Alternative High School ................................................................................................................. 25
Exchange Students................................................................................................................................................... 25
Senior Seminars .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Timeline ..................................................................................................................................................... 27
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 2
Table of Contents /Experience Guidelines – Class 2009
Project/Experience Guidelines – Class 2013
Every senior will complete a senior project/experience. This project/experience should be aligned with the
student’s career goals and relate to a specific career pathway. Every senior is required to spend a minimum of 15hours completing the project/experience. The student will spend a considerable amount of time preparing the
product itself, documenting the process, and will then explain the project/experience to a community panel. The
project/experience must be a learning stretch for the student. All projects/experiences must be preapproved. Approval must be gained by submitting a Project Proposal.
Selecting a Project
The Senior Project is designed to help students make better decisions in regards to their future. The project must
be relevant to the students’ post-secondary goals and apply the knowledge and skills he/she has gained in his/her
schooling to date. The project will be evaluated on its rigor (must be a learning stretch for the student) and in the
context of the student’s post-secondary goals.
Your project must relate to your future career and/or educational goals and one of the following Career Interest
Areas of Focus: This means that if you want to be a surgeon, you should have a job shadow in the career field of
medicine. It doesn’t have to be a surgeon that you job shadow. The goal is to get as close as you can to your
career, but it does not have to be the exact career you plan on pursuing.

Arts and Communication: People who are artistic and creative are employed in this pathway. These
pathways may include fashion design, graphic design and production, film and cinema studies fine arts,
journalism, foreign languages, radio and television broadcasting, advertising and music production.

Business Finance & Operation: These career pathways appeal to those who value organization and detail
work. Careers may include accounting, research and assessment, operations management, finance, stocks
and bonds, and economics.

Business Marketing & Management: These pathways may include careers that appeal to those
individuals who are enterprising and persuasive in nature including careers of public relations, sales,
marketing, hospitality and tourism, computer/information systems, retailing, small business ownership, and
management.

Science & Engineering: People who are realistic and enjoy getting things accomplished are found in this
career pathway. These pathways may include engineering, computer programming, drafting, scientific
research, management, landscaping, forestry, turf management, and related horticulture occupations.

Social & Health Services: People who put the education and well-being of others at the top of what is
important to them are drawn to this career pathway. It may include careers related to health and community,
economic, political, and social systems. It may also include law enforcement, nursing, counseling, childcare,
cosmetology, and medicine.

Technology, Trades & Manufacturing: People who are attracted to careers in this pathway are
inquisitive and like to ponder data and issues. Pathway careers include those related to the technologies
necessary to design, develop, install, or maintain physical systems. This pathway may include engineering,
welding, mechanics, electronics, computer technology, videography, web related services, automotive related
occupations, and telecommunications.
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 3
Students may want to consider the following guiding questions as they make a choice of project:

Think about the projects you are currently working on in school. Do any of these have potential for being
developed into a culminating experience?

What are your career goals?

What are your plans for next year? Might you begin these as part of your culminating experience?

Who do you know who might be able to help you throughout the project?
Project/Experience Options
Students have a choice of four general categories: Job Shadow, Original Project, Internship, or Professional
Interview. Students are allowed to customize (mix and match) options. All projects require pre-approval by the
Senior Project Committee.
Option 1 – Job Shadow
The job shadow option requires that the student select a job to shadow that relates to a career goal and a
specific career pathway and find someone in the field to observe. The student observes an employee at the
work-site to gain valuable career information and may perform some tasks while under supervision.
The student must spend a minimum of 15 hours on the actual job. The specific requirements follow:

Must be in the profession of the student’s prospective career.

Complete career research pertaining to the prospective career including the potential opportunities
(career outlook), education required, entry level salary, and potential for career growth.

Must have an adult mentor who is over 21 years of age, not a relative, and has professional experience in
the prospective career field. The mentor is responsible for verifying the hours completed on the
project and for completing an evaluation.

Proposal cover sheet.

Project proposal

Photos of the experience.

Work log or journal.

A self-evaluation.
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 4
Option 2 – Original Project
The original project option requires that the student select a project that is directly related to the chosen
career pathway. The student will create a physical project. The student will need to produce physical
evidence of the project. Physical evidence may include but is not limited to the following:

Original Product Itself or Model

Newsletter

Manual

Video Production

Business or Marketing Plan

Blueprints

Web Site

Brochure
The student must spend a minimum of 15 hours creating the original project and the mentor
must be able to work with the student during those 15 hours. The specific requirements follow:

Must be in the profession of the student’s prospective career.

Complete career research pertaining to the prospective career including the potential opportunities
(career outlook), education required, entry level salary, and potential for career growth.

Must have an adult mentor who is over 21 years of age, not a relative, and has professional
experience in the prospective career field. The mentor is responsible for verifying the hours
completed on the project and for completing an evaluation.

Proposal cover sheet.

Project proposal

Work log or journal.

The physical project and/or photos.

A self evaluation.
Option 3 – Internship
The internship option requires that the student select an internship that relates to their career goals and a
specific career pathway. For a student to be involved in an internship program, they must apply and be
accepted by the organization, school, or business offering the internship opportunity.
The internship will provide the student the opportunity to undergo supervised, practical training or study in
technical or academic fields of study.
The student must spend a minimum of 15 hours interning. The specific requirements follow:

Must be in the profession of the student’s prospective career.
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 5

Complete career research pertaining to the prospective career including the potential opportunities
(career outlook), education required, entry level salary, and potential for career growth.

Must have an adult mentor who is over 21 years of age, not a relative, and has professional experience in
the prospective career field. The mentor is responsible for verifying the hours completed on the project
and for completing an evaluation.

Proposal cover sheet.

Project proposal

Photos of the experience.

Work log or journal.

A self evaluation.
Option 4 – Professional Interview
The professional interview option is available ONLY for professions in which a job shadow is not possible.
A justification for selecting this option must be included with the project proposal. This option is
ONLY available after approval from Mr. Spakousky. I must reiterate, this option can only be pursued
with Mr. Spakousky’s approval.
The professional interview option requires that the student contact no fewer than six people in a profession
within the career pathway of their choice (interest), and conduct professional interviews concerning the
issues related to that profession. The specific requirements follow:

Must be in the profession of the student’s prospective career.

Complete career research pertaining to the prospective career including the potential opportunities
(career outlook), education required, entry level salary, and potential for career growth.

A justification for selecting this option MUST be included with the project proposal.

Proposal cover sheet.

Project proposal

The interviews may be conducted over the phone, in person, or through email. At least three of the
interviews must be in person.

The student will write a series of no fewer than fifteen questions to be asked – with follow-up questions
if necessary.

Interview questions MUST be turned in along with the project proposal for approval.

A student who wishes to explore two professions must complete four interviews pertaining to each
profession. A separate question list must be generated for each area to be researched.
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 6

The student will include a brief summary transcript of each interview or the e-mail correspondence with
the cover sheet of the interview itself. Or the student will include a full and complete transcript of one
of the interviews.

A self evaluation
Choosing a Mentor
It is very important that you choose a mentor who has professional experience within the
profession and that your mentor can provide guidance and support throughout this
process.
How do I find a mentor?
Ask people! People are your best resource. Ask friends, family, teachers, etc. if they know anybody in your
topic area who would be willing to mentor you. Search in the community for someone working in the field.
If you have been involved with an organization doing service learning, they may be of help to you.
What can a mentor do for me?
A mentor verifies the hours you have spent either job shadowing, creating an original project, or interning.
Additionally, they can answer questions, provide guidance, provide encouragement and motivation, give
information on how to access resources, and just provide general support. Your mentor can also provide a
lot of “how to” information for your project.
Who can be a mentor?
An adult, 21 years or older, who has at least 5 years of professional expertise and experience in your career
focus area.
Who can NOT be a mentor?
Parents cannot be mentors unless you get pre-approval from Mr. Spakousky. Medical Lake High School
teachers cannot be mentors unless you get pre-approval from Mr. Spakousky.
Can a teacher be a mentor?
Students are strongly discouraged from having a Medical Lake High School teacher as a mentor. Students
should look outside of their current high school in order to gain a broader experience.
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 7
The Project – Required Elements (Beginning of Project)
The Project Proposal
Once the student has selected a topic, they will need to complete a project proposal. The project proposal is a brief,
comprehensive summary of the proposed culminating project/experience. The purpose of the project proposal is
to define and defend the culminating project, indicating the measurable result of the project at its completion, and
to gain approval to pursue the project. A sample is provided at the end of this packet.
Content Requirements
The project proposal should address the following:

Summary of the proposed project including a description of the tangible product (I.E. Photos,
PowerPoint or other Artifacts) that verify the project

Explanation of how the project will benefit/connect to the student’s future

Description of how the project is a learning stretch (What is hoped to be learned)

Mentor name, workplace, and experience (How are they qualified to be a mentor?)

Outline of the factors that are needed to complete the project. (time, money, supplies, other
resources, etc)

Identify the deadlines.

Outline any anticipated problems that might arise.
This document will be placed in the front of the portfolio.
Technical Requirements
The following outlines the technical requirements for the project proposal:

Typed, using Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri– 11 point font

Double-spaced

One-inch margins

An appropriate title

At least 150 words but not more than one page

Free of errors
The student’s signature and a signature from a member of the culminating project board plus the
date of signing should be included on the project proposal once approved.
ALL FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED IN INK!
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 8
Project Proposal Cover Sheet (Form B)
In addition to the typed project proposal, a cover sheet will also need to be submitted with the “formal” proposal.
The cover sheet form is at the end of this packet.
Project Approval
You must have your project approved BEFORE you start your project. If you start your project before you have
gained approval you will not be allowed to count any of the hours prior to its approval.
Mentor Agreement (Form A)
Your mentor will need to sign an agreement that provides both the school and the mentor with valuable
information. Your mentor’s role is to guide, motivate, and monitor you while also teaching you specific skills
related to your project. Your mentor will also be evaluating you on your development and skills as you complete
the project.
It is the student’s responsibility to contact the mentor. Once your mentor agrees to assist you, you should meet to
discuss your proposal. Take a copy of your “Project Proposal Cover Sheet” as your mentor will need to sign this
proposal. You will also need to obtain the signed “Mentor Agreement” at this meeting. A COPY of the
completed mentor verification form must be turned in to your CWP Teacher or Mr. Spakousky in room
402.
Parent Verification Form (Form C)
It is important that parents are aware of the student’s senior project. Parents are a valuable resource for their
student. A fully completed and signed parent verification form is required PRIOR to the student starting the
project.
During Project
Work Log (Form D)
It is essential that you keep a DETAILED work log as you complete your project. Your log must be completed at
the end of each of your daily experiences. Your mentor needs to sign the work log. Please bring the log with you
every time you are working on your project/experience.
--Please make copies of your blank work log in case you log more hours than one sheet can accommodate.--
Mentor Interview (Form E) and Biography and Insights
Your mentor is a valuable resource and can provide you with real world insights about the career you are exploring.
You will need complete the “Mentor Interview Sheet”. A sample mentor summary is provided at the end of this
document.
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 9
After Project
Mentor Evaluation (Form F)
Upon completion of your hours, ask your mentor to fill out both sides of this evaluation and then include it in your
portfolio.
Mentor Thank You Letter
When you complete your project you must write a thank you letter to your mentor in appreciation of the time this
person has given you. This letter must be PRE-APPROVED by Mr. Spakousky or your CWP teacher. It MUST
be accompanied by an addressed and stamped envelope (Letters that are turned in without an addressed
stamped envelope will NOT be mailed, and your project will be incomplete). The letter will be removed
from your portfolio and sent to your mentor after your boards are completed.
The thank you letter is a professional document and must be error free. The following is offered as a guide:

Paragraph 1: Thank the mentor for his/her time, support and guidance given.

Paragraph 2: Describe what you valued most about this project.

Paragraph 3: Explain what you plan to do based upon this experience.
The technical requirements for the letter to the judges include the following:
 Must be in the formal business format (Full-Block Style)
 Must be signed in blue or black ink
 Must be error free
 Must be no more than one page in length
 Must use professional font (Times New Roman, Garamond, or Century)
 Must be 12 point font
 Right and left margins must be at 1”
 The document must be centered vertically.
A sample document is included at the end of this packet.
Self-Evaluation
After the completion of your project hours, on a separate piece of paper address the following in blue or black ink
and in your own handwriting:

Compare your project goals stated in your project proposal to your final project results.

What are the personal failures and successes you have experienced during the project? What was the
most satisfying aspect of your senior project?

What did you learn about yourself as a result of completing this entire project? Explain the
problems you encountered and how you dealt with them. What would you do differently if given a
chance to revise your project?

How will this senior experience benefit you in the future? Could this project eventually lead to
employment opportunities?
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 10
The 5 year Plan – Required Elements
It is important that you have a plan for after graduation. The purpose of the plan is to guide you in your future. It
should clearly communicate the options you have considered.
Plan Summary
The plan summary should include the following:

Career Goal Statement: Create a statement that identifies your career goal.

Justification: Describe why you want to pursue this career and what makes you suited for this career area.

Degree or Certification: List the degree or any special certifications that are required in order to reach your
career goal.

Options: Compare three possible options for pursuing your career goal. If you are planning on attending
college (community college, 4-year University, or voc-tech school) you will need to compare three possible
schools including each school’s name, location, cost of attending, pros and cons. If you are planning to
enter the military, you will need to compare three branches.

5th year Plan: Indicate whether you are planning to attend (1) community college, (2) 4-year university, (3)
voc-tech school, (4) enter the military or 5) work full time. Provide the details – include the branch of the
military or the name of the school you are planning on attending.
Your plan for after high school must be typed. A sample format is included at the end of this document.
Personal Statement
The purpose of your personal statement is to help you elaborate upon the skills you have demonstrated as result of
your culminating experience. The statement is a narrative of your overall goals, career development activities, and a
summary of your learning.
Content Requirements
 Paragraph 1: Describe your overall career goal

Paragraph 2: Elaborate on your educational and career goals

Paragraph 3: Identify your career development activities

Paragraph 4: Describe specific skills developed

Paragraph 5: Summarize your learning through this experience
Technical Requirements
 Double Spaced
 Professional Font (Times New Roman, Garamond, Century)
 Error Free
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 11
The Portfolio – Required Elements
As an integral part of the Culminating Project, the portfolio will prepare students for successful transition to postsecondary pursuits. The portfolio is a collection of evidence of work, knowledge, skills, and experiences accrued
throughout the educational experience. Students may also include additional items that are reflective of their unique
interests and talents. Students work on portfolio-related activities across the curriculum and in advisory throughout
their high school career.
Portfolios contain required documentation and student choices that showcase their best examples of work and
learning experiences. Students will use the portfolio to demonstrate achievement of the four state goals during
Senior Boards:

Read with comprehension, write with skill, and communicate effectively and responsibility in a variety of
ways and settings.

Know and apply core concepts and principles of math, social, physical, life science, arts, and health and
fitness.

Think analytically, logically, and creatively, integrate experiences and knowledge to form reasoned judgments
and solve problems.

Understand the importance of work and how performance, efforts and decisions directly affect future career
and educational opportunities.
During the senior year, students are required to develop their “working portfolios” into “presentation portfolios.”
The presentation portfolio will have

a cover sheet on the outside of the portfolio

a title page

a table of contents in general (Indivduality, Excellence, Work, etc.) You will also need a table of contents at
the front of each tab that describes the contents of that tab.

a letter to the senior board judges

the approved project proposal and cover sheet
These items will be located before the tabs at the beginning of the portfolio.
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 12
Portfolios will be divided into five sections:

Individuality – this section includes entries and evidence that reflects the student’s uniqueness outside of
school including a personality inventory. (Students should have completed a personality inventory in Career
Choices their freshman year. You can also take a personality inventory by going to
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp. Be sure to include the final results and the careers
that match your personality).

Excellence – this section includes entries and evidence that reflects what the student has learned. It will
include the service learning documentation, best works, awards, and accomplishments. It will document
activities in and out of school.

Career – this section will include the evidence of the completed project and the self-evaluation. As well as
any pertinent research.

Work – this section documents the students’ preparation for work. It includes a current resume and two
letters of recommendation.

Five-year Plan – this section shows evidence of future goals and documents the plans to achieve these
goals. It may include scholarship information, job applications.
Portfolio Requirements
Students’ portfolios should reflect who they are, their high school experience, and future goals. Each portfolio will
be individual and unique; although every portfolio will have a consistent structure. This structure is as follows:

The portfolio must contain a cover page that includes the student’s name and an appropriate title.

The first page of the portfolio must be a title page .

a table of contents of each tab. The table of content should list the items included in that tab and should be
the first paper in front of each tab.

Portfolio entries must be organized into five sections: Individuality, Excellence, Careers, Work, and FiveYear Plan.

Content is presented in a three-ring binder of not more than three-inches.

Portfolio is attractive, neat, and of high quality.

All appropriate pieces are typed and printed on high quality paper.

Materials must be presented in sheet protectors.
Feel free to be creative. The portfolio should be a reflection of the student.
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 13
The following outlines the requirements by portfolio section:
Required Components
Optional Components







Cover Sheet (outside the binder – includes your CWP teacher’s name & Advisor)
Title Page ( inside the binder – includes your name and your CWP teacher’s name)
Table of Contents Under Each Tab
Letter to the Judges
Project Proposal Cover Sheet (Signed by Committee)
Project Proposal (Signed by the student & by a committee member)
Final Portfolio Checklist reviewed and signed by CWP teacher (inside pocket of
portfolio)
Individuality
 Minimum of Two Artifacts (photos, original works)
 Updated Professional Autobiography (include your strengths and accomplishments).
 Goals (3 for senior years, 2 for next 5 years)
 Two to three sentences describing the goal and how you plan on achieving the goal.
 Personality Inventory Test or Aptitude Test
Excellence
Service Learning Documentation (50 hours total)
 5 Hours Freshman Year
 10 Hours Sophomore Year
 15 Hours Junior Year
 20 Hours Senior Year
 Photos and Evidence of Service Learning
 Awards (Academic, Athletic, Extra-Curricular)
 Minimum of 4 Best Works From Your High School Career With At Least 2 From Your
Senior Year. These are all academic.
 Two Area of Emphasis Best Works. These include accomplishments outside of high
school that may help you get a job. (Scholarship essay, rebuilt engines, etc.)
 Reflection of Growth
Work

Current Resume

Two Current Letters of Recommendation
Career

Career Research Summary

Mentor Agreement

Parent Verification

Work Log /Journal

Photos and Evidence

Mentor Evaluation

Self Evaluation

Mentor Bio and Insights

Mentor Interview Log

Mentor Thank You Letter
Poems (that you have written)
List of your personal goals
“All About Me” PowerPoint
presentation
Transcripts
Test scores (WASL, SAT,
ACT, etc)
Scholarships
Attendance records
I-Search Paper
Documentation of current or
previous employment
Career Brochures
College Program of Study
Technical Program of Study
Five Year Plan

Personal Statement-The personal statement should be a page and a half minimum
and include the following:
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 14
Letter to the Judges
The purpose of this letter is to give the senior board judges a sense of the student and the student’s
project/experience. If the judges only read this letter, they should have a sense of who the student is and
what he or she has accomplished. The letter should be four paragraphs concerning the topics listed below.
(Use the questions listed below to help write the letter. Do not try to answer all the questions.)
Paragraph One: High School

How has your high school experience been?

What insights have you gained because of your high school experience?
Paragraph Two: The Project

What did you learn from your project experience?

How has your senior project choice changed you?

What would you do differently if you had an opportunity to do it all again?
Paragraph Three: Thank the Judges
(See the attached sample letter)
The technical requirements for the letter to the judges include the following:

Must be in the formal business format (Full-Block Style)

Must be signed in blue or black ink

Must be error free

Must be no more than one page in length

Must use professional font (Times New Roman, Garamond, or Century)

Must be 12 point font

Right and left margins must be at 1”

The document must be centered vertically
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 15
Service Learning Documentation
Every Medical Lake High School student must fulfill a service learning requirement in order to graduate.
“Service” is defined as work done by the student without monetary compensation and without promise of
reward, award, or some other type of rank or status achieved in an organization. Service hours must be
acquired between the freshman and senior years. The hours must be completed during the school year, on
weekends, during the summer, etc. Students must initiate their own projects.
Your portfolio must include documentation of your service hours from your freshman year (5 hours)
sophomore year (10 hours), junior year (15), and for your senior year (20 hours). You are required to show
documentation of a total of 50 hours. You should include photos of your community service.
The community service forms are located on Vol1_students drive in the folder titled “Templates.”
Best Works
Students are required to include a minimum of four artifacts from their high school career that represent
their best works. Each best work must come from a different subject and at least two must come from their
senior year. Additionally, students are required to create an area of emphasis where they choose at
least two best works that align with the student’s career or college goals. For example, a student
planning on pursuing a career in science should include additional best works relating to science. These can
be from school or outside of school. If you are planning on becoming a biologist and you helped create
habitat at Turnbull Wildlife Refuge, then that would be the ideal area of emphasis best work.

A particularly difficult assignment when the student is proud of the results.

An assignment that sparked a completely new idea or interest.

An assignment that is related to a career interest.

An assignment that is representative of student’s talent.
The Best Works Forms are located on the Vol1_student drive on the school network. These forms must be
completely and thoroughly filled out.
ACADEMIC AND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT ESSAY
The reflection of growth essay describes how you have grown as an individual during your high school
career. The essay should be broken up into two parts academic and personal development.
ACADEMIC
The student needs to show specific examples of their growth by detailing how they have improved
academically over the years which should reference their best works. The best works may be those included
in the portfolio or other accomplishments which demonstrate excellence.
PERSONAL GROWTH
When writing about personal growth the student should provide specific examples of how they have
improved their personal skills to better prepare themselves for life after high school. Some examples may
include how the student improved their service skills, social skills, goal setting, determination and other
employability skills.
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
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Current Resume
(Make sure to update before your boards!)
A resume is a brief summary of your qualifications, skills, and background that represents your education
and experiences in terms relevant to the employment marketplace. Therefore, it is important for your
resume to represent you in a clear, well-organized, and easy-to-read style. Your resume should focus on the
results you have produced, using action verbs to indicate clearly the skills you used.
A resume is typically divided into the following sections:

Identifying Information – name, current address and telephone number including an area
code, and email address.

Objective – state the field or organization type by which you wish to be employed
Examples: Seeking a position in retail. Seeking to obtain a position in the restaurant
industry.

Education – name of the school, graduation date or projected graduation date, courses,
relevant to the position, GPA if over a 3.0

Experience – title of position, name and location with city and state, dates of
employment/involvement, description of responsibilities beginning with action verbs

Awards, Accomplishments and Achievements – extracurricular activities, membership in
clubs or organizations.

Skills or Abilities – Especially if they are relevant to the job you are seeking. (Someone
seeking a position in Management Information Systems needs to let a potential employer
know if they are fluent in Excel).

References – name, titles, addresses, phone numbers must be included. Reference may not
be a relative. You may be included on a separate reference sheet if you don’t have room to
include them on the resume.
There are several acceptable formats for resumes; however, each format follows general guidelines.

Only include experiences, awards, and accomplishments acquired during high school.

Present your experiences and education in reverse chronological sequence, starting with the
most recent.

Date, job title, organization’s name, location, and a description of your activities are listed as
part of the experience section.
Avoid using a Microsoft Word Wizard as these are generic templates. Wizards lack originality and fail to
make the best of who you are and what you have achieved. Employers want you to demonstrate computer
and organization skills; a wizard doesn’t allow you to showcase these skills.
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
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Possible Word List (for resumes)
The following are words to consider using when describing your experience and accomplishments:
ambitious
caring
committed
confident in my
abilities
consistent(ly)
cooperative
creative . . . team
member
determined
diligently . . .
diplomatic
dynamic . . .
public speaker
eager
effective
efficient(ly) . . .
energetic .
enthusiastic
excellent
extensive
focused
innovative . . .
motivated
poised
positive
productive
professional . . .
proficient
quick
reliable
sensitive
sincere . . .
interest in
skilled/skillful
substantial
successful
team player
Accomplishment Ideas
The following list is provided to help you generate ideas:












Member of the Junior Varsity Basketball Team (or whatever sport you are taking)
Ranked in the top third of the class in selling for school fund raisers and team sports.
Raised over $100 for "Kids against Cancer" (or any charity you have done this for).
Volunteer at Lakeside Church (tutor for reading, car wash, and clothing drive).
Intern at the State House of Representatives for one week as a Page.
Page for statewide YMCA student government (or whatever position you held).
Performed four community service projects this year (mention them).
Contributor to the school web site (or newspaper or member of Yearbook)
Created a web site for _________________.
Voted Most Valuable Player for _________________
Team member of the ________________ Recreation League.
Participated in __________ summer camp specializing in ____________.
Tips and Hints
The following is offered to help guide you:



Keep personal pronouns out of your descriptions.
Keep the resume to one page.
If references will not fit on one page, create separate reference sheet.
Class 2013 Culminating Project Guidelines
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Letters of Recommendation
Two current (written within the past six months) letters of recommendations must be included.
These letters should be from people who can write about your work habits and personality qualities.
When asking someone to write you a letter of recommendation, select a person who has known you
for at least one year. The best recommendations come from people who know your skills and
interests. Teachers can also provide good letters of recommendations. For your portfolio only
one of the letters should be from a teacher.
You are likely to get a better recommendation letter if you tell the person some points you would
like him/her to make about your skills, accomplishments, and strengths. (A form is available in the
counseling center to assist you with this.)
Project Documentation
It is required that there is evidence of the completed project. Evidence will prove the planning and
execution you did for your project, the close working relationship you had with your mentor, and
the learning stretch this project provided for you. It clearly shows that you met the 15-hour
minimum requirement. The following outlines each required element for the project:
1. Career Research
Students are required to research the prospective career and create a career research outline.
The outline must include the following items:

Career Outlook – Is the career growing? What is the demand for the
profession? Are there particular areas of the country or world where the job
is in higher demand?

Education Requirements – What education, training, or special certifications
are required for this profession?

Entry Level Salary – (Not Median Salary) How much does a typical first
year employee earn?

Professional Growth – What opportunities exist for your career
advancement/promotions? ( This describes how many opportunities for promotion, not growth
outlooks for the occupation).
This document should be concise and to the point. It must not exceed one page in
length.
A sample format is included at the end of this document.
2. Mentor Agreement (Form A)
It is important that this form be completely filled out. It must be signed and dated.
3. Parent Verification (Form C)
This form must be completely filled-out and contain the appropriate signatures and dates.
4. Work Log and / or Journal (Form D)
This is one of the elements that is evidence of your project. This log must be completed
every time you spend time with your mentor. It must contain a detailed list of the duties
Class 2010 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 19
you performed or observed. It must be completely filled out and contain the appropriate
dates and signatures.
5. Photos and Evidence of the Completed Project
You must have evidence that demonstrates that you completed the project. Photos of you
at the worksite are excellent examples of a completed project. (There is no excuse for
minimal evidence.)
6. Mentor Bio and Insights
Make sure that you include the relevant information about your mentor. Don’t be too brief.
7. Mentor Interview Log (Form E)
This log must be completely filled out. You will need to interview your mentor. Don’t
forget that you will need to write and ask five questions of your own (Located on the
back of the form.) Avoid questions that only require one word answers.
8. Mentor Evaluation (Form F)
This is an opportunity to gain insights into your performance. Your mentor-- not you-needs to complete this form.
9. Mentor Thank You Letter
This letter must be PRE-APPROVED by Mr. Spakousky or your CWP teacher. It MUST
be accompanied by an addressed and stamped envelope (Letters that are turned in
without an addressed stamped envelope will NOT be mailed, and your project will
be incomplete). The letter will be removed from your portfolio and sent to your mentor
after your boards are completed.
10. Self-Evaluation
After the completion of your project hours, on a separate piece of paper, address the
following in your own handwriting:

Compare your project goals stated in your project proposal to your final project
results.

What are the personal failures and successes you have experienced during the
project? What was the most satisfying aspect of your senior project?

What did you learn about yourself as a result of completing this entire project?
Explain the problems you encountered and how you dealt with them. What would
you do differently if given a chance to revise your project?

How will this senior experience benefit you in the future? Could this project
eventually lead to employment opportunities?
Class 2010 Culminating Project Guidelines
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The Presentation - Requirements
The final phase of the culminating project is the presentation (senior boards); this is a speech that is
given before a panel of judges. The panel typically consists of two or more community members
and at least one Medical Lake High School staff member. This presentation, using visual support,
explains the culminating project/experience.
Delivering the Presentation
You should maintain eye contact with your audience and keep a steady pace. Speak with sufficient
volume to be heard. Impress your audience with a powerful story, an example or other facts
associated with your experiences. Enjoy yourself and others will enjoy your presentation.
Remember to thank your audience for listening.
Dressing for the Presentation
First impressions are powerful! How you appear will impress the judges nearly as much as what you
say. Dress professionally and be clean as you would do for a job interview. Present a serious and
mature appearance, adding just a touch of your personal style.

Women are required to wear a blouse, skirt or full-length dress, slacks and closed-toed shoes.
Nothing sleeveless and no midriffs showing

Men are required to wear a button-up shirt, dress slacks, and dress shoes.
Your Score
Your presentation will be scored by using the “Scoring Guide” provided at the end of this packet.
Familiarize yourself with the scoring guide, so you know what your evaluators are rating. Please
make sure that you thoroughly cover each point outlined on the scoring guide.
Presentation Tips
The following are some tips when presenting:


Appearance
o No tongue rings
o Women: blouse, skirt or full-length dress slacks, closed-toed shoes
 Shoes that are open in the back are acceptable as long as they are
professional looking.
 No midriffs are showing – Professional Shirt
 The skirt is a professional length
o Men: button-up shirt, dress slacks, dress shoes
 Take out earrings and any other piercings.
 No sagging pants
Presentation Content
o The primary focus of your presentation is your project and service learning;
however, the judges want to know a little about you.
o Introduction –provide personal background and give the judges a sense of the
direction for the presentation. This should only be a few minutes in length.
Class 2010 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 21
o
o
o
o
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 How has high school affected you? Have you changed, if so how?
 What made you who you are?
 Give a sense of direction for your presentation.
Evidence of Service Learning – provide specific evidence of your community
service
 Provide an outline of the hours completed each year (50 total).
 Describe where you volunteered.
 Provide photos of the experience.
 Share specific events that occurred during your experiences.
Evidence of Project – provide evidence of your project.
 Describe why you choose this project.
 Describe what challenges or obstacles you encountered.
 Share specific events that occurred during the project.
Career Research – provide a summary of your career research for the chosen
professional of your project.
 Describe what education and/or training is required.
 Describe the salary and job outlook in the chosen occupation.
 Describe the professional growth opportunities for individuals in the
industry.
Summary of Learning
 State several specific things that you learned from this experience.
 Describe if you plan to pursue this area as a career. Explain why or why
not.
 Describe your new learning, ideas, results, or conclusions and how these
relate to your goals.
Media and Media Bonus
o You must use PowerPoint as your presentation software.
o You may earn extra points if you use additional media to enhance your
presentation.
Time
o You have a total of 30 minutes to set-up, give your presentation, and answer
questions.
 Presentation must be at least 11 minutes in length (excluding questions
and answers).
 Presentation cannot be more than 22 minutes (excluding questions and
answers).
Technology
o Make sure that your presentation is on CD and/or a Flash Drive
o PowerPoint should be saved and checked for compatibility. The easiest way to
ensure compatibility is to save it as ’97 – 2003 compatible.
o Make sure your Presentation functions in the room you’ve been assigned.
Class 2010 Culminating Project Guidelines
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Making a PowerPoint
The following are guidelines for making a professional electronic presentation:




Do not use punctuation marks at the ends of bullets
Begin bulleted lists with a capital letter
Only use bullets when making a list
Use complete thoughts, not complete sentences, in bulleted lists

Follow the rule of 6s and 7s
o Use no more than 6-7 words of text across (don’t count words of 1 or 2 letters)
o Use no more than 6-7 lines down the page

Type size should be 30+ font for most text (except in data tables and graphs)

Type size should be 48+ font for titles

Bold print is nice; it’s easy to read

Capitalize each word in a title

Select font colors that are readable (red should be used sparingly to highlight a word)

Run spell check

Proofread your text – have others proof, too

Remember, lack of pictures means content has greater need to be powerful/concise.
Visual enhancements really improve a presentation.
Class 2010 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 23
Students with Special Circumstances
Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities may require accommodations or modifications to complete their work.
Student IEP’s or 504 plans will detail how each student will meet the culminating project
requirements. The plan will include input from people who are familiar with the student’s needs: the
student, parent(s) or guardian, special education case manager, special education teacher(s), and
counselor.
Running Start
Students who are taking a CWP course equivalent through Running Start will complete the
culminating project independently. Students will be required to attend senior seminars. Running
Start students must adhere to the same published requirements and deadlines as all other students.
AP Euro Students
Students who are taking AP Euro as a CWP course equivalent will complete the culminating project
independently. Students will be required to attend senior seminars. Running Start students must
adhere to the same published requirements and deadlines as all other students.
Transfer Students
Students who transfer to Medical Lake High School from another district and are given Junior,
Sophomore, or Freshman standing will be required to complete all components of the culminating
project.
Students who transfer into Medical Lake High School from another district during the senior year
will be given the project requirements adjusted for the amount of time enrolled in our school.
Exchange Students
Students who are attending Medical Lake High School as part of an exchange program will not be
required to complete a senior project. However, if a student is enrolled in CWP, they are required to
make a presentation to their CWP class. This presentation is an introduction of themselves. It
should include an overview of why they chose to participate in an exchange program, an
introduction of their country and customs, and a review of their experiences while attending Medical
Lake High School.
Class 2010 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 24
Senior Seminar Schedule
If you are a Running Start or AP Euro student, you have elected to complete the senior project with
minimal support. In order to alleviate your anxiety, we have developed a senior seminar program.
You are required to attend at least four senior seminars (one from each topic area). The purpose of
these seminars is to provide you with the needed information to be successful, answer questions,
and to practice your presentation.
Senior Seminar (Tentative Dates)
Introduction to the Project and Expectations
(You must attend one of the scheduled dates and times)
Date
Time
Location
October 8, 2012
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Room 402
October 9, 2012
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.. Room 402
Portfolio & Project Requirements
(You must attend one of the scheduled dates and times)
Date
Time
November 19, 2012
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
November 20, 2012
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
November 21, 2012
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presentation Requirements
Location
Room 402
Room 402
Room 402
(You must attend one of the scheduled dates and times)
Date
January 14, 2013
January 15, 2013
January 16, 2013
Time
Location
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Room 402
7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Room 402
3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Room 402
Practice Presentation
(You must sign up for one of the practice presentation dates)
You will want to sign-up for a practice time with Mr. Spakousky.
More information will be distributed at the January seminar.
All students are welcome to attend these seminars in order to gain additional support.
Class 2010 Culminating Project Guidelines
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Timeline
Seniors will be presenting over the course of three months. Failure to meet deadlines may result in a
loss of points and/or other penalties.
March 18-20
Presentations
April 1-3
Presentations
May 6-8
Presentations
Choose a project option / read
guidelines
No later than
November 1st
No later than
December 1st
No later than
January 1st
Project Proposal (including the
completed cover sheet – form B)
November 15
December 13
January 10
Complete forms A & C
November 15
December 13
January 10
Complete Resume
January 31
February 28
March 21
Obtain 2 letters of recommendations
January 31
February 28
March 21
Complete career research
January 31
February 28
March 21
February 24
March 16
April 18
February 21
March 14
April 18
Complete personal statement
February 21
March 14
April 18
Write letter to the judges
February 21
March 14
April 18
Service learning documentation
February 21
March 14
April 18
Best works documentation
January 31
February 28
March 21
Reflection of Growth
February 21
March 14
April 18
Presentation PowerPoint
March 7
March 21
April 18
Items Due!!!
(Mentor and Parent Agreement Forms)
Complete project documentation
Mentor Bio/Insights
Work log (form D)
Mentor Interview (form E)
Thank you letter
Mentor Evaluation (form F)
Self Evaluation
Photos and Evidence
Complete plan summary and career
path map
Class 2010 Culminating Project Guidelines
Page 26