Senior Projects 2008
Philosophy
The Senior Project program is intended to provide students with an opportunity to work in the community outside of Maret or to pursue an artistic interest in more depth. This time is provided to students because we know that education takes place outside the classroom as well as within. In order for a project to be effective, it requires the same kind of preparation, structure and supervision that successful course work demands. All seniors are expected to participate in a project. Students may choose from a list of suggested sites, they may choose another work site or community service organization, or they may design a project appropriate to their specific interests and background. All project proposals must be discussed with a project advisor and then submitted to a committee for final approval. Student proposals will be approved if they are submitted on time and meet the criteria of the committee, which include evidence of supervision, substance, structure, and safety. If a student does not submit a proposal on time, or the proposal does not meet the criteria of the committee, the committee will provide options from which the student may choose. Site supervisors or mentors will be asked to evaluate each senior by filling out an evaluation form provided by the committee. This evaluation will become part of the student's file.
Eligibility
All seniors will participate in a project. If a student has not completed his/her community service requirement, he/she must choose or design a project that will fulfill that requirement. If a student does not meet the criteria for being excused from a specific course, he/she must design a project that allows time to attend the required class and to take the course exam, if applicable. A student is academically eligible to be excused from a course if he/she earns a grade of at least 70% in that course for the second semester. The decision regarding academic eligibility will be made in May. A student must maintain the requisite grade until the beginning of the project. In addition, each student must complete all major work due in every course before the start of senior projects. Seniors need to fulfill their commitments to athletic teams and to performing groups that expect them to carry out their responsibilities, even if the student is, at the same time, doing a project. A student needs to receive permission from the coach, teacher, or faculty sponsor if he/she is involved in a project that makes it impossible for the student to carry out those responsibilities.
