Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Can I do it over the summer?

No. But if you have a compelling case for an exception, you can apply for a panel review. Some possible exceptions: a project that goes beyond the Oct. – April time frame, or you plan on graduating in January.

FAQ: What about my mission trip to Mexico or my family trip to Bora Bora where I will be taming wild Siamese fighting fish?

No. But you can do a project inspired by your trip and then talk about your trip as part of your presentation.

FAQ: Why can’t we do it over the summer?

Because it’s your Senior Project. Because it is now a part of your Senior English coursework and we can’t monitor your project and ensure its success outside the school year. Also, you will receive a lot of instruction, information, and support in your class to make sure you complete a project you can be proud of. And because is you did it early, you’d have to sit around like a piece of limp lettuce while everyone else is working on theirs.

FAQ: What if I do Running Start? Do I still have to do the project?  

Yes. Yup. You betcha. The downside of doing English in Running Start is that you will not get in-class support for your project, but there will be Senior Project clinics next year for students who need help and are not part of the regular program here at MHS.

FAQ: Why does Senior Project keep changing all the time? What is up with you people?

Senior Project is a state requirement for graduation. The district has explored various ways of doing this, and so has MHS. MHS has been waiting for the state and the district to decide on the final requirements. Seniors have told us that they need more support and more guidance, that they don’t want it to be something extra they have to do, but would rather make it a part of their regular studies. We think they are right.

FAQ: What if I get started on a project and then change my mind?

The deeper you are into the project the harder it gets to change. You would have to write an addendum to your proposal at the very minimum. It is possible you would have to start from scratch on your documentation, research paper, and appeal your case to the senior project committee.

Sometimes projects morph naturally and that is OK. But switching from interior design to becoming a hospital volunteer is going to create a lot of extra work and drama.

FAQ: What’s the difference between doing some volunteer work and my Senior Project?

 It’s all about the learning stretch. This can mean one of these three things:

1. applying previously acquired skills independently and in a new way.
2. applying acquired skills to something big and more complicated than ever.
3. learning new skills and applying them in a meaningful way.

If you are a volunteer at PAWS that’s great, but cleaning out cages is not a learning stretch. But what if you organize an adoption fair at Edmonds beach, or create a website with the bios of special needs animals and how to care for them, linked to the PAWS website, in addition to your volunteer hours? Now you are truly cool and Senior Project ready.

FAQ: Who is in charge of Senior Project?

Here is the basic food chain. Or the circle of life, if you aren’t into the hierarchy thing.

1. You are in charge of your project.

2. Your senior English teacher is in charge of supporting you and guiding you through the process. She will be your first point person as you work on your project. Some of your written work will be graded as assignments in your class, as well as being required for the project.

3. The senior project committee will approve your project, and make final decisions about any discrepancies or deviations in your project. The committee will approve your project as completed and the requirement fulfilled.

4. The senior project panel will hear and assess your presentation.

5. Mrs. Porter is the administrator in charge of senior project, as well as a member of the committee.

FAQ: So what should I do next?

Over the summer, think about two or three great project ideas. This September, in your Senior English class, you will choose one and create a proposal. Your teacher will help you to make sure the project is worthy, achievable, goal-oriented, and will not endanger small children, animals, or world peace.