interest
strength
community
all three years
   +          personal stretch
CULMINATING PROJECT

Welcome seniors, juniors, and sophomores to SOTA's Culminating Project webpage!  Here you will find information - who, what, where, when, why, how - that will help you build a unique and meaningful project.  Good luck to you and know that ALL STAFF is available for support as you move through this process.

The Big Picture
Students attending SOTA are asked to apply knowledge learned in school, both academically and in Mentor Project Groups, toward a final Culminating Project.  The project is to be presented to the public at the end of Senior year, although Sophomores and Juniors are taking preliminary steps in preparation for the future.  Currently, this SWIFT site is dedicated to explaining and guiding students through the process called Culminating Project.  On this site students will find timelines, resources, and assignments to help inspire and provide structure for their ideas. 

WHAT: an original project that combines the learning and experience of each student's time at SOTA, culminating into a personal vision that is driven by a commitment to the community at large and demonstrates both personal stretch and project management skills.

WHO: everybody in the school - staff, students, families - participating at varying levels based on grade and type of support 
 
WHERE: both inside and outside of SOTA, taking students beyond the comfort of the inner SOTA community

WHEN: the process begins from the moment a student attends SOTA, culminating in a graded portfolio and public presentation in their Senior year

WHY: to prove that a SOTA Graduate has made an indelible mark on this community and that they are prepared to leave having been empowered to become an active, contributing community member with a full set of project management tools 
 
HOW: with an "all in" articulated plan of support and accountability facilitated by Mentors, Advisors and MPGs


SOTA's Requirements

  • Project must be motivated by a commitment to the community
  • Project must be original and unique, emphasis on creativity
  • Project must reflect the four school-wide goals: thinking, balance, community, and empathy
  • Project must be a personal stretch: students will work toward a project that challenges themselves and their audience
  • Project must culminate with a graded portfolio and public presentation

Ultimately, each individual is required to report on the progress and outcomes of the project to their mentor and eventually, to their Senior Advising Team.  Specific due dates for each Phase of the project is posted in the Homework section of this website. The students must include the following as part of a graded, public presentation

1) Written Narrative via Phase Logs in the MPG Notebook

2) Annotated Bibliography with References and Resources

3) Archivable Project

4) Culminating Project Public Presentation

5) Completed Portfolio as required in MPG