click the tiger to return home the senior experience a step by step guide from beginning to end

Click the Tiger to return home

The Senior Experience

A step by step guide from beginning to end


Table of Contents• Click on the links below to learn about the different parts of the

Senior Experience

– Section 1: Help! I don’t know what I am doing…• An introduction to the Senior Experience• Understanding the prior approval forms• Ideas for each type of project

– Section 2: I’ve been approved, now what?!• Prior experience steps• During the experience steps

– Section 3: Approved? Check. Experience done? Check….• Finalizing your experience• Organizing your papers


Congratulations!

You are on your way to graduation. The senior experience is just ONE piece of your final Senior Culminating Project.

This PowerPoint is going to take you through the Senior Experience process step by step.

Good Luck!


The Culminating Project

• The Three Pieces of the Culminating Project– Senior Portfolio

• Showing what you have accomplished the last 4 years. To be completed during Careers class.

– Senior Experience• Participating in a hands-on project and connecting it to a

possible future career. To be discussed and worked on during advisory.

– Exit Presentation• Sharing who you are, what you have learned and where you

are going. To be worked on during Careers class.


Step 1: What Do You Want to Do After High School?

• The first thing you need to do is think about the following questions:– What career are you interested in having as

an adult?– What skills do you have that you want to

utilize in a career?– What could you do to help your community?


Step 2: Pick an Experience Type

• Those questions are to help you decide what type of experience you want to complete.

• You have 3 choices– 1. Job Shadow– 2. Service Project– 3. Performance or Skill-based Project


The Job Shadow

• This is a good experience to do if you have a career or two in mind for after high school.

• During your experience you will follow a person who has that job.

• You will ask questions and get a feel for what that job entails on a daily basis.

• There is an 8 hour minimum for the Job Shadow Experience.


Service Project

• If you want to do a project that helps your community, this is the experience for you.

• You will come up with a project to complete that benefits the community, and carry out that project.– You would be required to work with an agency

or organization for this project

• The time minimum for a service project is 8 hours.


Performance or Skill-Based Project

• This is a very hands-on experience.

• You will demonstrate a skill your have (ex. rebuilding a car engine) or show your abilities in front of an audience (ex. a solo concert)

• The minimum time frame for this experience is also 8 hours, but it is very likely you will do more.


Experience Do’s and Don’ts

• DO: Venture out of your comfort zone– You may not job shadow anyone at Ephrata High

School– Get out of the environment you are in everyday and

see/do something new

• DON’T: Wait until the last moment– It is hard to give something you full attention if

you are constantly worried about deadlines and “just getting it over with”



• DO: Go big or Go home– Pick something that could be life changing for you, not

just something you can get done in a weekend.– This experience is meant to help you grow as a

person and guide you toward a career you will love.

• DON’T: Job Shadow/Work with a close family member– Again, this is meant to get you away from

your comfort zone (school, work, family) and get you out there in your community.



• DON’T: Double Dip!– You may not use your time to accomplish two

different tasks at once.– For example:

• Timmy wants to be a carpenter. For his project, he is going to build an intricately carved canopy bed. He would not be allowed to use school time/class time to work on his project. He would have to work on it outside of the normal school day.

• Bethany wants to be a dancer. She is going to put on a recital for her project. She would not be able to use the recital if it were already being put on by her ballet class. Instead, she would need to create a separate recital that she promotes, plans, and stars in.


Having Troubles?

• If you are having difficulties choosing a focus, see Mrs. Mary Friend in the counseling center. – She is full of great ideas (and has good community

contacts).

• There will also be ideas after the approval forms are described on this presentation.– Can’t wait long?

• Click here: For Job Shadow Ideas• Click here: For Service Project Ideas• Click here: For Performance or Skill Project Ideas


Step 3: Make Some Phone Calls

• Before you can start filling out the required paperwork for your experience, you need to make some phone calls– Come up with a list of at least 3 businesses,

agencies, or possible supervisors that you would like to work with for your project.

– Then, call the first one on your list…..


Phone Calling Etiquette

• Making professional phone calls can be scary. Here is a sample introduction to a conversation:

• “Hi, my name is ________. I am a senior at Ephrata High school. In order to graduate I need to complete a senior project, and I was hoping to talk with someone about the possibility of me completing a _________ (job shadow, service project) with someone on your staff.”


Phone Calling Etiquette

• Make sure to get names of contacts, contact information, and possible dates of your project.

• If the business is not interested be sure to be polite and thank them for their time


Step 4: Paperwork

• Before you can go out into the community for your experience YOU MUST BE PREAPPROVED for your project.– Download a copy of your approval form on the

Ephrata website www.ephrataschools.org• Go to “Ephrata High School” and click on the link for “

Senior Information”• There you will find the link to the approval forms.

– OR click on the desired link below• Job Shadow Prior Approval Form• Service Project Prior Approval Form• Performance or Skill-Based Prior Approval Form

http://www.ephrataschools.org/

http://ephrata.hs.schoolfusion.us/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=62290&sessionid=dd86df50536b89f0c541cbd296f6917e&sessionid=dd86df50536b89f0c541cbd296f6917e


The Prior Approval Form

• Step 1: Fill out the following information in the “Step 1” box– Your Name– Your Career Interest– Information about your

supervisor, business, agency, program

– Supervisor’s name (not your EHS advisor)

– Expected dates for your project



• Step 2: Signed Letter of Approval from Supervisor– At this point you probably

have a verbal agreement with your supervisor that you will be working with for your Senior Experience.

– Now we need written consent as proof that your supervisor knows you are coming.

– Have them write and sign a letter, then attach it to your “Prior Approval Form”



• Step 3: Career/Service Research Paper– This will be a typed

paper showing the school that you have researched a career and know what you are getting in to.

– This is to be in bullet form, 12pt Times New Roman font



• Step 3: Career Research Paper– Please use spell check

before you attach this form. If it is not done in a careful manner, it will be handed back to you to be redone.

– Research the career using WOIS or Occupational Outlook Handbook (see EHS library Careers and Scholarships link)

http://www.wois.org/

http://www.bls.gov/oco/

http://www.bls.gov/oco/



• Step 3: Career Research Paper– Click on the link below to see an example of a

Career Research Paper• Job Shadow Example• Service Project Example• Performance or Skill Based Example



• Step 4: Get it signed– Once you have

contacted your supervisor, gotten a letter, AND typed and printed your research paper, get this form signed by your parent/guardian and your EHS advisor (the one from advisory).



• Step 5: Turn it in– Turn in the following

items to your advisor by the deadline

• 1. Completed prior approval form

• 2. Signed letter from supervisor

• 3. Career Research information sheet



• Step 6: Approval Committee– The approval

committee will look over your plans for your project.

– They will either approve it or ask you to reapply



• Step 6: Approval Committee– If it is approved, they

will give you the direction packet for completing your project

– If not approved, there will be comments written for you to look over. You will then need to reapply.



• Step 7: Keep it!– Keep the approved

copy of the approval form, letter and research paper.

– You will be turning this in again with your final project.


Job Shadow Ideas

• How to begin– Identify a career you are interested in– Make a list of 2 or 3 locations where you think you

could complete a job shadow– After you find a supervisor you should make a list of

questions to ask as you complete your job shadow.• Your supervisor will be expecting you to be interested and

ask questions- don’t let them down by being non-reactive and silent!


Job Shadow Ideas

Career Business/Agency Who to Contact

Performing Arts Columbia Basin Allied Arts Randy Johnstadt

Masquers Theatre Randy Johnstadt

Speech Therapy Jody Armstrong

Banking WA Trust Bank Shelley Deitrich

Horizon Credit Union Joanne Hill(509) 754-2031

Dental Dr. Harrison’s Office

Dr. Jacobsen (509) 754-3262

Beauty and Hair Jody’s Salon

Education Quincy School District

Moses Lake School District

Lineman/ Engineering

PUD


Job Shadow IdeasCareer Business/Agency Who to Contact

Construction Lakoduk Construction (509)754-4353

Jacobsen Construction Chris Jacobsen(509) 754-5118

Flower Arranging/ Florist

Basin Florist Jennifer Adams(509) 754-3342

Chiropractor Dr. Brent Bedford (509) 754-3295

Dr. Bill Davis (509) 754-2461

Dr. Rob Ross (509) 754-3442

Accounting Sam Barnes (509) 754-3500

HVAC work Quincy Heating and Air (509) 787-4633

Auto mechanic Barry’s Denver Morford

Welding/ Fabrication Katana (509) 754-4102

Genie Industries in Moses Lake


Job Shadow Ideas

Career Business/Agency Who to Contact

Quail Point Kennels (509) 754-9476

Optometrist Dr. Sisson (Ephrata Eye Care)

(509) 754-6131

Pharmacist Safeway

Rite Aid

Realtor/Real Estate Sales

Gary Mann Reality John Parker

Ag Sales John Deere (Quincy)

Ford New Holland (Quincy)

Veterinarian Animal Tracks Veterinary Clinic

(509) 754-3282

Ephrata Veterinary Clinic (509) 754-3128


Service Project Ideas

• How to begin– Identify a need in the community– Contact an agency or organization that would assist

you with your project• Example- If you wanted to collect socks for the homeless,

you might want to work with a place like the food bank.

– Develop an action plan (probably with the aid of the organization) to meet this need

– Collect resources necessary to complete the project– Make a timeline and a schedule for completion


Service Project IdeasAgency/Organization Extra Information Contact

Ephrata Food Bank Mike Donovan, Director (509) 754-5772

Paws & Claws Animal Shelter (Quincy)

(509) 398-2323

Ephrata Senior Center(Ephrata)

(509) 754-2382

Lions Club(Ephrata)

Help with White Cane Days Contact Linda Ebberson at EHS

Autism Society of Washington(Ephrata)

Mike Scellick(509)754-4300

Wags & Whiskers(Ephrata)

Not an animal shelter, they spay and neuter pets

(509)246-1245

City of Ephrata Wes Crago (509) 754-4601


Performance or Skill Ideas

• How to begin– Identify a skill you have– Develop an action plan. How will you show off this skill?– Who is knowledgeable in this area and could be your supervisor– Collect resources necessary to complete the project– Make a timeline and a schedule for completion


Performance or Skill Ideas

Performance/Skill Who to Contact Phone Number

Sagebrush Bell Ringers Darla Grubb

Carpentry-Lakoduk Construction

(509) 754-4353

Dance- Ballet Instructor @ Ephrata Recreation Center

Laurie Walker

Once you decide what type of skill/performance you would like to do, contact Mary Friend in the counseling center. She will help

you find a supervisor for your experience.


I’ve Been Approved!

Now what?!


Pre-Experience Steps

• At this point you should have (1) submitted your prior approval form, (2) had it approved and returned back, and (3) received the last packet for the Senior Experience.

• Remember, You need to KEEP the approved form with all attached documents to be turned in with your final packet.



Lost your final packet? No problem! Just click on the one you need below.

Job Shadow Experience Packet

Service Project Experience PacketPerformance Based or Skill Related Experience Packet

Or go to www.ephrataschools.org, follow the links to the EHS page, then Senior Information.

http://ephrata.hs.schoolfusion.us/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/478202/File/Senior%20Experience%20Packets/2011%20information/completing%20your%20experience%20%20job%20shadow%20packet%202011.doc?sessionid=bd5b8e51cc9bcf9a428fa267974efee8

http://www.ephrataschools.org/



• Before you go out into the community to complete your experience, you need to do a little prep work.– The prep depends on what type of experience

you choose to do.– We will follow the steps for the Job Shadow,

but other experiences will have similar steps.



• Take a look at the Senior Experience Packet– No matter what

experience you are doing, each packet has very similar pieces.



• Page 1: Cover page– This form will be

important after your project is complete.

– You will be turning it in with your final packet when you are done with the experience.

– But for now, turn to the next page



• Page 2: Planning Your “Job Shadow”– Begin by filling out the

“information” section at the top of the page


Pre-Experience Steps• Page 2: Planning Your “Job

Shadow”– The “Before” Section

• These are things to do before you go on your experience

• Make sure your experience has been approved

• Review the appropriate dress list and question list

• Fill out and submit a parent permission slip if school will be missed

• Fill out and submit a pre-arranged absence request form if school will be missed



• Page 2: Planning Your “Job Shadow”– The “After” Section

• These are things to do after/during your experience

• Fill out the service log form

• Complete a student evaluation

• Give supervisor a supervisor evaluation

• Send a thank you card to your supervisor (if appropriate)

• Complete the reflection paper



• Page 3: Questions List– It is important that

while you are completing your experience, that you learn as much as you can about that career, regardless if you are doing a job shadow, service project or performance/skill.



• Page 3: Questions List– Try asking some/all of

these questions while you are out in the community. Take notes and ask good follow up questions



• Page 4: – Remember that you

are representing Ephrata High School when you are out in the community; therefore, you are expected to act and dress accordingly.



• Page 4: – Be one time!

• Showing up late tells your supervisor that you are not taking your project seriously

• It also wastes the supervisor’s time while they wait for you to show up



• Page 4: – Professional Conduct

• Be professional!• Be friendly, be

confident• Be respectful• Watch your language-

– Avoid slang and most of all, cursing



• Page 4: – Professional Dress

• Dress appropriately for the job you are doing

• A farmer may not need to wear a suit and tie.

• If shadowing a lawyer, do not show up in sweatpants after sports practice.

• And please, show as little skin as possible (think EHS dress code)


During the Experience

• Page 5: Experience Log Form– During your

experience you need to keep track of the hours you spend (a minimum of 8 hours for each project)

– Start by filling out the top “information” section of this form



• Page 5: Experience Log Form– Each day, keep track

of the date, number of hours spent, and have your supervisor sign your paper



• Page 6: Student Evaluation Form– Fill out the top

“information” section at the top of the page



• Page 6: Student Evaluation Form– Next, answer the

questions regarding your experience

– Finally, sign the bottom and date it



• Page 7: Supervisor Evaluation Form– Fill out the top portion prior

to giving to your supervisor– Then give this form to your

supervisor along with a pre-addressed and stamped envelope.

– Your supervisor will complete the form, then mail it back to the high school.


Approved? Check. Experience done? Check….

Finalizing Your Experience


Finalizing the Senior Experience

• You are almost finished with this piece of the Senior Culminating Project graduation requirement.

• The following slides will discuss the Reflection paper, and what pages need to be completed and turned in for your final project



• Page 8: The Senior Culminating Project Reflection Paper– This is to be a typed, 4

paragraph essay addressing the following questions



• 1. How did you plan/prepare for your project?– What steps did you take? Where did you

research your career? What did you do to prepare yourself for the experience?

• 2. What did you learn during the experience?– Might include that you realized that this is the

career for you, or that this was definitely NOT the career for you.



• 3. How is this related to your future plans?– Did you do an art portfolio that you will now use when

entering an art program? Did it teach you a life skill that can be used in your future plans?

• 4. How have your classes prepared you for your next step in life?– Did advanced biology teach you the skills you need to

pass biology in college? Did you develop your photography skills which you will now take with you as you enter a journalism program?



• This reflection paper needs to be typed, double spaced, and 12 pt Times New Roman font.

• Please use spell check and proof read your paper before you print and submit it.


Organizing Your Papers

• The following slides will show you what papers are required in your final packet that will be turned in.

• You are almost done…..



• The following papers will be turned in to your advisor when you are completely finished with your experience

– 1. What You Need to Complete the Senior Culminating Project” Cover page

• Page 1




– 2. Signed Approval form• With all attached documents




– 3. Service Log Form• With signatures




– 4. Student Evaluation Form




– 5. Four Paragraph Reflection Paper



Page 1 Page 2 Page 3

Page 4 Page 5

Turn the completed pages into your EHS advisor.

click the tiger to return home the senior experience a step by step guide from beginning to end

Documents

good experience

handson experience

type of experience

job shadow experience

experience stepssection

senior experience process

experience typethose

prior experience stepsduring