Happy Post- Thanksgiving!

Good Day Project HONOR,

I hope that everyone enjoyed their much needed break and time with loved ones this past week. Now let's get back to work!

Update: Due to the abbreviated program week last week, HONOR projects are now due December 17th instead of December 14th. We hope that all the projects will be on display no later than December 18th. 

Please create a post about the HONOR project idea that your groups are working on! Let's get some feedback on how to collaborate within these projects!

Please let  me know what space (library, cafeteria, wall space, etc) is needed for displaying your groups' work no later than Thursday's staff development.

Tomorrow's Project HONOR staff development is scheduled promptly at 5:45pm (barring any further schedule interruptions). I do hope that every staff member will be in attendance and we will be able to discuss your project plans.

To clarify the HONOR process (Gold, Silver, and Bronze) for HONOR projects, here is a breakdown on how your groups can walk away with the highest HONOR.

Gold Medal Projects:

1. Should reflect student achievement and awareness about the topic (LEARN, IN DEPTH, ABOUT THE TOPIC)
   
2. Should incorporate a community education portion (TEACH OTHERS ABOUT THE TOPIC)
   
3. Should have a public action component (CHANGE THE ENVIRONMENT or LOCAL COMMUNITY)
   
4. Should challenge the students' current abilities and utilize new technologies as much as possible.
   
5. Should reflect collaboration among other Project HONOR clubs

Silver Medal Projects:

All Gold Medal project requirements are met except requirement #3 

1. Should reflect student achievement and awareness about the topic (LEARN, IN DEPTH, ABOUT THE TOPIC)
   
2. Should incorporate a community education portion (TEACH OTHERS ABOUT THE TOPIC)
   
3. Should challenge the students' current abilities and utilize new technologies as much as possible.
   
4. Should reflect collaboration among Project HONOR clubs

Bronze Medal Projects:

All Silver Medal Requirements are met except #2 and #5

1. Should reflect student achievement and awareness about the topic (LEARN, IN DEPTH, ABOUT THE TOPIC)
   
2. Should challenge the students' current abilities and utilize new technologies as much as possible.
   

I heard that a number of groups are aiming for Medals this go round! Come for the Young Moguls' top spot, people! Iron sharpens iron, so encourage your students to work hard, use creativity, get involved in their topics and WOW me!!!

This week, I will continue circulating to groups (especially to Read All About It to speak with Dejion Taylor and to FUN FOODS to speak to LuLu's special interest student) distributing information about Johns Hopkins University's summer program for Talented Youth. Please ask your students for completed packets, originally handed out by Ms. Tate (to select few). 

SECOND CYCLE SELECTION

Alright, now is the time to start asking your students who will be staying in the club for second cycle. Offer them the opportunity to go deeper in the club focus and to learn different things. Pitch the club in a way that interests the students. The goal is to hold on to as many students in your current groups as possible so that the new students have some "young experts" in the room and so the students can develop their talents further.

Second Cycle activity selection will not take place until after the Christmas break , giving each group a chance to "wrap up" the learning after this next project, reflect on their accomplishments and make informed decision about both group and individual next steps. This will also allow for a smooth transition for students. There will be a Cycle One project exhibition scheduled during the second week in January. At this time, students will receive their selection sheets and based on the achievements of the Cycle One clubs, choose their Second Cycle club by January 18th.

So keep up the good, hard work! 

Thanks for all you do,

Tate