Although I also have no idea who Capstone Consultants are or exactly what they do, I would like to explain what supports are already available to students at PHS. Everything that Capstone claims to do is something that I willingly did for my students last year; I considered it just part of my duty to educate my seniors. In addition to the seniors' classroom teachers in English, the entire faculty is ready to provide assistance to our seniors to help them succeed. And if that weren't enough, we have two amazing coordinators for the entire process who are available to do exactly what Capstone claims. These coordinators revised the SP Handbook last year to provide a highly detailed, step-by-step guide that, in theory, could be handed to a student in September and would guide her through her presentation in May, although in practice it is a supplement to our instruction. One of last year's juniors received his handbook and read it through that night. He told me that it should be called "Senior Project for Dummies" because it made everything as clear as that famous line of books. The coordinators also have office hours virtually every period and run informational workshops for parents and potential mentors throughout the year.

This is not to discourage interested parents from attending the workshop, but instead to reassure them that, from what I can tell, their students will already receive for "free" what this company will charge a fee to provide.

I would like to extend an invitation to community members to consider serving as mentors to our students and/or serving as presentation judges in late May.

Peace,
English

My child was a senior in 2007 and did senior project. The experience was very challenging, and the pressure of doing it all while at the same time applying to colleges and everything else is really ridiculous (just like real life). But, I need to stress very strongly that all the senior project support needed was well provided by the teachers at PHS.

From beginning to end, all teachers involved went above and beyond to guide my child through every step of the process. From choosing a topic to drafting a plan to dealing with a mentor, everything was provided by the teachers. All done with enthusiasm and professionalism. I'm sure this must be more than what is called for in their contract.

But, back to the topic of hiring a private tutor for senior project work, I know there may be some kids who need more hand holding than others. I know that some kids need tutors for math or language or even just developing proper study habits. For this, the first best place to turn to would be the schools themselves who have resources for extra help. Ask the child's primary senior project teacher or English teacher first. Call the school or send an email. Make an appointment. They are responsive when asked. I would exhaust that avenue before spending money on a private tutor.

I want to be clear that I'm not disparaging Capstone Consultants or private tutors in general. If it turns out that there is sufficient demand for that kind of service, then Capstone Consultants will stay in business and that's good old fashioned American entrepreneurship at work. And, of course, a free workshop shouldn't hurt anyone.

But, just because senior project is new to Portsmouth don't assume you have to scramble out and hire some help. Don't be scared that your child will fail unless you hire a tutor. Help is in the schools. Relax.

The Economic Development Committee has as spot for a Youth Member. Applications are now being solicited but the deadline is soon. Just send a short letter to the Town Clerk.

The Youth Rep serves as a full voting member of the PEDC.

This could be an excellent senior project. The PEDC Chair and the members of the PEDC all would be mentors for the Youth Rep using it as a senior project.

It is an excellent way to serve the Town and get your senior project done.

If we have to get private consulting firms to help do Senior Projects, I think we have elevated the project to something more than was initally envisoned.

I, personally, served as a judge for Senior Projects last year at Rogers High School. I was very impressed by the many Senior Projects that were done very well that did not need a private consultant's help.

Rich Talipsky
Chair, Portsouth EDC

Hi J,
In today's world we are all in a hurry to absorb information and move on. So my little nit is to recommend subject consideration on these pages. It is a shame for some of us carpet baggers not familiar with local terminology having to research what abbreviations stand for, or using deductive reasoning to decipher terms.

I see the same thing in the local papers. I always learned that the first time you use the full term in an article and right behind it you place in parenthesis the desired abbreviation. Over time perhaps grammar changed as well?

Cheers,

Wernerlll