Since Portsmouth High School instituted Senior Project, there has been an ongoing need for community members who can dedicate some time to serve as judges for the final presentations seniors make. This is a really worthwhile effort, and if you have the time, the school can really use your help, and the students would really appreciate it. I volunteered to help with IT last year, and it was really fun to see the wonderful presentations. Even the Governor was impressed.

From a PSD e-mail:

Senior Project Boards are judged by trained panels comprising both faculty and community members. Students will be assessed according to specific criteria and the grade they receive will constitute their final exam grade for English 12. Therefore, a successful presentation is essential to students’ graduation and the world beyond Portsmouth High School. Our participating seniors this year will deliver their Senior Project Boards on Tuesday, May 26th, and Wednesday, May 27th. Your schedule would include the following:

• If this is your first time judging, report to the PHS library on Thursday evening, 5/21, at 7pm for judging calibration or Tuesday/Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. for judging calibration Participate in a training session using the Senior Project Presentation Rubric to judge a previous presentation
• Discuss and analyze scores of a previous presentation
• Student Portfolios will be available for viewing in presentation room
• DAY OF JUDGING: Sit on a panel with three (or more) other judges and listen to and assess four or five student presentations which consist of eight to twelve minute speeches followed by five minute question and answer sessions
• Calculate student scores.

We realize and appreciate what a huge time commitment an entire afternoon represents, but we hope that you can take the time out of your schedule to participate in this exciting and valuable endeavor. If you are interested in serving as a Senior Project Board Panel Judge, or if you are unable to serve this year but would like to be considered in the future, please contact us by phone at 401-683-2124 (PHS), 683-1450 (Senior Project Office) or email Julie Bisbano, Senior Project Co-Coordinator, or email Pat McCarthy, Senior Project Co-Coordinator.