Senior Projects

Parents play a limited supporting role in the projects. They will, of course, be invited to attend the Student Project presentations. However, it is essential that the Senior Project entirely be conceived, designed, and executed by the seniors themselves. We do not encourage parents to intervene in the process. We do not endorse projects in which students work for or with parents because it does not create an ideal growth opportunity for seniors. Most of the communications about the projects will be going directly to the students through the school Canvas system, much as we communicate information for classes.

Many Overlake parents have accepted students to their organizations in the past and I would very much like to hear from any members of the community who would be willing to take a student for a mini-internship. I can then match student interests with positions available. The most difficult part of the process for students is often finding an organization that they can join and so I would certainly like to hear from any of you that offer an opportunity to one or more of our students.

On February 4 we begin the process with a mandatory meeting for all seniors held during a community time period. Seniors will already have read a great deal of information about the projects that I have sent them through Canvas.  I will then be sending them emails and will post further information for them on Canvas as we go step-by-step through the preparation process.

All deadlines for the projects will be noted in Canvas. There will be deadlines for the initial conception of the project, for the proposal draft, for the final proposal, etc. Students are expected to meet each deadline in a satisfactory manner. This planning process is a measure of the degree to which they have mastered effective organizational skills.  

Senior athletes going to State may need to begin their project early if participation in athletics will cause them to miss Senior Project days, or they can add the necessary hours during the 3 week period. Likewise if they have an AP exam, which may happen during the first week, they are excused their projects for that morning and can then make up the time.

Traditionally, presentations are scheduled on Final Exam days for Grades 9-11. This year's dates will be posted at the bottom of this page.  Students will also give a practice in front of administrators and faculty members so that we can give feedback and ensure that they can present successfully to parents and the wider Overlake Community on the following days. Parents are encouraged to be present for their senior’s final presentation. 

Seniors must complete the Senior Project in order to graduate. This requires that the students take part in a project during the assigned days and for the amount of time stated above. There is a degree of flexibility allowed over the exact number of hours per day but the total should be equivalent to the 6 hour per day guideline over three weeks. During the practice presentation, all students will receive feedback on their presentations. If it is thought the presentation has not reached the expected standard then the student may be asked to make some changes and take part in a second practice prior to the final presentation in front of the larger audience. Parents and students should not be alarmed if a second practice is required. We want to ensure that your senior does his or her best work and meets the Senior Project requirements. The final presentation is more of a celebration of what has been experienced than a pass/fail situation.