Elise P. Buckingham Charter Magnet High School

Senior Portfolio Handbook

Elise P. Buckingham Charter Magnet High School

As a small, nurturing college preparatory school with high expectations, Buckingham Charter Magnet High School will

graduate all students as critical and creative thinkers who are equipped to succeed and contribute positively in a changing

world, by providing unique educational opportunities in active partnership with staff, students, family, and community.

Senior Portfolio Handbook

Vacaville Unified School DistrictElise P. Buckingham Charter Magnet High School

188 Bella Vista Road, Suite BVacaville, CA 95687

(707) 453-7300

Copyright © Elise P. Buckingham Charter Magnet High School; revised 2013. Manufactured in the United States of America. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the administrator and chairperson of the Board of Governance of Elise P. Buckingham Charter Magnet High School.

Table of Contents

Introduction Why does BCMHS require a Senior Portfolio?

When is my Senior Portfolio due? Who evaluates my Senior Portfolio? What exactly needs to be in my Senior Portfolio? Presentation Guidelines

Section I: Introduction and Forms Tabs of Contents Portfolio Components Form Permission to Use Form

Section II: Self-Directed Achiever Cover Letter Resume Statement of Future Plans California Colleges Self-Assessment/College Search College Representative Meeting Military or Career Exploration Essay based on college, military or career exploration FAFSA

Section III: Quality Producer “Best Piece” Reflection Form “Best Piece” Student Writing Selection Work Samples 2 & 3

Section IV: Technology Integrator Work Sample 1

Section V: Collaborative Worker Work Samples 1 & 2

Section VI: Community Contributor Work Samples 1 & 2

Section VII: Life-long Learner Work Samples 1 & 2

Section VIII: Personal Selections Work Samples 1, 2 & 3

Section IX: Miscellaneous List of References Letters of Recommendation Transcript Standardized Test Scores (optional)

Appendix A – Resources Cover Letter & Resume Resources

Appendix B – Forms Table of Contents “Best Piece” Reflection Form Permission To Use Form

Introduction

Why does BCMHS require a Senior Portfolio?

Buckingham Charter Magnet High School values active and self-reflective learning. Therefore, as a prospective graduate, you are required to assemble a Senior Portfolio to demonstrate your academic achievement and to engage in self-reflection and self-evaluation. Components of the portfolio include commentary, self-assessment, and carefully chosen work samples completed during your high school experience. The primary focus of the portfolio is academic work, but you may include material created in a work setting or community organization. Content of individual portfolios will vary, but these guidelines should help you create an effective representation of your learning. The faculty and staff hope the portfolio process gives you a meaningful way to reflect on and further integrate your learning experiences. In turn, we look forward to learning from your work.

The portfolio melds two important foundations of Buckingham’s educational philosophy: the Expected School-wide Learning Results (ESLRS), which drive accreditation, and the Learner Goals, which lie, at the heart of the charter. The ESLRs articulate specific expectations of Buckingham students:

Buckingham students will be prepared for academic success in post-secondary education.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency with computer skills necessary in the 21st century.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency in the content areas through the use of Visual and Media Arts.

Buckingham students will be responsible citizens and possess a solid foundation for life-long learning.

The charter’s Learner Goals express our stakeholders’ vision of what a Buckingham graduate should be. We believe our graduates are:

Self-directed Achievers who create an academic and vocational vision and who take personal responsibility for progress toward that goal.

Quality producers who consistently develop products that meet or exceed defined standards and who are able to communicate the elements of a quality product.

Technology Integrators who ethically implement technology skills and resources to create appropriate products for specific purposes.

Collaborative Workers who demonstrate effective interpersonal skills and who meet individual responsibilities in support of team goals.

Community Contributors who positively contribute to the welfare of his or her community.

Life-long learners who apply appropriate strategies to analyze information and who continually evaluate and synthesize results to determine the need to additional information.

Through the components of the Senior Portfolio, you will demonstrate how you achieved the ESLRS and the Learner Goals.

When is my Senior Portfolio due?

Senior portfolios are due on or before May 1st each year (December 10th for 1st semester graduates). Submit portfolios, with Senior Portfolio Advisor approval, to the Counseling Secretary by the deadline. Failure to submit your Senior Portfolio by the deadline may jeopardize your ability to graduate on time and/or walk in the graduation ceremony with your class. Do not wait until the last minute to begin thinking about your portfolio. Start planning early so if you have questions or concerns there is time to discuss them with your Senior Portfolio Advisor or the Coordinator of Student Services.

Who evaluates my Senior Portfolio?

The primary audience for your portfolio will be the Portfolio Assessment Committee (BCMHS administrators and teachers) who review, evaluate, and give final approval to your portfolio. The senior portfolio advisor (English teacher, instructional manager or other senior teachers if you are not taking English at BCMHS) will need to look over your senior portfolio and verify by signing their initials to indicate you have completed each section. If your Senior Portfolio Advisor feels your portfolio is satisfactory, s/he will direct you to turn it in to Ms. Rivera.

Senior portfolios will be evaluated to determine that all expectations and criteria have been met, and your portfolio exhibits a quality product. After portfolios have been approved or declined, the Coordinator of Student Services will record the result and return reviewed portfolios to you.

While Senior Portfolio Advisors and the Portfolio Assessment Committee make every attempt to have consistent standards, some deviation is inevitable. In the event that the Coordinator of Student Services deems portions of the work are incomplete or require revision, s/he will return it with comments for revision. Your Senior Portfolio Advisor is available for assistance with any revisions. Because some portfolios require revision, it is important submit your portfolio as early as possible.

What exactly will be in my Senior Portfolio?

Although the portfolio(s) should be expressive of your own uniqueness and individuality, there is a certain prescribed format to be followed. The required work samples are intended to be monthly authentic assessments and quarterly, semester or final projects you have been required to complete for your regular class work. If you plan ahead, stay organized, and save work samples that meet the portfolio criteria, very few extra work samples should need to be produced. Use the Portfolio Components form on the next page to keep track of what is required. This form must accompany your Senior Portfolio in hard copy format when you are getting approval both from your advisor and the Senior Portfolio Committee. Be sure to have your first and last name and the URL to your website written at the top of the form. Also, be sure to have the necessary signatures and the date of submission.

Portfolio Components Form Student Name: URL:

Portfolio ComponentsApproved

by Sr. Advisor

MeetsStandard Comments

Date Submitted: ____________________Section I - Forms

Home Page with name, grad year & tabs for content

    

_________________________ _________________________Permission Slip for BCS Use       Student’s Signature Advisor's Signature

Section II - Self – Directed Achiever

Cover Letter        Resume        Statement of Future Plans      

Returned for Correction:Career/College Search & Essay       __________FAFSA      

Section III - Quality Producer Resubmitted: __________“Best Piece” Student Reflection

Form 

   

“Best Piece” Student Selection      Returned for Correction:Work Sample # 2       __________

Work Sample # 3      Section IV - Technology Integrator Resubmitted: __________

Work Sample # 1      Section V - Collaborative Worker

Work Sample # 1      Work Sample # 2       Approved: __________

Section VI - Community ContributorWork Sample # 1       _______________________Work Sample # 2       Evaluator's Signature

Section VII - Life-long LearnersWork Sample # 1      Work Sample # 2      

Section VIII – Personal SelectionWork Sample # 1      Work Sample # 2      Work Sample # 3 (optional)      

Section IX - MiscellaneousList of References      2 Letters of Recommendation      Transcript      

Presentation GuidelinesI) The portfolio must be submitted in digital format. (The Senior Portfolio Advisor and

the Portfolio Assessment Committee must approve consideration of other formats.) The creation of student websites will be encouraged. The Portfolio Components Form, Permission To Use Form and proof of completion of the FAFSA may be submitted in hard copy format.

II) All work samples must be accompanied by a brief paragraph, which introduces and describes the sample. The paragraph should state which ESLR the sample addresses. Clear instructions for viewing the sample must be included, including software application and platform (PC/Mac).

III) All Documents must be in proper MLA format. Larger entries, such as artwork, videos, CDs/DVDs, etc. must be converted to jpeg or PDF files. Include clear instructions for viewing the sample, including software application and platform (PC/Mac) if needed.

IV) All Senior Portfolios must follow the order of the Portfolio Components Form.

V) Work Samples must: A) generally be authentic assessments, performance-based, quarterly, semester, or

final projects. “Daily work” is not usually appropriate for a work sample. For questions about appropriate samples, see your Senior Portfolio Advisor.

B) be your original work, with the exception of entries submitted for Section V, Collaborative Worker. Naturally, these entries may be an accumulation of group members’ efforts. Additionally, certificates and awards, which are appropriate in some sections, are not “your original work”, and may also represent your effort as part of a group.

C) should be legible, easy to follow, and neat.

Section 1 - Required FormsEntry # 1– Home Page The home page should include the following information:

The Senior Portfolio of:

Your nameDate

Buckingham Charter Magnet High School

Entry # 2– Tabs of ContentsIn Appendix A you will find a sample home page of a senior portfolio.

Create tabs for each section of your portfolio.

Contents of your Senior Portfolio must be organized in the order indicated on the Portfolio Components Form.

Entry # 3 – Portfolio Components FormYou will keep and submit a hard copy of the “Portfolio Components Form.”

Your advisor may review and indicate date of completion for each work sample you submit as part of your portfolio.

Your advisor will review your completed portfolio, print and sign the bottom of Portfolio Components Form to ensure the portfolio is complete and in correct order for submission.

Entry # 4 – Permission for Use FormIn Appendix B you will find the “Permission to Use Form,” which you are required to complete. The form gives you two options; you must choose one option.

Option 1: You agree to allow Buckingham Charter Magnet High School and its representatives to use copies of your portfolio, either whole or in part, as instructional samples. Any use of your work will be only for the purpose of providing samples for students in the future.

Option 2: You do not allow Buckingham Charter Magnet High School to use your portfolio, or any part of your portfolio, for any purpose.

Complete and sign the Permission to Use Form after completing your portfolio.

If you are under 18 at the time of your graduation, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the Permission to Use Form.

Your Senior Portfolio Advisor must also sign the Permission to Use Form. Scan and include the original Permission to Use Form in your portfolio or

turn in a hard copy.

Section II - Self-directed AchieverEach Buckingham Charter Magnet High School graduate is a Self-directed Achiever who creates a personal academic and vocational vision and who takes individual

responsibility for progress toward that goal.

Buckingham students will be prepared for academic success in post-secondary education.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency with computer skills necessary in the 21st century.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency in the content areas through the use of Visual and Media Arts.

For this section you will submit seven work samples. The College section of the BCMHS website contains links/resources to assist you. Your work samples will provide evidence that as a self-directed student, you have achieved one or more of the Expected School-wide Learning Results listed above. Your work samples will include:

Work Sample # 1 – Cover LetterWhen applying for jobs, many employers require a cover letter accompanied by a resume. A cover letter should complement, not restate the information on your resume. It is intended to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume, add a personal touch, and exhibit your personality. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, and therefore creates the very critical first impression. A great cover letter can set your resume apart from hundreds of applicants and determine whether or not you will be called for an interview.

Effective cover letters explain why you are writing; identify your most relevant skills and experiences; and outline what you have to offer to the organization. Cover letters should be direct and to the point. Your letter should contain skills and experiences that set you apart from other applicants and convince the employer you would be a valuable asset to his or her team.

Your Senior Portfolio will include a cover letter, addressed to the Senior Portfolio Committee. Since you will soon be applying for jobs, writing and creating cover letters will be valuable. For this particular cover letter please include the following information:

Paragraph 1:Why are you writing?Be concise; be clear. You could include such phrases as, “…approval of senior portfolio”, “…to graduate from high school and begin to pursue a career in…”

Paragraph 2:What do you have to offer?Convince the portfolio evaluators that you have acquired the necessary skills required for high school graduation. You may elaborate on components of your resume, or work samples included in your portfolio (in some instances this section could be divided into two paragraphs).

Explain steps you have taken during high school to prepare for the future.

Indicate how experiences at BCMHS have influenced your future plans (i.e. lessons learned, classes taken, opportunities, activities, friendships made, teachers, etc).

Point out your talents, accomplishments, and experience(s) that indicate you are ready to pursue a career or post-secondary education.

Paragraph 3:What are your immediate future plans?When writing to prospective employers, this section will usually include how you will follow up. A phone call? A personal meeting? However, for the purposes of this cover letter, your final paragraph must include a brief description of your immediate plans following high school – covering at least the next five (5) years. Describe your academic or vocational vision following high school

graduation. Briefly list the steps necessary you must take, after high school, to

make your vision become reality.This will serve as a lead-in to your statement of future plans where you will go into much further detail. This paragraph does not need to be more than 6-8 sentences.

Paragraph 4:A brief closingAgain, be concise and polite. You could include such phrases as, “I anticipate your enthusiastic approval of my portfolio”, or “…I look forward to my high school graduation and beginning the next phase of my life…”

Your Cover Letter must:

Be no longer than the front of one page. Be word-processed following the accepted cover letter format. Refer to

references listed in Appendix A. Be addressed to: Senior Portfolio Committee Be checked for spelling and grammatical errors. Be signed Work

Work Sample #2 – Resume

Your resume will be a critical tool as you begin searching for a job. The main purpose of a resume is to catch the employer’s attention enough to get an interview. Think of your resume as an advertisement for yourself. You do not want to include everything you’ve ever done, but rather emphasize those skills and experiences you believe the employer will be seeking.

There are many accepted ways to format a resume. Depending on the format you chose, these may or may not be the headings you will use. However, most resume formats will call for the following or similar information:

Personal Information:Your name, address, telephone number, email

Objective:One brief, focused sentence that lets the reader know the type of position you are seeking.

Education:

List high schools you have attended in beginning with your most recent school of attendance. If appropriate and relevant to the job, list classes you have taken and GPA.

Work Experience:List jobs and internships you have held beginning with the most recent. Include your job title, dates worked, and two to three accomplishment statements for each job. Accomplishments statements should describe your responsibilities and accomplishments while at a particular job. Always use action verbs (i.e. created, coordinated, etc.) versus passive verbs (i.e. “was responsible for, duties included, etc.”). An example of an accomplishment statement for a bank teller position could be:

“Provided excellent customer service which contributed to many new account referrals.”

Additional Information:This section may often have different headings depending upon the information you intend to include. Here you should list additional information relevant to the position you are seeking. For example you may include: computer skills, languages spoken, awards/honors, activities, or other unique skills.

Your Resume must:

Be no longer than the front of one page. Be word-processed following an accepted resume format. Refer to references

and tools listed for writing a resume in Appendix A. Be checked for spelling and grammatical errors.

Work Sample # 3 - Statement of Intent/Future PlansFor those of you who plan to attend college, part of the admissions package generally includes a statement of intent. A statement of intent most commonly includes a declaration statement of your desire to attend a particular college, why you have chosen a particular college, your major of choice, and your academic goals while attending. The instructions may also ask you to reflect on an experience, which you feel has prepared you to be successful at the college level.

This essay allows the admissions committee deeper insight into who you are as a person, student, and learner. It is the one opportunity in the admissions process (unless the school requires an interview) for you to let your personality shine through. Just like the cover letter, your statement of intent is an important factor in setting you apart from the rest of the applicants and determining if your college application will make it to the next round of the admissions process.

For those of you intending to go straight into a career or attend a trade school, a Statement of Future plans is equally important. A Statement of Future Plans will allow you to clearly define your future goals and the steps you must follow in order to obtain those goals.

You will be required to submit a Statement of Intent/Future plans for your Senior Portfolio.

IntroductionThe introduction should accomplish three things: Introduce the topic with some indication of its inherent interest or

importance, and a clear definition of the boundaries of the subject area.

Provide necessary background leading to the thesis statement. State the thesis of the essay, preferably in a single sentence with a

clear main clause. Your thesis should concern you post-graduation plans.

BodyThe body of your essay should be 3 – 5 paragraphs, focused around one or more of the following topics (adapted from the Statement of Intent, Freshman Application, University of California): How have you taken advantage of the educational opportunities you

have had to prepare for college, a career or living independently as part of the workforce?

Tell us about a talent, experience, contribution or personal quality you will bring to your chosen profession, the workplace or a college.

Is there anything you would like us to know about you or your academic record that may not be obvious, but would be an important component in understanding your potential?

ConclusionThe concluding paragraph ties up loose ends and leaves the reader with a sense of completion. The conclusion should: be a logical ending to what has been previously been discussed and

refer the reader back to the focus you outlined in your introduction and to the thesis.

never contain any new information. add to the overall quality and impact of the essay. This is your final

statement about this topic; it can make a great impact on the reader.

Your Statement of Future Plans must:

Be 1 – 4 pages in length. Follow MLA format. Be checked for spelling and grammatical accuracy.

Work Sample # 4 – Interest Finder / College SearchYou will do both an Interest Finder and a College Search based on the results of your self-assessment, using the California Colleges website. If you are taking Advanced Placement English online, or if you are taking English 12 through BASS or BCAL, you are expected to make

arrangements with the coordinator of student services to receive instruction in using the website if you need it.

www.californiacolleges.edu is the state's official website that provides information about higher education in California for students, counselors, and parents. It has been developed in collaboration with the California State University (CSU), University of California (UC), California Community Colleges (CCC), Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU), and the California Department of Education. It allows students to create a personal online portfolio that can be used to track college planning and provides a service that merges student information directly into the CSU application.

californiacolleges.edu includes the following features:

Explore Colleges and Careers Discover the colleges and universities in California Determine the careers that best match your skills and interests Match schools with your career interests

Plan and Pay for College See which high school classes are needed to meet admission requirements Learn about ways to pay for college Create a personal portfolio to track your college planning

College Admissions Gather information about the admission requirements at all California

colleges and universities Apply online to many of the colleges and universities in California

Work Sample #4 - Begin by following the prompts below.

1. Type in the website: www.californiacolleges.edu

2. In the upper right-hand corner of the page, please click on “Create an Account”3. Choose the “Create a Temporary Anonymous Account” option by adding a

username and password and click on “Create My Account”. Select a username and password and click on “Continue”.

Add a “Username”______________________________Add a “Password”______________________________

4. At the top click “Career”.5. Click on “Career Self-Assessment”6. Under the “Interests” box, click on “My Interest Finder”7. Click on “Begin” and complete the 15-page survey. Read your results and

continue to the bottom of the page….print your interest results. 8. Click on “find careers that match my interests”. Review your list of careers and

select one. Print your profile.9. Continue down the page and click on your “interest results” to limit the number

of careers.10. Continue down and select a school that relates to your major, clicking on the

school. Print the college profile. 11. Staple the two profiles together to complete Work Sample 4.

Work Sample #5 – Attend/complete at least 2 of the following and take notes: 1. College visit/fair/preview day/representative meeting2. A military recruiter meeting/interview and completion of the

ASVAB3. A meeting/interview with an adult (21 years or older)

counselor/trainer/employer at a place of business or a trade/tech school.

Students must provide proof of attendance (brochure, business card, flyer, video of your meeting/interview, etc.) with a signature from the presenter/representative/employer, etc. and this should be scanned and included. (For college rep visits at BCMHS, Mrs. Hey or Mrs. Henry can sign the brochure.) (For college visits done prior, please have parents verify.)

Work Sample #6 – Essay This should be at least a 5 paragraph narrative essay in MLA format explaining the knowledge gained from completion of work sample #5. The introduction should explain which 2 options were completed and which one of the two you have chosen to pursue. The remaining paragraphs should focus on the knowledge gained and what you plan to do to see that option through to completion.

Work Sample # 7 – FAFSAFor most students who attend college, financing their education is becoming an increasing concern. Financial aid can sometimes be the deciding factor in a student’s choice of college or determine whether or not college is even a possibility. The beginning of eligibility for most financial aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A financial aid package is likely to include funds from the federal student aid programs. These programs are administered by the U.S. Department of Education and provide over $33 billion a year to students attending post-secondary schools. Additionally, many colleges and universities use the information derived through FAFSA to award their own funds. Funds may be deferred if not attending college right away.

To complete this work sample, 12th graders will go online and complete the application for a FAFSA Personal Identification Number after January 1st. You will then fill out the FAFSA sections titled “Information About the Student” and “Student Status”. You will print these out for inclusion with your portfolio. The deadline for submitting a completed FAFSA for financial aid eligibility is March 2nd. Even if you think you are not attending college right away, this work sample is required because the information is valuable and useful for the future.

Section III - Quality ProducerEach Buckingham Charter Magnet High School graduate is a Quality Producer who consistently develops products, which meet or exceed defined standards and who is able to communicate the elements of a

quality product.

Buckingham students will be prepared for academic success in post-secondary education.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency in the content areas through the use of Visual and Media Arts.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency with computer skills necessary in the 21st century.

For this section you will submit three work samples, one of which is accompanied by the Student Reflection Form. Your work samples will provide evidence you have accomplished one or more of the above Expected School-wide Learning Results through the production of high quality work. Each work sample must reflect achievement in a different content area. Your work samples will include:

Work Sample # 1 – “Best Piece” Student Writing SelectionYou will be required for this entry to select one piece of writing, written during your junior or senior year of high school, that you would consider your “Best Piece”. The writing selection must be from one of the following categories:

1. Fictional, autobiographical or biographical narrative2. Response to literature3. Reflective composition4. Persuasive composition5. Historical investigation reports

Be sure to …

check for spelling and grammatical accuracy. follow MLA format.

“Best Piece” Student Reflection FormAlong with your “Best Piece”, you will submit the “Best Piece” Student Reflection Form. This form can be found on pg. 36 of the Forms section. The form will ask you to reflect on the assignment you selected as your “Best Piece.” You may use the original “Best Piece Student Reflection Form” found in Forms, or recreate the form with a word-processing program. When assembling your work samples for submission, the Reflection Form will follow the final page of your “Best Piece” writing selection.

Complete and attach (if necessary) an essay response as directed at the bottom of the Reflection Form.

Work Samples # 2 and #3The second and third work samples for Section III should be pieces that you, your teachers, your parents and your Senior Portfolio Advisor believe exhibit your best effort and talents. The selected works must show evidence that you have met the Expected School-wide Learning Results for Section III. Each of the samples must be from a different content area, and also a different content area from your “Best Piece”. The following are examples of work that could be submitted:

A monthly authentic assessment or semester project from any class that received an excellent evaluation from your teacher.

An assessment or project from Solano Community College class that received an excellent evaluation from your teacher.

A science project, photograph, or piece of artwork, which earned honors in a competition.

Be sure to…

consult with your teacher, parents and Senior Portfolio Advisor on the selection of these work samples.

select samples that are truly “quality” work. include a paragraph that introduces and describes each work sample.

Section IV - Technology IntegratorEach Buckingham Charter Magnet High School graduate is a Technology Integrator

who ethically implements technology skills and resources to create appropriate products for specific purposes.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency with computer skills necessary in the 21st century.

Buckingham students will be prepared for academic success in post-secondary education.

Buckingham students will be responsible citizens and possess a solid foundation for life-long learning.

For this section you will submit one work sample. Your work sample will provide evidence you have accomplished the above Expected School-wide Learning Results through the use of technology.

Work SampleThe work sample in Section IV should be something that you, your teachers, your parents and your Senior Portfolio Advisor believe exhibit outstanding effort, achievement and talent. The work sample must also demonstrate that you have met the Expected School-wide Learning Results using technology. The following are examples of work that could be submitted:

A monthly authentic assessment or semester project from any class that received an excellent evaluation from your teacher.

An assessment or project from Solano Community College class that received an excellent evaluation from your teacher.

A science project, photograph, digital artwork, film or video production, sound production, or a web page.

Produced by using any of the following applications or software (or comparable).

o Microsoft Excelo Microsoft PowerPointo Microsoft Accesso Microsoft Publishero Microsoft Front Pageo MS Painto Notepad (when used for html

coding)o Adobe Photoshopo Adobe Creative Suiteo Adobe After Effectso Adobe Auditiono Inspirationo Apple Final Cut Proo Apple Soundtrack Proo Apple iDVD

o Apple iPhotoo Apple iMovie HDo Digidesign Pro Toolso Final Draft o Maxon Body Paint 3Do Sonic Foundry Sound Forgeo BSI Wave Carto BSI Simiano Amplitude/Reasono De Boardo Wurly Suito BSI Natural Musico Live Typeo Netscape Composer

Assignments produced by only using Microsoft Word, Excel (or a comparable word processing application) will not be accepted for this section.

11

Be sure to …

select a work sample that is truly “quality” work. not submit a work sample produced solely by word processing or Excel

software. They will not be accepted for this section. Include your name in the title or the credits. include a paragraph that introduces and describes the work sample.

Section V - Collaborative WorkerEach Buckingham Charter Magnet High School graduate is a

Collaborative Worker who demonstrates effective interpersonal skills and who meets individual responsibilities in support of team goals.

Buckingham students will be prepared for academic success in post-secondary education.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency with computer skills necessary in the 21st century.

Buckingham students will be responsible citizens and possess a solid foundation for life long learning.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency in the content areas through the use of Visual and Media Arts.

Work Samples #1 and #2 – Student ChoiceBoth work samples in Section V should be 2 different examples that you, your teachers, your parents and your Senior Portfolio Advisor believe exhibit outstanding effort, achievement and talent. The work samples must also demonstrate that you have met the Expected School-wide Learning Results by working collaboratively. The following are examples of work that could be submitted:

A monthly authentic assessment or semester project from any class that received an excellent evaluation from your teacher and which required the efforts of two or more students. Examples of suitable work samples include (but are not limited to):

Social Studies: a debate or mock trial. English: student-authored book, which incorporated the “peer editing”

process. Science: a class presentation on the origin of life or a lab report done with

other students. Foreign Language: A video or podcast produced where you are using the

target language. Math: Steeple chase or other project Visual and Performing Arts: A student produced film. Information Technology: A report done with other students on setting up

network routers.

A co-curricular or extra-curricular project that required efforts of two or more students. Examples of suitable work samples include (but are not limited to):

In Visual and Performing Arts: A video copy of a play, performance or independent project.

Photographs documenting your participation in a school club, or athletic team.

In Service Learning or Leadership: Documentation your participation in any activity or project at your service site. Documentation your participation in any event, such as the Festival of Trees or school activity that your group has coordinated.

An outside activity that involved two or more people. Examples of suitable work samples include (but are not limited to):

An evaluation from your job, which addresses your ability to work with others.

A certificate of participation or appreciation for your involvement in a service activity with other students or adults.

An essay reflecting on experiences and/or learning which occurs in the workplace.

Photographs which evidence your participation in a group activity in your youth group, dance class, martial arts, gymnastics, or other group.

Letter from a youth pastor or other group leader attesting to your involvement in a group activity.

Section VI - Community ContributorEach Buckingham Charter Magnet High School student is expected to become a Community Contributor who positively contributes to the

welfare of his or her community.

Buckingham students will be responsible citizens and possess a solid foundation for life-long learning.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency in the content areas through the use of Visual and Media Arts.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency with computer skills necessary in the 21st century.

For this section you will submit two work samples. Your work samples will provide evidence you have accomplished the above Expected School-wide Learning Result by contributing to a community. Each work sample must reflect achievement in a different content area. Your work samples will include:

Work Sample # 1 and Work Sample # 2 – Student ChoiceBoth work samples in Section IV should be pieces that you, your teachers, your parents and your Senior Portfolio Advisor believe exhibit outstanding effort, achievement and talent. The work samples must also demonstrate that you have met the Expected School-wide Learning Results by contributing to a community. A community may be as small as your family or your neighborhood or as large as the nation or the world. Communities include church groups, the school, civic organizations, clubs and teams. Communities may be either formal or informal. The following are examples of work that could be submitted:

A monthly authentic assessment or semester project from any class that received an excellent evaluation from your teacher and which demonstrates involvement in a community. Examples of suitable work samples include (but are not limited to):

Social Studies or English: Draft a proposal to an appropriate legislator to change a current law.

English or Math: Examine data on a national health issue. Calculate the trends of known cases. Give a group presentation to classmates to educate on statistics and related issues.

Service Learning: A log of volunteer hours and a journal of your experiences.

Student Leadership: Paperwork documenting your role in a particular activity and journal reflections of your experience.

A co-curricular or extra-curricular project that demonstrates involvement in a community. Examples of suitable work samples include (but are not limited to):

A video copy of you taking part in a food drive sponsored by the Leadership or other school group.

In Community Service or Leadership: Documentation of your time or activity at your service site. Documentation your participation in any school event or activity which your group has coordinated.

An outside activity that demonstrates involvement in a community. Examples of suitable work samples include (but are not limited to):

A certificate of participation or appreciation for your involvement in a service activity.

Photographs that evidence your service capacity as part of a youth group or other group.

A letter from a youth pastor or other group leader attesting to your involvement.

A letter from a neighbor, friend or relative that you have helped.

Be sure to include a paragraph that introduces and describes each work sample.

Section VII - Life-long LearnerEach Buckingham Charter Magnet High School graduate is a Life-long

Learner who applies appropriate strategies to analyze information and who continually evaluates and synthesizes results to determine the

need for additional information.

Buckingham students will be responsible citizens and possess a solid foundation for life-long learning.

Buckingham students will be prepared for academic success in post-secondary education.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency in the content areas through the use of Visual and Media Arts.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency with computer skills necessary in the 21st century.

For this section you will submit two work samples. Your work samples will provide evidence you have accomplished the above Expected School-wide Learning Result in the process of developing the skills and attitudes of a life-long learner. Each work sample must reflect achievement in a different content area. Your work samples will include:

Work Sample # 1 and Work Sample # 2 – Student ChoiceBoth work samples in Section IV should be pieces that you, your teachers, your parents and your Senior Portfolio Advisor believe exhibit outstanding effort, achievement and talent. The work samples must also demonstrate that you have met the Expected School-wide Learning Results by becoming a life-long learner. The following are examples of work that could be submitted:

A monthly authentic assessment or semester project from any class that received an excellent evaluation from your teacher and which demonstrates that you have acquired skills for life outside high school. Examples of suitable work samples include (but are not limited to):

Economics: Create a business plan for a real or fictitious company/product. Include an analysis of why this product would succeed.

English: A reflective essay on a life lesson learned while at Buckingham and how it will affect your life, decisions and choices in the future.

PE or Health: Incorporating the principles of nutrition and exercise, design a realistic fitness plan for an overweight high school student. Present with a two-week plan and an explanation of why these are “healthy” meals.

A co-curricular or extra-curricular project that demonstrates involvement in a community. Examples of suitable work samples include (but are not limited to):

In athletics, drama or music: evidence of sustained practice and participation.

In student activities: evidence of sustained participation, especially in leadership positions

An outside activity that demonstrates the skills for life beyond high school. Examples of suitable work samples include (but are not limited to):

Evidence of classes taken at community college or other location while in high school.

Evidence of a hobby/outside activity that requires learning knowledge or skills on one’s own.

A copy of your application or acceptance to a college, university or technical or trade school.

A copy of your application for a certificate-training program. A copy of your enlistment papers in a branch of the armed forces. An n Excel spreadsheet documenting your monthly budget.

Section VIII - Personal SelectionsBuckingham students will be prepared for academic success in post-secondary education.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency with computer skills necessary in the 21st century.

Buckingham students will demonstrate proficiency in the content areas through the use of Visual and Media Arts.

Buckingham students will be responsible citizens and possess a solid foundation for life-long learning.

For this section you will submit two or three samples. Two samples are required, a third is optional. This is your opportunity to include work samples, which will give the evaluation committee some additional insight into you as a learner and a person. Feel free to include samples you are proud of or reflect an aspect of you that has not yet been exhibited through earlier work samples. These samples can be from outside the academic arena if you wish. Listed below are a few examples you may submit for this section. Do not feel tied to these examples, they are merely suggestions. Be creative; don’t go over the top, but have fun with this section and make it your own!

Evidence of hobbies or athletic involvement outside school

Products created at work Artwork, Photography, or Music Journals of unique experiences Solano College coursework Products from film or audio classes Evidence of Leadership activities Original writing (poetry, fiction or

non-fiction)

Certifications earned Evidence of volunteer work Evidence of technology competency Reflections from job internships Awards / Recognitions (copies) Products from computer tech classes Evidence of extra curricular

activities

Be sure to….

include a paragraph that introduces and describes each work sample.

Section IX - MiscellaneousList of ReferencesYou will be required to compile a list of references – two people that know you well as a person, student, community member etc. We will not contact them, but when applying for a job or college admissions they may be contacted. Think of people you would feel confident of their opinion of you. Make sure you ask their permission before using them as a reference. You will be asked to give this information countless times to potential employers and on applications for jobs, loans, schools, etc. Keep this information handy; you may refer to it often.

List the following for each reference:

NameJob title (if appropriate)AddressTelephone numberEmail addressTheir relationship to you

Be sure to ….

type your list of references. update your list of references occasionally to keep current.

Letters of RecommendationYou will be required to submit two letters of recommendation not previously used. Teachers, administrators, employers, pastors, and co-workers would be examples of people who could write you a letter of recommendation. Letters written by relatives or peers will not be accepted. If you need further guidance, please see your Senior Portfolio Advisor or the Coordinator of Student Services.

Give the people you ask for recommendations the following information to aid in their writing: to whom the letter will be addressed, what skills or talents you want them to address, and the date you need the letter of recommendation.

The person making the recommendation must sign the letter (personal signature).

Be sure to….

give people plenty time to write letters of recommendations. Chances are the more time you give people, the better the recommendation will be.

send thank you letters to people who wrote letters of recommendations on your behalf.

keep copies of the letters for your files and future use.

TranscriptsInclude a copy of your 2nd semester senior year transcript. Your transcript should verify you are on schedule to fulfill all graduation requirements by the stated deadlines.

The Counseling Secretary or your Senior Portfolio Advisor can give you a printed copy of your transcript. Please do not request copies of your transcript before March 1st prior to your graduation (December 1st for January graduates).

To request a transcript, fill out a Request for Transcript Form available in the main office and turn in to the registrar. Allow at least 24 hours notice. Return to pick up your transcript.

Standardized Test Scores - OptionalYou may want to include test scores of exams on which you have done well that demonstrate improvement, or highlights a personal accomplishment. Examples of some test scores you may want to include are:

STAR scores Golden State Exam scores PSAT scores SAT or ACT scores ASVAB scores AP scores Other

This section is optional. If you do decide to include score reports, be sure to include a photocopied version. Never include originals!!

Appendix A – Resources

Resources for Writing a Cover Letter and a Resume

The Online Writing Lab of Purdue University (OWL) has excellent pages for both cover letters and resumes.

www.purdue.edu

This website houses step-by-step directions to using the Microsoft word resume wizard and resume templates.

www.gray.lib.me.us

Resources for Section III – “Best Piece” Selection

www.corestandards.org

Resources for websites that can be used to create your portfolio

www.googlesites.com

www.weebly.com

www.webs.com

www.wix.com

This is an example of a home page of a senior portfolio. Notice the tabs across the top providing easy access to all information. The tabs can be placed across the top or to the left.

Appendix B - Forms

“Best Piece” Reflection Form

Title of Assignment: ____________________________________________________________

Date of Assignment: ________________________________

Course in which assignment was completed: ________________________________

Briefly describe the assignment. What steps did you need to take in order to complete this assignment? What resources, software, skills were required to complete this assignment?

Complete this form with an essay response (½ page – 1 page; BCMHS Academic Report Format) addressing the following questions.

Why did you choose this work sample as your “Best Piece?” What should the reader expect to find? What impressions do you hope the reader gains about you as a learner after

viewing this piece? What did you learn as a result of completing this assignment? How will you use this knowledge / experience in the future?

Permission Slip for Buckingham Use

I ______________________________ give Buckingham Charter Magnet High School permission

To photocopy some / all of my portfolio components

To scan some / all of my portfolio components and store electronically

All portfolio components will be stored anonymously and may be used as examples for future students.

I _____________________________ do not give Buckingham Charter Magnet High School permission to copy components of my portfolio in any capacity.

Student Signature ________________________________________ Date __________

Parent Signature __________________________________________ Date __________

Senior Portfolio Advisor Signature _______________________________ Date ________

Please all that apply