Amy Miller
Department Chair (English), Upper School English Teacher, Capstone Advisor, Full Steam Ahead Program Director
(719) 475-9747 ext. 566
Capstone Experience
A Culminating, Independent Project for CSS Seniors
Seniors embark on an individualized, student-generated project at the end of their final year. The Capstone Experience will be developed in consultation with the Capstone Advisor, an Academic Advisor, and a Community Mentor. It will culminate in an artifact or presentation to the committee, peers, and parents.
The Capstone Experience gives an added direction, intention, and purpose to the senior year. It reinforces the school’s focus on project-based, individualized learning. It requires students to “own” their learning as they transition to a new phase of their education and prepares them to thrive in college. Additionally, it deepens students’ resumes, enhances their college applications, and differentiates them from the general pool of college applicants. The planning process and experience is intended to also help students explore possible professional goals.
Project Topics Include:
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Writing a research paper on a topic of interest
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Creating a work of art, a play or film, a musical score, or a collection of songs or poems
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Conducting scientific research
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Designing a solution to an engineering problem
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Learning a trade or skill
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Working as an intern in a local business or nonprofit
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Taking on a community service project
How Does This Fit Into the Senior Year?
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Release from non- AP senior classes on May 1st
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Students continue to take AP classes and exams
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No non-AP finals; no senior digital portfolio submissions
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Project requirements calibrated to accommodate students’ AP commitments
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To ensure success, students will meet preparatory deadlines over the course of the senior year aided by the Project Director and assigned faculty mentors.
CSS NEWS: Students explore potential career fields through Senior Capstones
WEBSITE:
2020 e-Capstone Experience:
Projects, Artifacts, and Reflections