The 2019-2020 school year has been full of changes to Bigfork High School thus far. This includes changes in classes and teachers; a major one being the transition of Mr. Appleby to the Middle School, and Mr. Jessop taking his place as the senior english teacher.
Senior projects are a requirement for many Montana High School’s graduation. While most students are excited to get to do something they have never done before, the senior projects have also been a huge source of stress in the past. Mr. Jessop has tried to alleviate some of that pressure this year by changing some of the dynamics of the projects so that they do not determine whether or not students pass senior english. Another change is the purpose of the projects and the process of completing them. They are now focused on either a career that a student is interested in pursuing, or something that will benefit the community. Bigfork High School librarian, Ms. Sherman, has provided a list of local businesses and organizations to help students find a cause they are passionate about, as well as to reveal where help is needed in the community. “I am really hoping the projects have a positive impact on our students, especially the seniors who really get behind their cause,” noted Ms. Sherman. Other students are choosing to follow the “career-path” option for their project. Many students are job shadowing or interning locally to help them gain insight into a career they are interested in pursuing. “I like the new method of senior projects this year because they are helping us figure out what we want to do in life,” commented senior Courtney Boese. No matter which route they choose to take, senior projects this year will be very eye-opening to students about what it means to serve the community or work in a certain field. Along with the actual project, students are required to write a 10 page paper including: a literature review on outside research dealing with their topic, an interview with a mentor, and the process and results of the project. The beginning week of May will be the start of the presentations, where seniors will showcase what their project entailed and what they accomplished. |