Since 2015, tenth-grade students in Hilton have participated in Personal Projects representing the culmination of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). Beginning in ninth grade and continuing through the spring of tenth grade, the Personal Project is a required, large-scale activity of students’ design based on their interests. With guidance from adults within the school community, students identify an area of interest and strength they are motivated to pursue.
“The Personal Project is a unique opportunity for tenth-grade students to have the structure, time, and support in school to design a project of their interest, to either benefit themselves or the community,” said Steve Cudzilo, MYP coordinator. “Students see the project through to the end, for better or worse, and write a report about their plan, skills practiced, and reflection on the process. Finally, students celebrate their projects on presentation day, where they can share their projects and gain valuable public speaking practice.”
Students began working on their projects in September outside of school and in school during advisement time. Owen Hunsinger, already an accomplished saxophone player and member of the Wind and Jazz Ensembles, and Crimson Cadet Marching Band, decided he wanted to explore a different musical instrument. Not only did he teach himself how to play guitar, but he even made the guitar!
After researching the best wood to use and specific cuts he would need to make, Owen purchased pine at Lowe’s and penciled in the outline for the guitar. After cutting out the pieces, sanding them, and screwing the pieces together, he was ready to add the frets, tuning pegs, and strings. “A friend of my mom’s, who is an engineer for musical instruments, helped me. The strings were actually the easiest part,” said Owen.
With his knowledge of music, Owen began to teach himself simple chord shapes. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica was the first song he learned to play, and now he said he loves playing so much that he practices three times a week and hopes to start a band.
“The Personal Project is valuable, but only if you use it to connect with something that really interests you,” said Owen. “Don’t think of it as something you have to do. Make it your own and do what comes naturally.”
Naomi Rosario also took the Personal Project to heart. She thought about the refugee children arriving in Rochester from Central and South America, and how scared they must be, and decided to write a book for them, Paseando por Rochester. “I wanted to write a book for kids to welcome them to Rochester and share all of the fun things there are to do here,” said Naomi, who is bi-lingual.
After planning the project and which activities she would highlight, Naomi wrote the text and then used her art skills to digitally create the illustrations. The book features Ontario Beach Park, Susan B. Anthony House, Seneca Park Zoo, Strong Museum of Play, Ellison Park, Schutts Apple Mill, Rochester Museum and Science Center, and Seabreeze Amusement Park. She even included QR codes for families to scan for more information.
A friend with a printing business is printing at least 200 copies of Naomi’s book at a nominal cost, and they will be included in welcome baskets for children as they arrive in Rochester. Naomi is working with the Greece and Rochester City School District literacy programs to make connections with children to share her book. She also plans to read it to children at the hotel where migrant families are staying and the community center affiliated with the Ibero-American Action League, where her father, Jose, is board chair.
“The Personal Project forces a lot of kids out of their comfort zone and to become more involved in their community,” said Naomi.
Students presented their project during advisement time on two Fridays in March. They were evaluated on how well they investigated their topic, planned their project, and acted and reflected on what they learned through the process. Students receive a Pass/Fail on their Quarter 3 report card based on their work on the project, and its completion is reflected on their transcript. Students also receive .5 credit for completing the project.
For more information about the MYP Personal Project, visit http://Hilton.k12.ny.us/MYP.
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