James Kenan High School 

NC Graduation Project 

Student/Parent Handbook

James Kenan High School

1241 NC Hwy. 24 & 50 Warsaw, NC 28398

(910) 293-4218 www.duplinschools.net/schools/jkhs

Mr. Michael Holton, Principal Mrs. Rachel Pender, JKGP Coordinator

2017 - 2018

JK*GP Committee

2017-2018 

Holton, Principal 

Pender, JK*GP Coordinator 

 

Beadore 

Holmes 

McCalop 

Pittman 

Raynor 

Singletary 

Smith 

Washington 

Science Rep 

 

 

 

 

 

JK*GP Due Dates (1st semester, English IV) 

 

 September 14 1st Portfolio Check & 

Product/CS Approval 

 

 

October 12   1st Product/CS Check 

 

 

November 7 2nd Product/CS Check 

 

 

November 17 Products/CS Log Due 

 

 

November 27-Dec 15   Practice Presentations 

 

 

December 12 Portfolios Due 

 

 

January 4 

3:45 pm Final Presentations

 

 

JK*GP Due Dates 

English III 

1st Semester 

2017 - 2018  

 

September 13  Student Contract & 

Topic Proposal Form  

 

October 2  Thesis Statement & 

Prelim Outline due  

November 14   Formal Outline due  

December 8 Final Research Paper (5-8 pages)  

 

December 15 Portfolios Due 

 

 

 

Topic Information

 

● when selecting your GP topic, keep in mind all required 

components must be related to the topic, including community 

service (community service must be related to your topic) 

 

● when selecting your GP topic, make certain the topic can be 

adequately covered in at least 5 pages and no more than 8 

pages in length (paper must be 5-8 pages in length) 

 

● topics usually fall into one of three categories—career 

pathway, hobby/interest, or community service

● student selects topic based on their interests, talents, future 

plans, etc. 

● topic needs to be academically challenging (a learning stretch) 

to the individual student 

 

● appropriate, acceptable topics—“outlawed” topics include, but 

not limited, to (SADD—sex, alcohol, drugs, diseases—may 

possibly be approved, depending on the approach) —topic must 

have related project/product 

 

● the product must correlate to either the traditional product or 

the community service the student will complete as a senior 

 

● in order for community service to qualify as a student’s 

product, the community service hours earned must be related 

to the topic of the student’s Graduation Project (working at a 

homeless shelter does not correlate with a research paper on 

“Civil War Battles In NC”) 

 

● all community service hours must be approved by Graduation 

Project Committee prior to performing the community service, 

assuring the correlation between Graduation Project topic and 

the community service performed   

 

● a 3-part thesis statement will be written on the topic of choice 

during English III 

● after approval by English III teacher, passed to JK*GP 

Committee for final approval 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JK*GP Topic Proposal

Student’s Name __________________________________ Topic_______________________________________________

_________________________________________ Why are you interested in this topic? ___________________________________________________

_________________________________________ Product description/Community Service Proposal (PowerPoint, brochure, 

pamphlet, flyer is not a product) 

________________________________________

________________________________________

_______________________________ ______________________________________________ How the product relates to the topic (traditional or CS must relate 

to topic): 

___________________________________________________

___________________________________________________

____________________________________ 

Student signature _____________________ Date _____________ Teacher signature_____________________ Date _____________ JK*GP Committee: Signature_________________________________ date ____________ ____ Approved ____ Rejected ____ Needs Revisions Comments:

 

 

James Kenan Graduation Project  Student Contract

Description “The North Carolina Graduation Project is an integral part on North Carolina’s high school                           

exit standards. It is a performance-based exit assessment that provides students with a                         

vehicle to demonstrate what they know and are able to do as they prepare to graduate                               

from high school. To fulfill all graduation requirements, a student must master the NC                           

Graduation Project skills before the completion of the student’s final high school year.                         

Though the project culminates in the graduation year, students should already possess and                         

begin to demonstrate specific, required skills beginning in the 9th grade year or earlier.”                           

(The North Carolina Graduation Project Implementation Guide, NC Department of Public                     

Instruction, 2007) James Kenan’s Graduation Project James Kenan follows recommended requirements and procedures set by the Duplin County                       

Board of Education Graduation Project Committee.  Graduation Project is a Duplin County Schools high school exit requirement. The Graduation Project consists of four major components:

● A 5-8 page research paper ● A project/product/community service related to the research topic ● A portfolio with required components ● A presentation before a panel of judges

State-endorsed rubrics, evaluation tools used to score/grade an assignment or tasks, will                       

be used for each of the four components. Students are required to pass each component                             

of James Kenan Graduation Project to graduate.  The student will:

● develop a written proposal to be approved by James Kenan’s Graduation Project                       

Committee prior to the beginning of the project ● select and research a topic of interest, develop a research paper, compile a                         

portfolio with required documentation ● write, speak, solve problems, and use real-life skills, such as time management and                         

organization 

● work with a product mentor in the development of the graduation project/product or                         

complete community service hours  ● present the project/product/community service and paper before a panel of judges                     

consisting of teachers and other school personnel, community members, and                   

business representatives 

● use DCS Student Gmail account & Google Drive for all GP assignments and will also                             

save on their flash drive as back-up 

(Students taking English IV on-line are required to complete JK*GP Online English IV                         

Commitment Form)

Supplies needed 

● black, 3-ring binder with clear plastic front pocket (2” suggested) ● clear plastic page protectors ● 3x5 index cards ● flash drive 

I have read, understand and accept, the above requirements involving the NC, DCS and JK                             

Graduation Project. I agree to abide by these requirements. I will conduct myself with                           

the utmost professionalism in working with school and community leaders. I understand                       

that it is necessary for me to work with a Product Mentor outside of regular school hours.                                 

I understand it is my responsibility to purchase the necessary items to complete the                           

Graduation Project. I understand that ethical violations will result in consequences from                       

Administration and the JK*GP Committee. I understand that not completing and passing all                         

four components of the Graduation Project will result in my not meeting the DCS High                             

School Exit Standards requirements for graduation.

Student name (print) ______________________________________________

Student signature _________________________________ Date __________

Parent/Guardian name (print) _______________________________________

Parent/Guardian signature __________________________ Date ___________

 

 

 

 

 

 

Online English IV Commitment Form

Seniors taking English IV on-line must follow all JK*GP requirements as students in the                           

traditional classroom setting. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with the JK English                           

IV teacher at the beginning of the semester to schedule weekly contact. The 5-8                           

research paper component of the JK*GP will be averaged in with the online exam grade.

To be completed by student

Student _______________________________________________________

School offering online course _______________________________________ Teacher _____________________________ Phone # ___________________ Teacher email ___________________________________________________ To be completed by teacher

JK English IV Teacher ____________________________________________ Weekly JK*GP scheduled appointment (lab days, Plus Period, etc.) 

______________________________________________________________ Comments ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ To be completed at scheduled appointments:

Date  Time  Purpose  Teacher’s Initials 

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

       

 

Portfolio

Portfolio

A portfolio is described and defined in the NCGP Implementation Guide as:

■ a physical record of documentation of all the steps of the GP ■ a learning record of the process & progress demonstrating student 

growth ■ a record of reflection containing reflective writings throughout the 

journey ■ a journal monitored on a regular basis throughout the stages of the 

GP and due the senior year ■ a guide for the judging panel including photos, work samples, 

schedules, logs, reflections, grades, notes/comments, etc.  ■ a show-case of artifacts on all four steps of the GP ■ reveals 21st century skills

JK Portfolio requirements:

■ black, 2-inch (suggested), 3-ring binder with plastic front pocket ■ page protectors ■ contents—Contents of Portfolio/Table of Contents form lists 

requirements of documentation to be placed in Portfolio ■ Rubric—state-mandated rubric will be used; Pass/Fail—students are 

required to Pass the Portfolio component of GP in order to graduate ■ Portfolio Check—Portfolios will be checked during the GP process for 

required contents ■ students are responsible for the Portfolio during the Graduation 

Project process 

 

 

 

 

Portfolio Title Page

● Times New Roman font

● 22 pt.

● 1 inch top margin

● Title of Student’s Graduation Project

● Enter 7 times

● Student’s Name (First, Middle, & Last)

● Enter 8 Times

● Graduating Year

Title of Paper 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Student Name 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2017 - 2018 

English III Portfolio Requirements 

 

 

Portfolios are due December 15th. They 

will be checked by the GPC and safely stored 

until English IV. 

 

Portfolio/Title Page 

Table of Contents 

Autobiography 

Student Contract 

Topic Proposal 

Outline 

Final Paper (5-8 pages: minimum of 5 and 

maximum of 8 pages in length, double spaced, 

font 12) 

Works Cited 

 

 

 

 

Table of Contents  

● Portfolio & Product Checksheet 

● Table of Contents 

● Autobiography 

● Student Contract 

● Topic Proposal Form 

● Outline 

● Final Copy of Research Paper (5-8 pages) 

● Works Cited 

● Product Mentor Application 

● Community Service Application 

● Product Mentor Log 

● Community Service Log 

● Product Mentor Verification Form 

● CS Supervisor Application and Agreement Form  

● Photos 

● Documentation Related to Topic, Product, or CS 

● Reflection 

● Thank You Notes 

JK*GP Traditional Portfolio & Product Check  

Student _____________________________________

Date  Items Due  Grade (P/F)  GPC  

Sept. 14 

Portfolio 

Check & 

Product  

Approval 

____ Portfolio/Cover Page 

____ Title Page 

____ Table of Contents 

____ Autobiography 

____ Student Contract 

____ Topic Proposal Form 

____ Outline 

____ Paper 

____ Works Cited 

____ Product Approval Form 

   

Oct. 12 

1st 

Product 

Check 

____ Product Mentor App 

____ Product Mentor Log 

(minimum 5 hours 

with Mentor) 

____ Photos (minimum of 5 

photos of product 

development)   

   

Nov. 7 

2nd 

Product 

Check 

____ Product Mentor Log 

(total 15 hours--10 

with mentor) 

____ Mentor Verification 

____ Photos  

(total of 10) 

   

Nov. 17 

Products 

Due 

____ Products turned in  

to Media Center   

   

Dec. 12  

Portfolios 

Due 

____ Reflection 

____ Thank You Notes 

(total of 3) 

_____ Portfolios due to GPC 

 

   

 

Final (Pass/Fail) _______ GPC Signature ______________Date ___________

 

JK*GP Portfolio & Community Service Check  

Student _____________________________________

Date  Items Due  Grade (P/F)  GPC  

Sept. 14 

Portfolio 

Check & 

CS  

Approval 

____ Portfolio/Cover Page 

____ Title Page 

____ Table of Contents 

____ Autobiography 

____ Student Contract 

____ Topic Proposal Form 

____ Outline 

____ Paper 

____ Works Cited 

____ CS Application Form  

   

Oct. 12 

1st 

CS 

Check 

____ CS Guidelines Form  

____ CS Site Supervisor App 

____ Comm. Service Log 

(minimum 10 hours) 

____ Photos (minimum of 5 

photos of CS activities)   

   

Nov. 7 

2nd 

CS Check 

____ Comm. Service Log 

(minimum 20 hours) 

____ Photos  

(total of 10) 

   

Nov. 17 

CS Hours 

Due 

____ Comm. Service Log 

(total 30 hours) 

   

Dec. 12  

Portfolios 

Due 

____ Reflection 

____ Thank You Notes 

(total of 3) 

_____ Portfolios due to GPC 

 

   

 

Final (Pass/Fail) _______ GPC Signature ______________Date ___________

 

 

Paper  

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

English III GP Research Dates 

(1st Semester-2017) 

 

 

September 13 Student Contract & 

Topic Proposal Form due  

September 18-21   Media Center (bib cards) 

 

September 22 5 biblio cards due (3 x 5, black ink)  

October 2 Thesis Statement & 

Prelim Outline due  

October 12-18   Media Center (note cards) 

 

October 19 25 note cards due  

October 30-November 3   Media Center (note cards) 

 

November 6  25 more note cards due  

November 14 Formal Outline due  

November 27-December 4 Rough Draft Workshop 

 

December 8 Final Research Paper due  

December 15 Portfolios Due 

 

 

Special Notes: 

 

● Late penalty for all research is one letter grade per day 

● Research late the same day will lose three points 

● You cannot submit research assignments out of sequence 

● Complete your 3X5 source cards and 4X6 notecards in black ink 

● Follow the format (samples) for the biblio and notecards 

● You must type the rough draft and the final research paper 

● Failure to show appropriate documentation through your paper will result in an automatic “F” 

● Documentation is required in every paragraph; intro and concluding paragraphs may omit 

documentation 

● Works Cited page required 

● Proofread both copies of your papers 

The research paper consists of an outline, the paper and a Works Cited page. 

All information concerning the paper will be handled by the English III 

teacher. 

 

● DCS Student Gmail account & Google Drive will be used for all GP 

assignments. 

 

● Research Paper Rubric will be given to students by English teacher. 

 

● A rough draft of paper will be assigned, then a final copy will be due. 

Both copies will be placed in Portfolio. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product (Traditional or Community Service) 

 

  

 

 

 

Choosing a Product  

You have two options this year in completing the product portion of the graduation project: 

traditional product (build/make/create/do) or community service.  

 

The product should be something from which you can grow and benefit. You can choose 

many different types of products that will reflect the information you acquired from your 

research. Use the following information to guide you as you choose your product. 

 

The product should fulfill a need or desire by either the student and/or community. 

 

● Physical product – build or make something; such as a fashion outfit, a computer 

program, a special engine or a model of a historical scene. 

 

● Written product – write a short novel, a short story, or a collection of poetry. 

 

● Performance – perform a dance, a musical selection that has been written, a drama 

or a magic show. 

 

● Conduct a teaching or leadership experience – teach a middle school or elementary 

class a series of lessons or a skill. For example, teach a dance class or coach a little 

league team. 

 

● Physical experience – learn to skydive, run a marathon or go on a wilderness survival 

trip. 

 

● Career-related project – complete a job-shadowing experience in a professional area 

that you wish to pursue, volunteer your time at a local office of some kind. Note: 

simplistic products (like job-shadowing without any application beyond the shadowing 

experience) are usually not challenging enough to meet the “completion” 

requirements of the Graduation Project and are unacceptable unless some measure 

of rigor is involved. 

 

● Community Service-  

 

 

This page adapted from the Senior Project Center from Dynamic Learning and the White 

Oak High School Senior Project Manual. 

 

 

 

 

Traditional Product Mentor 

 Tips for how to go about finding a mentor: 

 

Talk to parents, friends, and teachers about mentor possibilities. Other people who may 

help 

students locate a mentor include: 

o JKHS faculty 

o Employers and co-workers 

o Contacts at church 

o Contacts through community service organizations 

o Contacts through athletic organizations 

o Community business owners 

o Professional organizations employees 

o Newspaper staff 

 

STUDENTS: 

**Ultimately, it is YOUR responsibility to locate a mentor. This may require stepping 

outside your comfort zone. Don’t procrastinate about finding a mentor; he or she is a 

priority as you start your work. Until your teacher advisor and community mentor are 

approved, you will not be allowed to continue with Grad Project; however, you will still be 

penalized for failure to meet deadlines. 

 

Working with a mentor: 

o Begin by making initial contact. 

o Explain the overall project goals and product ideas. 

o Decide how you and your mentor will communicate and work together. 

o Create a timeline and a schedule o Decide what parts of the product you can work on independently and which parts will 

require the assistance of the mentor. 

o Be considerate, flexible, and respectful. 

o Professionals are busy people, so be organized to make efficient use of their time, 

never use profanity or slang, and always behave professionally. 

 

 

 

NOTICE 

THE PURPOSE OF USING A COMMUNITY MENTOR IS NOT TO MAKE LIFE 

DIFFICULT. 

THE MENTORSHIP IS INTENDED TO FOSTER COMMUNICATION AND BUILD 

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN OUR SCHOOL AND THE COMMUNITY, TO HELP 

STUDENTS NETWORK AND PRACTICE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION, TO 

CREATE COMMUNITY AWARENESS AND OWNERSHIP OF THE EDUCATIONAL 

PROCESS, AND TO ALLOW STUDENTS AND ADULT CITIZENS THE OPPORTUNITY TO 

GIVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITY AND SCHOOL.   

THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE IN THE AREA WHO WANT TO HELP AND SUPPORT YOU - PEOPLE WITH THE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE TO ASSIST YOU AND THE CARE 

AND CONCERN TO NURTURE YOU. TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY 

BY SEEKING A QUALITY MENTOR, AND REMEMBER, IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT YOU. 

 

Types of Products and Examples 

Products generally fall into seven major categories; however, students often combine types 

for a stronger product. Many products do not incur any costs or require the purchase of 

supplies. The following projects have been successful: 

● Physical Artifact 

o Models, computer programs, fashion clothing, architectural design, pottery, 

car mechanics, building furniture. 

● Written Artifact 

o Short story, book of poetry, novelette, journal of reflective essays, 

cookbooks, or “how-to” books. 

● Performance-Based 

o Choreography of a dance, music video, magic show, instrumental recital, 

cooking class, signing, acting. 

● Teaching or leadership 

o Teach middle-school students about eating disorders, coach a little-league 

team, start a tutorial group, teach about drug abuse or gang violence. 

● Career-Related 

o Job-shadow a police officer and develop a crime prevention program for your 

school or neighborhood, observe a teacher and develop a lesson plan and teach 

a class. 

 

 

 

 

Products Cannot Be: - Job shadowing alone. Students may shadow; however, they must take what they 

learn on the job and then create something with the information. 

- Completed without the advisement of a mentor 

- Presentation boards describing the research paper 

- PowerPoint presentations or videos. These are not products unto themselves. 

They may be part of a presentation used while teaching, but they alone are not a 

product. Also, unedited videos are not products. These may be used to show a 

product, but they are not products in themselves. Brochures which have no 

audience are another poor choice for a product.   

- Changed without approval 

- Food products UNLESS the student is working with a restaurant, bakery, etc. 

with a health license which is NOT his/her place of employment. 

 

 

 

ADDITIONAL PRODUCT PROCEDURES AND INFORMATION 

 

Evidence 

All work on the product is to be done by the student. Product changes must be approved 

through the designated process. Products which do not match the approved Topic 

Selection Worksheet will be stiffly penalized or not evaluated at all. 

 

Documentation throughout the creation of the product is required for the portfolio. 

Documentation includes: 

● Field work log - Chart where students record and verify all product hours. Hours 

may be verified by the mentor, teacher advisor, or other responsible adult willing to 

attest to the student’s work.  

● Mentor logs: A minimum of four are required to be completed and signed to verify 

the student met the required meeting times with the mentor. Students are 

encouraged to meet with their mentors more than four times, but only four are 

required to be verified with mentor logs. 

● Pictures and/or video, extensive journaling, etc, documenting the product process 

● The actual item created, if your product is physical; however, documentation of 

progress is also needed. 

● Mentor evaluation: An evaluation form completed by the mentor at the end of the 

project. 

● Teacher Advisor Product Verification: Evaluation form completed by the teacher 

advisor attesting that the product is appropriate and complete.  

Be sure that all forms are signed at the time the meetings take place. Do not put the mentor in the position of filling out documentation at the last minute. 

 

Products with Special Requirements 

Medical Field Products 

Any product involved with medical/psychological/sociological patients must have a clearly 

stated mentor willing to take responsibility for patient privacy and confidentiality. 

 

If a student takes photographs or videos of patients, releases must be signed by the 

patient or their parents/guardians. These releases go into the Product section of the 

portfolio. The student may print the copies needed or request copies from the English IV 

teacher. 

 

Computer/Technology Products 

Any student choosing a product involved with computer technology, either hardware, 

software, or networking, or with other vocational topics must have not taken the applicable 

CTE courses. If a student has taken these courses and feels he/she has a topic with an 

appropriate learning stretch, a written statement must be provided by the respective CTE 

teacher(s) that the topic will be a learning stretch for the student. Any student ignoring 

this procedure is in violation of the ethical code, which is grounds for failure of Grad 

Project. 

 

Photography Products 

Any product involving photography will require the following: 

If the student uses a film-style camera, he/she must submit the negatives as evidence of 

the product along with the photos taken. These should be placed in the Product section of 

the portfolio. 

 

If the student is using a digital camera, he/she must submit the photos taken on a CD or 

other digital media along with printed copies. These should be placed into the Product 

section of the portfolio. 

 

Job Shadowing Products 

Watching others work for the entire 15 hours is NOT adequate for Grad Project. Job 

shadowing must be done in conjunction with some other type of product. For example, one 

student shadowed with an obstetrician and then created a 3-D paper-mache model of a 

pregnant stomach revealing all the layers from the outer skin to the fetus. Students 

incorporating job shadowing will need to take special care to gather evidence to document 

their experience. Keeping a journal of the experience is one way to document. Again, 

students who job shadow must take what they have learned and experienced and DO 

SOMETHING with it. Students may NOT be paid or compensated in any way during their 

job shadowing hours. 

Performance or Exhibition Products 

Products that involve a performance in front of an audience will require audience members 

to fill out a type of Audience Verification Form. Have copies of this form ready to be 

passed out to the audience BEFORE the performance. After the audience has viewed the 

performance, have them complete the forms. Collect the forms before the audience 

leaves. Put these forms in the Product section of the portfolio. 

 

  

Volunteering Products 

Any product involving volunteering must include a minimum of 15 hours of active 

involvement in a community service project. Students must provide some sort of physical 

evidence of active participation in the volunteering activity. Some possible types of 

evidence are: pictures, videos, documented time log, journal log, etc. Video documentation 

is strongly encouraged for these products. The student should make sure that he/she 

APPEARS in the pictures/video. 

 

 

Fundraising Products 

All fundraising must be approved by the Grad Project committee and the principal. 

Students MUST show results and receipts of the fundraising. 

 

Any product involving use of a school facility must have an administrator’s approval.  

 

Teaching Products 

Any product involving teaching a class must include the following: 

● Your class must contain at least ten students.   

● Must have a minimum of two hours of actual instruction time (not observing or 

planning) 

● Lesson plans must be completed for each teaching session.   

● Maintain a notebook/folder of handouts, activities for each lesson, and student work 

samples. 

● Provide evidence in the form of pictures, videos, work samples, journaling, etc. 

● If you photograph students, be sure release forms are completed. 

● Complete at least one group activity and one individual activity during the teaching 

sessions. 

● Keep a sign in sheet 

 

Coaching Products 

Any product involving coaching must meet the following criteria: 

● Must have a clearly identified audience to coach, a specific team or group must be 

identified. Groups or teams of fewer than 5 are not allowed. 

● Must have a minimum of 5 hours of actual coaching time (not observing or planning) 

● Must have a well-written practice plan for each coaching session containing specific 

techniques or drill for different groups to work on. These plans need to explain in 

detail how each session will improve the person’s or team’s performance. There 

needs to be pre-and post- standard measurement. This can be done by measuring 

timings, counting completed tasks, or videos of improved performance. 

● If you photograph participants, be sure release forms are completed. 

● There must be an obvious LEARNING STRETCH (Going from player to coach is not 

a sufficient learning stretch.) You need to coach in areas you are not as familiar.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Product Approval Form

Name ___________________ Topic _________________

Thesis Statement (product must be directly related to thesis) 

______________________________________________

Product Mentor __________________________________ 

Product Description (brochure, powerpoint, pamphlet, flyer is not a product) (Check the type of 

product and describe product idea in detail) 

___ Fundraiser/donation (refer to requirements in JKGP Handbook) 

___________________________________________________

_________________________________________

___ Job-shadowing/Volunteering (refer to requirements in JKGP Handbook) 

___________________________________________________

_________________________________________

___ Service-oriented/Performance-based (Workshop/training session)

___________________________________________________

_________________________________________

___ Build, make, create ____________________________

GPC member _____________________ Date ___________ 

 

  

Product Mentor Verification Form 

 

As a Product Mentor, you must verify the student’s progress and effort during the product 

development phase. Please answer the following questions based on what you have seen in 

order to help us evaluate his/her performance. 

I. Have you seen this product at different stages, not just the final phase/completed 

product?  Yes _____ No _____ (If No, explain.)

II. What problems specifically did this student encounter, and what evidence of 

problem-solving did you observe? 

III. What success did you see this student achieve?

IV. Explain any significant creative thinking, decision-making and/or reasoning skills the 

student demonstrated during product development.

V. Did the student demonstrate effective time management?  Yes _____ No ____ (If No, explain.)

Product Mentor’s signature _________________________ date__________

The James Kenan Graduation Project Committee  appreciates your participation in mentoring students during Graduation Project. 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Service Guidelines 

Community Service is defined as identifying and addressing a social issue in the community. 

Community service is work that is done without pay to better the community. This requires 

students to look beyond themselves and reach out to an issue faced by our society today 

(i.e. poverty, abuse, elderly citizens, homelessness, pollution, illiteracy, etc.). These hours 

will meet the requirement for the James Kenan Graduation Project. 

Job Shadowing is defined as a work experience option where students learn about a job by 

walking through the work day as a shadow to a competent worker for either research 

purposes or for potential employment in that field. Job shadowing is NOT community 

service and does not address a social issue in the community. Job shadowing does NOT 

count as community service.  

 

Requirements of Community Service: 

*30 verified and documented hours.  

*Students must complete an Application for Community Service and submit it for approval 

to the GP Committee prior to beginning the community service. 

*Students should have at least 10 pictures of their community service.  

*Students should keep copies of all documentation that is submitted to the GP committee. 

*Students must have a community service site supervisor whom will sign off on hours. The 

site supervisor must complete a CS Site Supervisor Application and Agreement form.  

*All hours must be documented on the Community Service Log and signed by the CS site 

supervisor  

*Any community service hours submitted after the deadline, even if earned prior to the 

deadline, will not be accepted. No Exceptions. 

*A parent/guardian/friend/family member cannot represent a site supervisor. 

 

General List of Places to Complete Community Service: 

• Hospitals 

• Schools (hours cannot be completed at James Kenan) 

• Nursing Homes 

• Shelters/Soup Kitchens 

• Libraries 

• DOT/Waste Management  

• Parks/Recreation Centers 

• Museums 

• Churches 

• Animal Shelter  

 

Hours That Are Not Acceptable: 

• Family related activities 

• Hours that are compensated either financially or with some other  

material benefit 

• Court mandated community service 

• Co-curricular activities that are course requirements 

• An activity where there is no leader or responsible adult on site to evaluate  

and confirm student performance 

• Donations (ex. blood, Locks of Love) 

• Hours submitted after deadlines 

• Fostering of animals 

• Job shadowing 

 

Students must follow the below guidelines while completing community service: While performing the community service activity, 

• act respectfully, responsibly, and safely at all times  

• do not receive money or other compensation for the community

service activity 

• arrive on time, work well throughout the activity, and accept

direction  

• act in a mature manner which reflects well on yourself and JKHS  

• wear appropriate attire for the service activity 

• be an asset to the organization/event and make a positive

contribution 

• complete all hours and document them honestly  

 

Parent-Community Service Guidelines 

I understand my child is required to complete 30 hours of community service to be 

eligible to graduate from James Kenan High School, and I hereby give permission for my 

student to participate in the activity described above. I further acknowledge that I am 

responsible for transporting my child to and from the service activity, and that I assume 

responsibility for any liabilities which may result from my student's actions while 

engaged in the service activity.  

Parent name ___________________________________  Parent signature ________________________________ Date __________________________ 

 

Student-Community Service Guidelines 

I understand that I am required to complete 30 hours of community service to be eligible to 

graduate from James Kenan High School. I hereby agree to adhere to the student guidelines and 

will conduct myself appropriately and honestly while completing community service. I further 

acknowledge that I am responsible for transporting myself to and from the service activity, and 

that I assume responsibility for any liabilities which may result from my actions while engaged in 

the service activity.  

Student name __________________________________ Student signature _______________________________ Date __________________ 

 

 

 

Potential Community Service Partners  

Community service: work that is done without pay to help people in a 

community. 

 

● Vidant Duplin Hospital 

(https://www.vidanthealth.com/duplinvolunteers/) ● North Carolina Department of Transportation- Office of Beautification 

(https://www.ncdot.gov/doh/operations/dp_chief_eng/roadside/Beautif

ication/) ● Sarah’s Refuge 

(http://www.sarahsrefuge.com/employment--volunteer-opportunities.ht

ml) ● Duplin County Animal Shelter 

(http://duplincountync.com/governmentOffices/index.html) ● Town of Kenansville (http://www.kenansville.org/) ● Town of Warsaw (https://www.townofwarsawnc.com/) ● Town of Magnolia (http://www.magnolianc.com/) ● Nursing homes (various) 

● Schools (Duplin Pre-K, KES, EES, WES, WMS--cannot complete 

community service at James Kenan) 

● Churches (various) 

● Libraries (Dorothy Whitman Library, Warsaw Community Public Library, Florence 

Gallier Library in Magnolia) ● Museums (Cowan Museum, Liberty Hall, DC Veterans Memorial Museum) 

● Parks or natural areas (Cabin Lake, Town of Kenansville Park and Rec., 

Town of Warsaw Park & Rec., etc.) 

● Other (public businesses)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

James Kenan Graduation Project Application for Community Service* 

2017-2018 

 Name:_______________________________________________Date:___________________  

Email Address:_______________________________________________________________ 

Topic:______________________________________________________________________ 

Academic Mentor:_____________________________________________________________ 

Name & Phone of CS partner:____________________________________________________ 

Address of CS partner:________________________________________________________ 

__________________________________________________________________________ 

Name of community service supervisor:_____________________________________________ 

Phone number of CS supervisor:___________________________________________________ 

Email of CS supervisor:_________________________________________________________ 

 

Answer yes (Y) or no (N) to all of the following questions in the space provided: 

Y/N 

Is the activity family related or is a relative employed at the CS location? 

Will you be compensated either financially or with some other material 

benefit? 

Is the activity court mandated community service? 

Will you be fostering animals? 

Is the activity required for one of your classes? (not GP) 

Will a leader or responsible adult (not parent/guardian) with the organization be on site to evaluate and confirm student performance? 

 

What social issue (s) will your community service address?  

Abuse  Health  Animals Education   

 

Hunger  Poverty Homelessness Elderly   

Environment  Other:_________________________ 

*must be completed in its entirety in order to be approved -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

Student Name: _____________________________________________________________ Community service approved? _________yes _________no Reason for rejection: _______incomplete application _______unapproved CS partner ______need additional information 

Additional 

comments:______________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________ 

GP Committee Signature: _________________________________________________________________________ 

 

 

 

Community Service Log Form 

Name:______________________________________ 

Graduation Year:____________________ Date of Service 

COMPLETE DESCRIPTION- 

Must include Name of 

Organization and what you did 

for them 

# OF HOURS  SIGNATURE FOR 

VERIFICATION & 

PHONE NUMBER 

     

  

  

   

     

     

  

  

  

  

     

     

  

  

  

  

     

     

  

  

  

  

     

     

  

  

  

  

     

     

  

  

  

  

     

Signature of CS Supervisor:___________________________________  

Signature of Student:_________________________________Total # of Hours:__________ 

 

Request to be Absent

To be completed prior to date student is requesting to be absent from school for Graduation Project-related appointment. 

 

Student's name ____________________________________________ 

 

Date &/or time student requesting to be absent ____________________ 

 

Reason for absence 

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

________________________ 

 

 

Teachers’ signatures for classes that will be missed 

 

1st pd. _________________________ 2ndpd.______________________  

3rd pd. _________________________ 4th pd._____________________ 

 

Students are only allowed to be absent one school day/one class period.  

 

 

Student signature _________________________ Date _____________ 

 

Parent signature __________________________ Date _____________ 

 

Principal’s signature ________________________ Date ____________ 

 

 

 

To be completed by Product Mentor, place of business or organization with which 

student is meeting.  

 

I, ______________________________ (printed name), met with and/or monitored the above-named 

student on _____________ (date & time) at ________________(business, school, etc.) for the purpose of 

working on his/her James Kenan High School Graduation Project. Signature _____________________________________________ Position of person signing __________________________________

 

This form must be placed in Portfolio. 

Presentation 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Presentations Tips

● Oral presentation—10 to 15 minutes—not to exceed 20 minutes—of the 

research and product—demonstrating the research process and findings, 

the conclusions drawn, and the reason and process behind the product

● Visuals (not to be confused with the visual product) 

● Technology component such as PowerPoint, DVD/video, etc.

● Appropriate, professional attire—“Dress for Success” or costume, 

uniform, or attire related to topic or product

● Be on time

● Practice, practice, practice!

● Introduce yourself (may shake hands with judges)

● Attention-grabber or “eye-catchy” opening

● Communication skills—speak correctly and clearly, eye contact, nonverbal 

communication, confidence, etc.

● Content—defines a main idea, logical sequence, supporting evidence

● Self-Reflection—offers evaluation of the GP process including successes 

and challenges, collaboration with mentor

● Extemporaneous Responses—responds quickly and confidently to 

questions from judges

● Thank judges

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reflection Paragraph 

 

Questions to consider:

Why did you choose this topic?

What did you expect the entire GP process to be like?

What did you expect to learn?

What did you learn about your topic? About yourself? (i.e. work habits such 

as perseverance, patience, procrastination, ethics)

Did you make a wise choice in academic/product mentors? Why?

How could you have been more successful? (Better product, better results in 

fundraisers, more people attending your presentation)

Overall, was this a good or bad learning experience for you?

Sum up thoughts.

 

  

Rubrics

JK*GP Product Rubric

Presenter ______________________ Judge’s Initials _______

(Grading scale: 1-Poor, 2-Fair, 3-Good, 4-Excellent)

Self-directed Learner

Learning stretch, challenge is evident

(product demonstrates student has 

reached out beyond school requirements 

in service and skill) 1 2 3 4

Minimum 15 hours (required 10 with mentor) on product 

development & is documented by product mentor 1 2 3 4 

Product shows effort and personal growth 1 2 3 4

Credit for actual product given to student 1 2 3 4

Knowledge Application

Product demonstrates a knowledgeable and

appropriate extension of the research 1 2 3 4

Product demonstrates a depth of knowledge of topic 1 2 3 4

Quality of Product

Product reflects completeness and care  1 2 3 4

Creativity and attention to detail is evident 1 2 3 4

Comments: Total score ______/32 

 

 

 

       

JK*GP Final Results

Student ____________________

_____ Portfolio

_____ Paper

_____ Product

_____ Presentation

_____ Final (Pass/Fail)

Comments:

JK*GP Committee Signature______________________ Date _____