GROTON, Conn., — Fitch High School sophomores showcased their MYP projects earlier this month, fulfilling FHS’ graduation requirement.

Sophomore students presented their MYP projects March 6 and 7 in the Library Media Center. The project is a graduation requirement for all students attending Fitch, beginning at the end of freshman year and concluding with a presentation during their sophomore year. Under the supervision of Dr. Anne Keefe-Forbotnick, each day of the presentation featured two waves of both teachers and other students checking out each project. The students behind these presentations explained their projects and motivations behind their choices.

“I liked to sew, and my sewing machine was collecting dust,” Jelena Francis explained regarding her project, a “Huggy Buddy.” The stuffed animal contained a vibrating mechanism inside to help reduce stress and anxiety for those who hold it. Francis enjoyed showing off her work, and was glad to, “hang out with my friends.”

For others, the long hours during presentation waves became a lot to endure. 

“It was lovely,” said another sophomore. “But [sitting there for so long] got kind of boring after a while.”   

The MYP (Middle Years Program) Personal Project, created by IB, is a mandated graduation requirement meant to provide sophomore students, “the opportunity to consolidate their learning and develop important skills they’ll need in both further education and life beyond the classroom” (The International Baccalaureate Organization).  Within the project, students are expected to demonstrate what they have learned from the IB program and use ATL (Approaches To Learning) skills in the process. 

All students must include a record of their progress, a product and or outcome and a final reflection. Then, when the project is complete and turned in, students must develop the presentation of what was completed over the course of time given. After the presentations, it is assessed by a supervisor and the student is presented with a final grade.

While several students were unable to present their projects due to various circumstances, make-up waves will take place during CTL on March 20 and March 22.