Senior Project - Wakefield

Senior Project Calendar Learn More About Senior Project

We are always looking for parents and community members with expertise in a variety of areas. If you would like to help please contact Lisa Labella at Lisa.Labella@apsva.us

Senior Project is a challenging and worthwhile graduation requirement. At Wakefield, each senior chooses, defines and accomplishes a significant “real world” project. The project, which includes both research and field experience, reflects approximately 150 hours of work. Students in Semester Senior Project demonstrate the completion of approximately 75 hours. Students document their hours in journals and write about their experiences in personal essays.

Each project culminates in a 15-25 minute oral presentation before an assessment panel. Every Wakefield Senior –whether in general or advanced classes, whether a native English speaker or one who speaks English as a second language, whether a standard learner or one with an IEP — all have the equal and exciting opportunity to achieve excellence in this program.

Upon completion, many students say that Senior Project is their most significant accomplishment so far and that this success has given them the confidence to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead.

Meet the coordinator – Lisa Labella is a long-time member of the Wakefield faculty, now in her 18th year at the school and her 8th year as Senior Project Coordinator. Ms. Labella is also a special education teacher, specializing in the areas of Social Studies, English, Learning Disabilities and Urban Education. Ms. Labella is a strong believer in the real-life, performance-based learning that Senior Project requires. Parents, students and educators should feel free to contact Ms. Labella to discuss Senior Project, her favorite topic. She can be found in Room A-137 or reached by e-mail at lisa.labella@apsva.us or by calling her direct phone line, 703-228-6666.