To: The Atheneum Class of 2009 February 18, 2009

From: Lydia

As your last semester of high school is under way, I am resending a letter that was written by
Maria Santillanes at the end of last summer.

…All seniors will need to complete the following in order to graduate:

1. Senior Essay: This essay is your final thesis as an Atheneum student. You should have
an idea of what text you want to write about and you may already know what question
you plan to explore in your essay. There will be several rough drafts due throughout the
year and each final essay needs to be 10-15 pages long.

2. Senior Oral Exams: Once final senior essays are turned in, the faculty will hold an oral
exam with the entire senior class. The oral exam is a discussion focused on the ideas
presented in your essays. Every senior will be expected to speak eloquently and be able
discuss their papers clearly.

3. Visual Essay: Your visual essay should be well thought out and carefully put together.
The goal is to reveal an idea through art, whether it be a slideshow, movie, book,
photography display, etc. This is an opportunity to be creative and visually show a
compelling idea.

4. Community Service Project: Every senior will need to write a proposal for a special
project they want to pursue for the good of the Community. You will need to show
leadership and dedication. This is a chance to lead your fellow students to participate
in something that benefits Atheneum and the greater community.

The class of 2009 is Atheneum’s tenth group of graduates.

Enjoy your year and remember that you are the leaders!

A schedule follows on the next page.

 Date Assignment/Event Description Approved/Rewrite
Fri, Feb. 20 Two or three typed paragraphs
Due: Written Essay discussing your inquiry,
Proposal compelling idea or question. The
proposal must include a
bibliography (at least 3 texts )
that support your inquiry.
Mon. Feb. 23 This is the map that you create to
Due: Your initial essay guide your writing. An outline is
structure fine. Structures come from
reviewing your central texts and
keeping the compelling idea
awake in your thinking. Type it.
Fri. Feb 27 Introduce your topic in a
Due: First 3 pages of compelling way that grabs your
rough draft reader and then just write. Turn
in a typed version double-
spaced.
Mon. March 2 Further discussion of
volunteer work Typed brief description
Due: Volunteer proposal or of plan or progress.
report
Weds. March 4 Typed, double spaced
Due: Rough Draft 3 copies
Before Sunday, Plan to work on the rewrite a
March 15 Rewrite little each day. Rewrites will be
(end of spring break) Due: 2nd draft emailed to
atheneum.school@gmail.com
March 16-27 Think through and plan Have fun with this. Articulate
Intensives Visual Essays your idea and create your method
or way.
Mon. March 30 •Intensive Presentations
•Senior Volunteer Work
Presentations
Tues. March 31 Due: Visual Essay Idea and plan are to be typed.
Proposal
Wed.- Fri. April 1-3 Review of Essay Format Prepare 2 typed copies of 2nd
Peer Editing draft with any changes
Mon-Fri.April 6-10 Essay Writing

Thurs.-Fri, Long Weekend, No regular

April 16-17 school

Mon., April 20 Final Essays Due 5 typed copies in proper format

Mon.-Fri. Visual Essay Work

April23-27
Fri. May 1 Prom
Weds-Sat. May 6-9 Spring Biology Trip
Fri. May 15 •Senior Oral Exam and
Visual Essay Presentations
•Senior/Faculty Dinner
Details forthcoming
To Seward and Homer
12:10 pm-2:00pm
(public is invited)
7:00pm Place TBA

Tues. May 19 Senior Graduation Details forthcoming

Weds. May 20 Talent Show and End of

Year Picnic