The coordination of portfolio and presentation materials over four years takes a focused effort from students, parents and faculty. 

Why do students do a PRIDE Presentation?

When the Education Reform Act was passed in the state of Washington four goals were outlined.  Specifically, Goals 3 and 4 directly relate to the PRIDE Presentations.

More recently, laws have been passed requiring all high school graduates (starting in 2006) to have a culminating senior project.  At MBHS, the culminating project is the PRIDE Presentation. Students must included their portfolio and 13-Year Plan in their presentation.

The process of having students compile and reflect upon their skills and strengths gained throughout school is a valuable tool in helping students transition into the "real world."  It is our hope that students will have a solid, realistic plan for life after high school. 

What is the presentation about?

The presentation ask students to talk about four main areas using the driving questions:

• Who Am I?
• What Have I Learned? (Portfolio)
• Where Am I going? (13-year plan)
• How Am I going to get there? (13-year plan)

Students will speak for 8-12 minutes using their portfolio to reflect upon their high school experience. Students also need to discuss their 13-year plan and how they are going to implement that plan.

Who grades student's presentations?

Students present to a panel of 3-4 faculty and staff members.  Faculty and staff are trained on how to assess the presentation.  The current rubric can be downloaded as PDF.

PRIDE Presentation Rubric 

Students not meeting minimum requirements will have the opportunity to re-do their presentation.

What is the 13-Year Plan?

A 13-year plan is a plan of what students will do the year (or years) after high school. Per state law, all students need to have a plan to graduate. The goal is not to plan the rest of a student's life, but to help he/she understand the importance of and time commitment of planning to reach his/her goals.  Throughout high school students are encouraged to explore what they would like to do upon graduation.  Through years of experience Sandi Madison (MBHS Career Specialist) has created checklists of everything a student needs to do to meet their stated goal.  These checklists are the basis of the 13-year plan.  See below to download copies of the 13-year plan (PDF).

Click here to download the 13 year plan.  This is a big document, so be patient!

What is a portfolio?

A student's portfolio is a collection of a student's work throughout high school. 

During the first semester of their freshman year, students will receive initial portfolio materials. The portfolio and PRIDE Presentation will be explained, and students will have an opportunity to ask clarifying questions.

It is then each student’s responsibility to begin collecting portfolio items and to begin completing assigned career and portfolio assignments. Every course a student takes will select at least one assignment that demonstrates EALR proficiency and satisfies at least one Washington State Learning Goal, which will be included in the portfolio.

Students will receive a three-ring binder during their junior year to complete their final portfolio. This portfolio will be presented during their PRIDE Presentation.

Students are encouraged to take pictures or include a computer disc that includes projects of activities in classes as necessary (art, music, drama, p.e., vocational classes). Students can and should update and improve their portfolio.  All their work is available in a file in the career center. 

When do students work on their presentation?

12th grade students work on their presentations in their 12th grade English class.  English teachers work with students to make sure they understand what the requirements are and how they should complete their project.  Students work on their 13-year plan throughout the year.  Putting the final details of the project together happens in March or April. 

What is PRIDE?

Several years ago when asked what word or words might describe "what Mount Baker is about" several of our student leaders responded with the word pride.  It was clear that many of students agreed.  It is from this discussion that the PRIDE acronym was created.  

Below are some specific examples that students have given of how PRIDE is used:

Performance through preparation  

•  Studying for a big test

•  Practicing for an event (athletics, music, theater)   

Respect

• Being kind to peers and staff

• Not participating in vandalism in the school or community 

Integrity

• Being honest

• Not plagiarizing academic materials

• Picking up garbage without being asked

Determination

• Successfully balancing a busy schedule (school, sports, work, family, etc.)

• Passing a test in a subject that is very difficult

Excellence through effort

• Performing at a band or choir concert

• Winning awards through FFA at the fair

• An assignment that receives a good grade

• Giving your very best effort

As a parent, how can I help my student?

There are several ways parents can assist their students in getting the portfolio, presentation and 13-year plan completed. 

• Encourage your student to get involved in school and community activities.
• Be aware of what their post high school plans are.
• Take an active interest in the school work they are doing throughout high school.
• Help you student understand the importance of being prepared and planning for the future.

When do students give their presentation?

Students give their presentation in the spring of their senior year, typically in April.  Student's English teacher will let them know the exact time they will be giving their presentation.

Do running start students need to do the presentation?

Running Start students pursuing a Mount Baker High School diploma are required to do the presentation, have a portfolio, and complete a 13-year plan.  Students will be required to work with Meg Lee, the Running Start PRIDE Presentation coordinator. Information will be sent in January about how the process will work.

Who can I contact for more information?

We want to do everything we can to help students and their families with questions or concerns about the PRIDE Presentation.  Please feel free to contact us.