PROJECT '79 follows the college-preparatory curriculum of Westfield High School. The main difference is that our classes are smaller, which allows teachers to learn students' strengths, challenges, and learning styles more fully than is possible in non-Project classes. As a result, we can design projects, papers, field trips and other activities to engage students and teachers more fully in what we're learning. Our goals include academic challenge, relevant coursework, and citizenship.
Ryan Ferraro '12 at the Met Cloisters Museum in April, 2011
Ryan Ferraro '12 at the Met Cloisters Museum in April, 2011
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do p79 students take all their classes in Project?
No they do not. We offer many major academic course offerings, but our students take their electives, physical education, and world languages, for instance, outside of p79. Most years, we offer English (I, II, III, IV), social studies (Global Perspectives, U.S. 1, U.S. 2), science (Chemistry 1), and mathematics (geometry, Algebra 2, pre-calculus). Because we are an integrated program, we want for students to be in our classes whenever possible.
Right, students participate in a writing workshop with NYC poet Meghann Plunkett in April, 2013
Can p79 students take honors or AP classes?
We want our students to explore their interests as deeply as possible, so if AP Government or Honors French is your thing, we want you to go for it. We'll be here to support you.
Is "Project '79" listed on the transcript or diploma?
No. We are a program within WHS, and the levels of classes correspond to the standard curriculum.
Does p79 accept students with IDEA or 504 classifications?
Although we are a regular education program, we can support some students' special education needs. During the intake process, the coordinator works with counselors and case managers to determine the best placement for each student.
How are students referred to p79?
Referrals come from counselors, teachers, parents, administrators--and students themselves. After meeting with the coordinator, appropriate candidates and their parents choose to join the program.
Do students ever leave p79?
The program is totally voluntary--coming in, staying, and leaving. Every student member and staff member in the program has chosen to join. Students who join p79 generally prefer a smaller community of learners, so they tend to stay through graduation.
Where do p79 classes take place? Our classes tend to occur in a "neighborhood" of classrooms near room 167, the Project Office. Our program is fully integrated with WHS in terms of schedule, classrooms, and staff. Every p79 classroom is shared with non-Project classes; every p79 teacher (except the coordinator) teaches non-Project as well as Project classes.
What's the purpose of the Project Office? A comfortable work space shared by students and teachers, room 167 is Project headquarters. With a bank of computers and tables for work space, the Office is a place students can come to get extra help and complete homework--as well as eat lunch and play board games. Student members appreciate the couches, refrigerator and microwave, and many have reported that they like having a place of their own within a high school that can feel very large. Each afternoon, Project staff meet to discuss students, teaching, and learning.
Sophomore, junior, and senior members discuss educational dimensions of gaming with Dani Fletcher and Chris Tafelski (October, 2013)
Sophomore, junior, and senior members discuss educational dimensions of gaming with Dani Fletcher and Chris Tafelski (October, 2013)