IMS Panther Passage (formerly Spring Forum)

Validator Instructions (a little different this year!)

Thank you for your participation in our Panther Passage program. Many 8^th grade students will present a portfolio that reflects their growth and accomplishments during middle school. Other 8^th grade students may simply come prepared to answer a set of questions developed by the 8^th grade teaching team, which you will be provided. Each student has about 20 minutes for their presentation or question and answer session. Some students may finish their presentation in a short time, and you may then ask them some of the prepared questions. When the student has completed their session, please offer them a bag of Panther Passage fortune cookies before they leave.

Please feel free to take notes during the students’ sessions. Once the student has left the room, if there is time before the next session, you can begin writing your comments on the form provided. Please provide ONLY POSITIVE, ENCOURAGING COMMENTS! These comments are meant to validate the students’ accomplishments, not provide a critique. If you need more time to complete your comments, you are welcome to sit in the library for as long as you need. All comment forms should be returned to the hostesses in the library before you leave campus.

The role of the validator is to actively listen to each student during their session and provide positive written feedback on the comment forms. Students receive and carefully read these UNEDITED comment forms at the end of Panther Passage. Some information you may find useful:

Students are given guidelines for their presentations, but many may choose not to do a formal presentation. If the student does not have anything to present or their presentation is very short, you should ask them questions from the list provided to you in each room.

Each student is unique with their own learning style, varied interests and methods of communication.

In addition to academic accomplishments, students may include a letter from their parents, accomplishments in sports, fine arts, and community service.

Your supportive responses are highly valued by the students and will be read carefully.

Feel free to ask relevant questions and make encouraging comments during the session.

Comment Format – Specific comments are more powerful than generalizations.

General Comment Examples	Specific Comment Examples
Your presentation was great!	Your humanities project showed off your writing skills!
I liked the energy you showed.	Your love of science and math was obvious from your enthusiastic robotics demonstration!
You are very organized.	The presentation of your 8^th grade Social Studies project really showed your attention to detail and organizational skills!
You are very creative.	Your explanation of your outside school activities, your art show in particular, demonstrated your creative flair!

We hope validating for our 8^th graders will be a rewarding volunteer experience!

Thank You!