12th Grade: Unit 7 – Beltane
7 weeks (Apr 13 – May 29)
5th Principle: Right of conscience and democratic process
Thesis Completion & Graduation
Unit Overview
The culmination of 13 years of learning! Beltane brings celebration, completion, and commencement. Students present their capstone projects, showcase their portfolios, prepare for life transitions, and celebrate their graduation with family and community.
Key Events
- Capstone project presentations
- K-12 portfolio showcase
- Life skills intensive
- Beltane celebration
- Graduation ceremony
Outcomes
- Capstone project complete and presented
- Portfolio compiled and shared
- Ready for independent living
- Spiritual grounding for the journey ahead
- Diploma earned and celebrated!
🎓 Congratulations, Graduate! 🎓
You've completed an incredible journey. From learning your letters to writing a thesis, from counting to calculus, from picture books to philosophy—you've grown into a thoughtful, capable, compassionate person ready to make your mark on the world.
"Go forth and set the world on fire with your light." — St. Catherine of Siena (adapted)
Weekly Schedule
Week 1: Capstone Presentation Week
🕯 Hearth Circle: Celebrating accomplishments; honoring the journey; gratitude circle
📖 Language Arts: Capstone presentations to family and mentors; Q&A sessions
🔢 Mathematics: Math portfolio: reflecting on mathematical growth; favorite problems and concepts
🔬 Environmental Science: Environmental legacy project: what will you contribute?
🌍 World Religions: Sharing what we've learned: mini-presentations on favorite religious traditions or philosophical ideas
🎓 Senior Seminar: Presentation skills: handling nerves, answering questions, celebrating success
Week 2: Portfolio Showcase
🕯 Hearth Circle: Storytelling: sharing our homeschool journey; favorite memories
📖 Language Arts: Portfolio presentations; sharing K-12 journey with family
🔢 Mathematics: Math in the real world: how will you use math in your future?
🔬 Environmental Science: Science fair style: sharing environmental projects and research
🌍 World Religions: Creating a personal creed or statement of beliefs
🎓 Senior Seminar: Professional portfolio: LinkedIn, resume, digital presence finalization
Week 3: Transition Preparation
🕯 Hearth Circle: Letting go and moving forward; honoring endings and beginnings
📖 Language Arts: Writing letters: to future self, to family, to teachers/mentors
🔢 Mathematics: Math resources for the future: where to get help, online tools, study groups
🔬 Environmental Science: Connecting with environmental communities: clubs, organizations, activism
🌍 World Religions: Finding spiritual community: UU congregations, interfaith groups, online communities
🎓 Senior Seminar: Packing and moving: practical preparation for leaving home
Week 4: Life Skills Intensive
🕯 Hearth Circle: Self-reliance and interdependence; asking for help is strength
📖 Language Arts: Practical writing: formal emails, complaint letters, thank you notes
🔢 Mathematics: Budgeting project: creating a realistic budget for your new life
🔬 Environmental Science: Sustainable living on your own: dorm/apartment eco-tips
🌍 World Religions: Spiritual practices for busy times: quick meditations, gratitude practices, grounding techniques
🎓 Senior Seminar: Adulting boot camp: cooking, cleaning, laundry, basic repairs
Week 5: Celebration & Reflection
🕯 Hearth Circle: Beltane celebration; maypole, flowers, joy; celebrating life and growth
📖 Language Arts: Senior reflection essay: who I was, who I am, who I'm becoming
🔢 Mathematics: Math games and puzzles: celebrating the joy of mathematical thinking
🔬 Environmental Science: Nature celebration: outdoor time, gratitude for the Earth
🌍 World Religions: Blessing ceremony: receiving blessings from family and community for the journey ahead
🎓 Senior Seminar: Senior week activities: celebrations, memory-making, closure
Week 6: Graduation Preparation
🕯 Hearth Circle: Rite of passage: honoring the transition to adulthood
📖 Language Arts: Graduation speech writing (optional); final reflections
🔢 Mathematics: Mathematical autobiography: my journey with numbers
🔬 Environmental Science: Environmental pledge: commitments for the future
🌍 World Religions: Commencement blessing: words of wisdom from many traditions
🎓 Senior Seminar: Graduation ceremony planning: program, decorations, guest list
Week 7: Graduation & Commencement
🕯 Hearth Circle: Final Hearth Circle: gratitude, tears, laughter, love; passing the flame
📖 Language Arts: Graduation ceremony; diploma presentation; speeches
🔢 Mathematics: Certificate of completion; celebrating mathematical achievement
🔬 Environmental Science: Environmental steward recognition; commitment ceremony
🌍 World Religions: Interfaith blessing; sending forth with love and hope
🎓 Senior Seminar: Commencement: you did it! Celebration with family and community
📺 "Just Can't" Day Resources
Need a lighter day during this busy time? These resources can help.See supply list for optional purchases.
✅ Graduation Checklist
Academic Requirements
- ☐ Capstone research paper complete
- ☐ Capstone creative component complete
- ☐ Capstone presentation delivered
- ☐ K-12 portfolio compiled
- ☐ All course requirements met
- ☐ Transcript finalized
Ceremony Preparation
- ☐ Graduation ceremony planned
- ☐ Invitations sent
- ☐ Cap and gown (or chosen attire)
- ☐ Graduation speech (optional)
- ☐ Diploma prepared
- ☐ Celebration planned