2026 Passage Portfolio Presentations
Serve as a Panelist for Our 8th Grade Scholars
Friday, April 24, 2026 · Wednesday, May 6, 2026
What Are Passage Portfolio Presentations?
The Passage Portfolio Presentation (PPP) is the culminating academic experience for every 8th grade scholar at Lillie May Carroll Jackson Charter School. Each scholar presents a portfolio of her best work to a panel of community members, demonstrating her growth, knowledge, and readiness to transition to high school.
This is more than a class project. It is a rite of passage that celebrates each young woman’s journey through middle school. Since 2018, LMCJ scholars have presented their growth in academics, character, and habits of mind. Scholars work toward their PPP throughout their entire time at Lillie May by presenting student-led conferences three times per year. By 8th grade, they are ready to stand before a panel, share their portfolio website, speak their truth, and prove to themselves that they are ready for what comes next.
“The PPP gives our scholars a real audience and a meaningful moment to reflect on who they are becoming. Your presence on the panel tells each girl that her community believes in her.”
Join a Free 50-Minute Virtual Info Session
Want to learn more before you sign up to panel? Join us on Zoom for a Preview PD session. Open to community members, educators, parents, and anyone curious about the PPP model.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
12:00 PM – 12:50 PM ET
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
6:00 PM – 6:50 PM ET
Friday, May 1, 2026
9:15 AM – 10:05 AM ET
Why Volunteer as a Panelist?
Inspire a Scholar
Your attention and thoughtful feedback show each girl that her hard work matters — and that her community is paying attention.
See Real Learning
Watch scholars present original work, defend their ideas with confidence, and demonstrate years of genuine academic and personal growth.
Give Back
Invest just one hour of your time in a meaningful, community-centered experience that stays with both you and the scholar long after PPP Day.
What to Expect as a Panelist
No teaching experience or special skills are required. We provide everything you need to participate. Here is how the day works.
Arrive & Check In
When you arrive at LMCJ, our staff will greet you, provide your panelist materials, and guide you to your assigned presentation room. Please arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time.
Review the Rubric
You will receive a clear, easy-to-use rubric. You will evaluate the scholar on one specific aspect of her presentation — such as content knowledge, communication skills, or personal reflection. Full rubrics are available to review below.
Watch the Presentation
Each presentation lasts approximately one hour. The scholar will walk you through her portfolio website and respond to your questions. Listen actively — she has prepared for this moment for months.
Provide Feedback
Using the rubric, score the scholar’s presentation and provide kind, specific written and verbal feedback. Your words will be shared with her — make them count.
Ahead of the PPP, we ask that you spend about 15 to 20 minutes reviewing the scholar’s website and the rubric you will use. The full rubrics are expanded below.
Rubrics, Questions & Feedback Guide
Everything you need to walk into PPP Day feeling ready. Review your rubric before you arrive — it takes about 10 minutes and makes a real difference. Pick one probing question to hold in your back pocket. You’ve got this.
You are listening for one thing above all: does this scholar know her own learning? Not just what she studied — but how she grew, what surprised her, and what she is taking with her. A scholar who can articulate her own academic journey has developed a profound skill.
| Criterion | 4 Exceeds |
3 Meets |
2 Approaching |
1 Far Below |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Academic ReflectionsThe scholar discusses her reflections for ELA, Math, Science, Humanities, and Resource using the bullets — not reading from them. All links work on her PPP website. | 4Exceeds | 3Meets | 2Approaching | 1Far Below |
| 2. ArtifactsThe scholar presents evidence of her knowledge and skills by sharing her artifacts and explaining how she created them. (2 per academic subject, 1 for resource — unless otherwise directed by crew leader.) | 4Exceeds | 3Meets | 2Approaching | 1Far Below |
| 3. Knowledge & SkillsScholar explains her learning and her growth throughout middle school within each subject — and how she made that academic growth happen. | 4Exceeds | 3Meets | 2Approaching | 1Far Below |
| 4. Future Use of Knowledge & SkillsThe scholar thoroughly explains how her learning — and the artifacts that represent it — demonstrate her readiness for high school and the real world. | 4Exceeds | 3Meets | 2Approaching | 1Far Below |
Written Feedback for the Scholar
🌟 Glows / Strengths
Name a specific moment, phrase, or artifact that stood out.
🌱 Grows / Areas for Growth
One area to grow — framed as a gift, not a critique.
💬 Anything Else?
Observations or encouragement you want her to carry.
You are not looking for perfection — you are looking for honesty. A scholar who can admit a real struggle and name what she learned from it is demonstrating exactly the character LMCJ is building. These results will be shared with her, so your written feedback matters deeply.
| Criterion | 4 Exceeds |
3 Meets |
2 Approaching |
1 Far Below |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Habits of Mind & HOME TargetsThe scholar shares about herself as a person in terms of the HOME Targets and within the structure of Crew. | 4Exceeds | 3Meets | 2Approaching | 1Far Below |
| 2. Honest Character SummaryThe scholar honestly summarizes her CHARACTER/HOME targets throughout middle school — including her growth, her struggles, and her victories. | 4Exceeds | 3Meets | 2Approaching | 1Far Below |
| 3. Application Across Subjects & CrewThe scholar references application of the HOME targets throughout each of her academic subjects, resource, and crew. | 4Exceeds | 3Meets | 2Approaching | 1Far Below |
| 4. Readiness for What’s NextThe scholar clearly explains the ways she is ready for high school and beyond — and references her future throughout the presentation. | 4Exceeds | 3Meets | 2Approaching | 1Far Below |
Written Feedback for the Scholar
🌟 Glows / Strengths
Which HOME target did she demonstrate most powerfully? Name the moment.
🌱 Grows / Areas for Growth
Which HOME target is she still growing into? Frame it as possibility.
💬 Anything Else?
Words of encouragement or anything worth passing on to her.
Nerves are not the same as poor presentation. A scholar who is clearly nervous but greets you warmly and responds thoughtfully is meeting expectations. Some criteria have specific score descriptions — read them before the presentation begins.
| Criterion | 4 Exceeds |
3 Meets |
2 Approaching |
1 Far Below |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. ProfessionalismThe scholar warmly greets the panel, introduces herself, and allows panelists to introduce themselves. She stands confidently, uses appropriate body language, and is dressed appropriately. (LMCJ uniform is great.) | 4ExceedsBoth greeting & dress perfect | 3MeetsAlmost perfectly meets both | 2ApproachingJust one of the two | 1Far BelowBoth incompletely met |
| 2. VoiceThe scholar speaks with a confident, firm, appropriately loud voice. She corrects mistakes with ease. She responds to questions thoughtfully, actively listens, does not make excuses, and accepts compliments gracefully. | 4ExceedsVoice & responses both perfect | 3MeetsAlmost perfectly meets both | 2ApproachingJust one of the two | 1Far BelowBoth incompletely met |
| 3. TimingThe scholar uses her time effectively, makes the most of the available time, and paces the presentation appropriately for the full presentation period. | 4Exceeds | 3Meets | 2Approaching | 1Far Below |
| 4. Visual Aid (Portfolio Website)The scholar uses her website to aid the presentation — it is not distracting or too wordy, shows effort and personality, and all artifact links work for everyone in the room. | 4ExceedsWebsite & links both perfect | 3MeetsAlmost perfectly meets both | 2ApproachingJust one of the two | 1Far BelowBoth incompletely met |
Written Feedback for the Scholar
🌟 Glows / Strengths
What presentation moment was most powerful? How did she carry herself?
🌱 Grows / Areas for Growth
One presentation skill to build — focused and forward-looking.
💬 Anything Else?
Encouragement or anything you want her to remember.
Pick one before the presentation starts and hold it. Use it when you want to go deeper. The best questions come from real curiosity.
“You spoke about perseverance. Can you walk me through a specific moment when you had to push through something really hard?”
“How has your definition of integrity shifted since 5th grade?”
“Which HOME target do you most want to keep growing in high school, and why that one?”
“How has being in an all-girls school shaped how you see yourself as a leader?”
“You mentioned a struggle. What did that period actually feel like day to day?”
“Tell me about the artifact you chose. Why this one above all your other work?”
“What is one thing you learned this year that genuinely changed how you think about the world?”
“If you could go back and revise one reflection, which one and what would you change?”
“How does what you learned at LMCJ connect to what you want to do after high school?”
“Which subject surprised you most — how much you grew, or how much you struggled?”
The scholar has worked for months on this. She will carry your feedback. Specific, honest, warm feedback becomes part of how she understands herself. Vague praise does nothing for her.
Name something specific — a moment, phrase, or artifact
Connect her reflection to real life or her future
Ask one question that invites her to go deeper
Affirm her growth, not just her performance
Vague praise: “Great job!” without specifics
Comparing her to other students
Focusing only on delivery, not content
Blunt criticism without warmth or a path forward
💡 Remember: You do not have to be a perfect panelist. You have to be a present one. Show up, pay full attention, and let this scholar know her work was witnessed by someone who cared enough to be in the room.
Event Details
| Dates | Friday, April 24, 2026 & Wednesday, May 6, 2026 |
| Times | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (sign up for individual time slots that work for you) |
| Location | Lillie May Carroll Jackson Charter School, 2200 Sinclair Lane, Baltimore, Maryland 21213 |
| Commitment | About 1 hour per presentation, plus 15–20 minutes of prep. Sign up for as many slots as you like. |
| What We Provide | Rubrics, panelist instructions, light refreshments, and a warm welcome |
| Contact | Dr. Hayes-Agent, School Counselor — shedana.agent@lilliemay.org |
Ready to Make a Difference?
Choose one or more presentation slots that work with your schedule. Select your date, time, and scholar below. You will receive a confirmation email with all the details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an educator to participate?
Not at all. We welcome community members, parents, alumni, professionals, and anyone who wants to support our scholars. All you need is an open heart and mind.
How long is the time commitment?
A panelist serving on one panel can expect to be at LMCJ for about 1 hour. Ahead of the PPP, it is helpful to spend about 15 to 20 minutes reviewing the scholar’s website and rubrics. You can sign up for as many presentations as you like.
What will I be evaluating?
Each panelist evaluates the scholar on one specific dimension of her presentation using a rubric we provide. You might assess academics, character, or presentation skills. Review the rubrics above to choose the one that fits your background best.
Can I sign up for slots on both dates?
Absolutely. When you fill out the signup form, you can select slots on April 24, May 6, or both.
What do scholars actually present?
Scholars present a portfolio website that showcases their best work and reflections from their time in middle school. They walk the panel through their growth in academics, character, and habits of mind, and share their goals for high school and beyond.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available at the school. Detailed arrival instructions will be sent closer to the date.
What if I need to cancel after signing up?
We understand that plans change. Simply email Dr. Hayes-Agent at shedana.agent@lilliemay.org as soon as possible so we can fill your spot.
Who can I contact with questions?
Reach out to Dr. Hayes-Agent, School Counselor, at shedana.agent@lilliemay.org. We are happy to help!
