This week we will recognize our honor roll students. I’m always so proud of this group of kids because I know what it takes to do the work and to do the right thing even on the nights you may not want to. But I got thinking about our honor roll students in terms of our portrait of a graduate. Springfield Local Schools and, of course, the high school has what we call a portrait of a graduate in which there are six characteristics that we all strive to live by and make sure that all students who graduate are high in these six categories. We hope that each of our students who graduate from Springfield will be strong in 1. perseverance, 2. communication, 3. adaptability, 4. critical thinking, 5. integrity and 6. leadership. These characteristics showcase the best opportunity for future success. And it’s certainly evident in our honor roll students.
For example, this trimester’s honor roll has more than 400 students who made the grades to qualify. This shows perseverance in the dedication required with all the studying and expectations for the 12 weeks. Our students show communication and adaptability in adjusting to the hard work and high expectations, reaching out for help from teachers and finding a way to use resources to be successful. As for critical thinking and integrity, our honor roll students have certainly shown the grit it takes to push yourself and problem solve to be successful at such a high level. Finally, leadership. As I look over the list, I am ever so impressed by how many of these same students are the leaders in the student government, sports teams, band, plays and so many other student activities.
Congratulations to all the students who made the honor roll and congratulations to the parents that support them and help them succeed. Your child certainly displays the characteristics of our portrait of a graduate.
Adaptability
•Respond productively to feedback in order to negotiate and balance diverse views and beliefs to reach workable and flexible solutions.
Communication
•Effectively articulate thoughts and ideas using all methods of communication skills to confidently inform, instruct, motivate and persuade.
•Listen effectively to acquire meaning, knowledge, values, attitudes and intentions.
•Recognize the importance of literacy in a11 forms, of communication (written, oral, nonverbal and digital).
•Be nurtured and supported with the tools, respect and opportunities to use their voices.
Critical Thinking
•Process the collecting and studying of information that is backed by data to form a positive outcome that may need to be revisited as more details become available.
Integrity
•Earn others’ trust and respect through honest, principled behaviors by consistently demonstrating care for the interests of the larger community and greater good.
Leadership
•Consider, value and respect others’ opinions, beliefs, feelings and cultures and be willing to make sacrifices for the good of others.
•Recognize adversity and persevere with sensitivity; concern, and respect in order to build relationships with trust and compassion, thereby creating an environment that empowers growth through collective strengths, ownership and action.
Perseverance
•Believe in themselves enough to overcome adversity and embrace the opportunity to learn and grow from all experiences to make themselves a better person.
