Last year, LPS implemented Student Spotlight as a new segment during Board of Education meetings. This student recognition program quickly became one of the highlights of each Board meeting. The Student Spotlight celebrates a student or a group of students who are living out the Portrait of an LPS Graduate. 

What is the Portrait of an LPS Graduate? Tomorrow’s workers will succeed by constantly adapting to the changing world around them. Today’s students must begin by learning and developing life skills. In response, about five years ago, more than 300 local industry leaders, teachers, community members, parents and students discussed what the LPS learning priorities should be. Focus groups of LPS high school students reviewed this feedback, shared their own priorities and compiled the Portrait of an LPS Graduate, which outlines the skills every LPS student should have upon graduation:

• Well-adjusted, thriving and balanced being the most prominent
• Communication
• Global/Cultural Awareness
• Character
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Creativity
• Risk-Taking
• Resiliency
• Collaboration
• Self Advocacy
• All surrounding Rigorous and Relevant Academic Skills

LPS strives to implement opportunities to grow these skills at every level of education, and students from all ages will be recognized at each Board of Education meeting. For example, at the regularly scheduled Board meeting on August 10, 2023, two elementary school students and one high school student were recognized.

Madeleine McCullough has gone above and beyond in being a wonderful friend throughout the summer at Sandburg’s school-age child care, known as SACC. She makes it a priority to make sure everyone in her group is included. For example, at the movie theater, Madeleine knew someone was coming late and she chose to sit alone and save that person a seat so they had someone to sit with when they arrived. She is always the first to step up and help out teachers or clean up toys that were left out. Madeleine sets such a great example for other children on positivity and kindness for all. Madeleine exemplifies the LPS Portrait of a Graduate traits of Character, Communication, and Collaboration. Congratulations, Madeleine!

Nathaly Jimenez Hernandez is a former East Elementary student and will be at Little Raven next week. She was a part of LPS summer school this past June and attended Little Raven Summer SACC. Nathaly has been a great asset, especially in SACC. She always makes good choices. She is kind and considerate and enjoys any opportunity to help out. Nathaly’s mother speaks Spanish, and Nathaly is always making sure her mom knows what is going on at SACC, which is especially helpful on days when there are field trips. SACC spent a day studying Mexico, and when learning about colors and how to say them in Spanish, Nathaly agreed to be a helper and called out the colors in Spanish when the group played a game called Color Rush. With her help, the other kids quickly learned the Spanish words for various colors and everyone had a ton of fun with this new version of a favorite game. Nathaly exemplifies the Portrait of an LPS Graduate traits of  Cultural Awareness and Resiliency. Congratulations, Nathaly!

Ramses Gonzalez embodies what all students in the Next Program are and can be. He consistently attends school, actively engages in all lessons, and wholeheartedly embraces all Next has to offer. The Next Program in LPS is a partnership between Littleton Public Schools, Englewood Schools, Jefferson County Schools, and Arapahoe Community College. It provides opportunities for students to access free GED testing, free college coursework or concurrent enrollment, workforce development, and social-emotional support. It is an ideal environment for students wanting to experience college life prior to making the transition to college. During his time with Next, Ramses has participated in opportunities to explore both concurrent enrollment and career-oriented tours and activities. Each of these has helped him to gain clarity on what may come “Next.” One such opportunity led him to become a tech intern at Good Turn Cycles, where he is learning bike mechanics and customer service. Ramses is a dedicated and ambitious individual, and an asset to the Next Program. He serves as an example to new and existing students on the possibilities that arise when they take an active role in exploring their future. Ramses embodies Portrait of a Graduate traits of Risk-Taking, Self-Advocacy, and Resiliency. Congratulations, Ramses!

Littleton Public Schools is home to some of the most amazing students! Thank you for sharing your kindness, compassion, and drive with our schools and your peers!