The Student Spotlight segment of each Board meeting celebrates a student or a group of students who are living out the Portrait of an LPS Graduate, which highlights the life skills each LPS graduate should have. Tomorrow’s workers will succeed by constantly adapting to the changing world around them, and today’s students must begin by learning and developing life skills - where every student should be well-adjusted, thriving, and balanced.

Additionally, students will develop skills in:

• 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 recognize students of all ages. At their regularly scheduled meeting on May 22, 2024, the Board recognized groups of students from Field Elementary School and Transition Services during the Student Spotlight.

Field Elementary School
The Field Elementary Student Leadership Team is composed of 24 students in Grades 3 through 5 who are passionate about their school and serving their fellow students and their community. These students serve as ambassadors for the student body by communicating ideas and concerns from their peers to the Leadership Team. During team meetings, students must collaborate within small groups to creatively work to solve problems and find solutions. A good example of this was when each of the small groups had to decide on a charitable institution they wanted to raise money for, and then create a way to raise the money. Students had to demonstrate Adaptability and openness to change when only one idea was chosen. Many students displayed Resilience and could bounce back even if their ideas weren’t used. Three Problem Solvers on the team devised an idea to use one group’s charitable organization selection idea and a different group’s fundraising idea. The team moved forward raising money for Three Way Sanctuary for Horses and Humans by selling stuffed animals. Four of the students on the Student Leadership Team stand out by consistently exhibiting the characteristics of the LPS Portrait of a Graduate: Aiden Pacheco, Brynna Jelinek, Jodalys Fontanez Montanez, and Sophia Hebert.

Also from Field Elementary, the Board recognized two younger students who live out the Portrait of a Graduate traits.

Valentino “Val” Nava Arredondo is a compassionate and empathetic student who genuinely cares about the wellbeing of others. He exhibits true Character and Collaboration. He is often seen assisting others academically and emotionally, and he positively influences the school community. When Val was a kindergarten student, he could frequently be seen picking up trash on the playground and in the building because he wanted to make the world a better place. He has continued to show this dedication in first grade. He cares deeply about his classmates, is very dedicated to learning and always does his best work.

Margaret “Maggie” Lessard is a second grader who exemplifies Communication with her peers and her teachers. She is encouraging to all students and always has a positive message to give them. Maggie is a bright, energetic student with a contagious smile and fabulous fashion sense! She is a natural leader and will encourage classmates to do their best in every task. She doesn’t hesitate to help her peers in any way she can. Maggie loves a challenge, yet always presents herself with a beautiful humility. She perseveres when things get tough, using her Problem Solving and Critical Thinking abilities to find innovative solutions, no matter what the subject. Maggie also thrives in Adaptability and Resilience; even if things don’t go her way, she is flexible and never lets surprises get in the way of her learning. Maggie’s Portrait of a Graduate traits will continue to lead her to academic and personal success!

Transition Services
Kira Lennebacker has a positive outlook on life, takes initiative, and shines in the Portrait of a Graduate trait of Creativity. She is channeling her love for and strength in the arts to participate in a paid internship at an art gallery, which will further develop her independence. 

Kolby Rushing shows incredible kindness and compassion towards others in his volunteer work at GraceFull Cafe, exemplifying the Portrait of a Graduate traits of Character and Global and Cultural Awareness. He is a hard worker and positively contributes to any group he is a part of.

Stephany Mendez is continually looking for ways to challenge herself. She exemplifies the trait of Risk-Taking as she seeks new ways to grow. She is caring towards others and is always willing to lend a helping hand, showing her skills in Collaboration.

Pearl Hogan has grown in her independence and consistently shows the traits of Adaptability and Resiliency. She is flexible and open to change. She has positive relationships with others and is a joy to be around.