The Student Spotlight feature of each LPS Board meeting, new to the Board’s agenda this year, celebrates a student or a group of students who are living out the Portrait of an LPS Graduate. 

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 new life skills. In response, about four years ago, more than 300 local industry leaders, teachers, community members, parents and students discussed what the new learning priorities should be. Focus groups of LPS high school students reviewed this feedback, shared their priorities and compiled the Portrait of an LPS Graduate, which outlines the attributes/skills of an LPS graduate:

• Well-adjusted, Thriving and Balanced
• Communication
• Global/Cultural Awareness
• Character
• Critical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Adaptability
• Creativity
• Risk-Taking
• Resiliency
• Collaboration
• Self Advocacy
• All surrounding Rigorous and Relevant Academic Skills

October 27, 2022
At their meeting on October 27, 2022, the Board of Education recognized students from LPS’s Next and Voyager programs as well as Euclid Middle School. 

Kaila Read is a junior at Voyager and has been with the program for three semesters. After struggling to connect and find purpose at her home high school, Kai was looking for a change. She not only found that change but is flourishing at Voyager. She feels connected to her peers and teachers and has embraced the flexible learning environment. Voyager has allowed Kai to experience academic success and find personal balance in her life. This year, she began the automotive tech program at Arapahoe Community College and loves it. She plans to pursue a career in the industry because she has found such satisfaction in fixing things and helping others. Kai demonstrates many of the characteristics of the Portrait of a Graduate, including resiliency, self-advocacy, collaboration, and character. It is an honor to have her in the Voyager community and we value and appreciate her positive contributions!

Ella Jackson joined the Next GED program in May 2022. Before joining the program, she attended Options and Heritage high schools. A quiet and reserved young woman, Ella historically struggled with attendance. Like many Next students, she works to overcome challenges with mental health and complex family dynamics. At sixteen, she knew that she needed to make a change that would better her personal circumstances. She saw the GED as the first of many steps that would allow her to gain the independence she not only craved but knew she was capable of. She studied diligently for about a month and a half and completed two of her four GED tests while also working full-time at King Soopers so she could move out on her own. Over the summer, she was able to secure an apartment and continues to work full-time. This fall, she enrolled in the cosmetology program at Colorado’s Finest and she will begin providing services this March. She plans on finishing her GED this fall and will continue to focus on her cosmetology studies. Ella continues to exhibit resiliency and self-advocacy. Her decision to take control of her circumstances and make positive changes for her own life has been nothing short of inspirational, and LPS is very proud of Ella.

Two seventh graders at Euclid Middle School were nominated for Student Spotlight by their bus driver, Mr. Paul. Eleanor Arcand, who goes by Nora, and Pierce Stephenson were a great help earlier this fall when a first grader from Littleton Academy was walking home and was almost hit by a car. Nora and Pierce talked with the first grader to find out why he was walking home and to make him feel welcome and not scared. Mr. Paul said, “They were as concerned about the first grader as I was as I was trying to get help and guidance from dispatch. They even asked about how things worked out. They are a great asset to my bus.” He added that Nora even helps walk the bus and pick up trash and items left behind at the last stop. Both of these kids are very responsible, and everyone was so relieved and happy to know that they helped the first grader get home safely.

Thank you to Pierce and Nora for your compassion and care that you showed that first grader. You gave a wonderful demonstration of the communication, character, problem solving, and collaboration characteristics that are included in the Portrait of a Graduate. 

LPS is truly proud of all of these students is committed to supporting them as they continue to thrive and grow.

November 17, 2022
At the Board of Education meeting on November 17, 2022, the Board celebrated students from Wilder and Gaskill elementary schools.

Tanner Rodrian is an amazing fifth grader at Wilder! He is a student who consistently shows character and integrity. Tanner has taken on a leadership and mentor role, which started when he was in fourth grade. He willingly checks in with his mentee, Dylan, who is in third grade, at least twice a week to see if he needs anything, answers any questions, and really is just there for him. Most importantly, Tanner has guided and provided Dylan with friendship. He has helped Dylan to be himself and has inspired him to grow his confidence. Tanner is a kind individual who truly cares about others. He helps others consistently and always demonstrates respect for his classmates and teachers. Tanner is a hard-working student who always strives to do his best and puts forth maximum effort. He is a leader and role model.

Dylan Murray is a third grader at Wilder who is incredibly resilient and positive. Dylan has overcome some obstacles and leaned on his mentor, Tanner, to keep going, demonstrating adaptability. Dylan has trusted his mentor to help him grow as an individual since he was in second grade. He is always willing to learn and do his best. Dylan will look for the bright side of things and never lets a bump in the road slow him down. Dylan works hard both academically and socially, and when there are challenges, he bounces back. Dylan is kind and caring and takes pride in his abilities. Dylan, with his strong character, reminds all of us to keep smiling, look for the positive, and to keep moving forward. 

Wilder principal, Devon Reinert, has said that Wilder is lucky to have these two as part of their school.

Matias Garcia is an outstanding student in fourth grade at Gudy Gaskill Elementary. His math teacher often forgets that he is in fourth grade because he is a rockstar in her sixth grade math class. Matias is continually absorbed in mathematics and demonstrates critical thinking on a daily basis. His cognitive and academic abilities are strong, but he wouldn't be two math levels ahead by those abilities alone. He's had to continuously make sense of problems and persevere in order to be precise with his solutions. As an extremely humble introvert, it would have been tempting and easy for Matias to hide his abilities to avoid the math spotlight and curious looks from older peers, but he values his authentic self and pursues the academic path that fits his quantitative abilities. 

Luis Acosta-Bigas is a twice-exceptional student. His mind connects ideas and details in ways that most of us can barely understand. Due to his critical thinking, creativity, and visual-spatial abilities, he is able to vividly imagine and understand math problems in unique ways, which adds depth and rigor to his learning community. Luis surprises us constantly and has taught us so much.

All four of these students are assets to their schools and their learning communities. LPS is so fortunate to have them modeling the skills outlined in the Portrait of an LPS Graduate for their peers. Congratulations to all of you, and keep up the great work! LPS so proud of you!

December 8, 2022
At their meeting on December 8, 2022, the Board of Education recognized students from Sandburg Elementary School for their Student Spotlight segment.

Sandburg Elementary School has a monthly focus on a character trait as part of their PAWS program, which stands for Productive Learning, Always Respectful, Wise Choices, and Safety Everywhere. Students are nominated by their teachers and peers to be recognized for their display of the trait being focused on that month. 

Uriel McCarrolle was nominated by Mrs. Brotherton, who said, “Uriel is such a great example of PAWS behavior in our kindergarten class. She works hard, does her best, stays focused, and is a kind friend and helper. I can always count on her to follow our classroom expectations. She is a rockstar!” 

Sofia Sidorova was nominated by Mrs. Hoskinson, who said, “Sofia is a very kind and caring person. She is thoughtful of the needs and feelings of those around her, and she loves to help and be involved in whatever way possible in our classroom community. Her graciousness shines bright each and every day at Sandburg. Our class would not be the same without her friendly smile and positive attitude!”

Alden Harris was nominated by Mrs. Baca, who said, “Alden is a great example of showing PAWS in all areas of our school. He is a leader in my classroom. He is a kind friend to all students and always focused on doing his best while helping others do their best. Alden is respectful and caring to his teachers and those around him. We are lucky to have Alden at Sandburg.”

Natalie Stock was nominated by Mrs. Vincelette. She said, “Natalie always shows up and gets right to work. She executes her ideas with focus and often finishes more than is expected during art. I have watched her grow over the years and become more confident in her ideas as she expands her skills. I love watching her shine as an artist in the studio; thanks, Natalie, for being an amazing student!”

Wyatt Vaughn was nominated by Mrs. Walter. Mrs. Walter said, “Wyatt is new to Sandburg this year, but that has not stopped him from embracing our PAWS philosophy. He is a leader and helper, kind to other students, respectful and empathetic, and is consistently going above and beyond to have our classroom community feel strong and inclusive. He truly is a model for an outstanding student!”

Jack Ryan was nominated by Mr. K. who had this to say about him: “We are fortunate to have Jack as a part of our school and classroom community. I appreciate Jack’s attention to detail in his school work and the effort he puts forth in all tasks. His curious, thoughtful nature is an example for his peers. Not only is Jack sound academically, but most importantly, he is kind, compassionate, and empathetic. These characteristics are some of his greatest strengths!”

Thank you to all of you amazing Sandburg students for working to make sure your school is a kind and inclusive place to be. You are all showing wonderful character and adaptability, which are important traits for LPS students to develop as they work through school and graduate. Continue to make sure those around you are included–you never know whose life you might change just by being kind.