Lawrenceburg Community School Corporation launched its formative "Portrait of a Graduate" initiative in spring of 2023. Developed in collaboration with community members, parents, teachers, students, and Battelle for Kids, this initiative greatly enhances the school corporation's commitment to equipping students with the essential skills needed for success in an ever-evolving world.

The Portrait of a Graduate initiative launched after an extensive preparation process, which involved examining both societal and professional trends, as well as discussing and defining competencies. The program centers around five core competencies that are deemed critical for students' future success: Critical Thinker, Effective Communication, Empathy, Integrity, and Perseverance.

The principles of the Portrait of a Graduate have been seamlessly woven into the curriculum and extracurricular activities across all grade levels, from preschool through twelfth grade. The hallways and classrooms of all LCSC schools feature vibrant signage highlighting the five core competencies, serving as constant reminders and inspiration for students. Additionally, students and staff will proudly wear "Portrait of a Graduate" t-shirts, symbolizing their commitment to embodying the core competencies.

Lawrenceburg Community School Corporation plans to continue to engage with local cities and businesses to garner support for the initiative, encouraging students to apply the competencies beyond the classroom in real-world settings.

The school district invites parents and community members to join in this transformative journey by having conversations with students about the core competencies and encouraging them to reflect on their personal development in each area.

Parents and community members should also recognize and celebrate instances where students demonstrate the Portrait of a Graduate competencies, both within the school environment and in the broader community.

"We believe that the Portrait of a Graduate initiative will not only enhance academic outcomes but also nurture responsible citizenship, compassion, and a lifelong love for learning," remarked Karl Galey, superintendent of Lawrenceburg Community School Corporation. "This is a shared endeavor, and we invite our community to partner with us in shaping the future of our students."

The Portrait of a Graduate initiative empowers our students to thrive academically and personally and prepar them for a future brimming with possibilities.

Our Portrait of a Graduate initiative focuses on growing five core competencies for students from preschool through twelfth grade. First, we want students to become critical thinkers. We foster a love for learning, encouraging students to embrace the process of learning, unlearning, and relearning. Our curriculum emphasizes disciplined, open-minded thinking, guided by evidence. Students are taught to identify, evaluate, and prioritize solutions to complex problems, while always considering the bigger picture.

Second, our Portrait of a Graduate initiative ensures that students across all grade levels become effective communicators. We teach them to listen respectfully and with intent, fostering an environment where every voice is heard. Students learn to express their thoughts and ideas clearly using verbal, written, and nonverbal communication skills, tailored for a variety of purposes and audiences. This comprehensive approach to communication prepares our students to engage confidently and competently in any situation they encounter.

Third, this initiative also emphasizes the importance of empathy. We teach students to demonstrate awareness, sensitivity, concern, and respect, enabling them to connect deeply with others' feelings, opinions, experiences, and cultures. By encouraging students to use their own experiences to understand and relate to what others are thinking and feeling, we cultivate a compassionate and inclusive community. This focus on empathy equips our students to build meaningful connections and navigate diverse perspectives throughout their lives.

Fourth, we instill in our students the importance of acting with integrity in all that they do. We teach them to take on responsibility, honor their commitments, and accept the outcomes of their actions. By emphasizing honest and respectful behaviors, our students learn to contribute positively to the larger community. This commitment to integrity ensures that our graduates are not only successful in their personal endeavors but also as trustworthy and ethical members of society.

Finally, our Portrait of a Graduate initiative teaches students the value of perseverance. We emphasize that failure is a part of success and encourage students to keep moving forward toward growth. By working effectively in a climate of change, they learn to respond productively to feedback, praise, setbacks, and criticism. Our students demonstrate grit and adaptability in a variety of situations, equipping them with the resilience needed to navigate life's challenges and achieve their goals.