by Natasha L. Adams
Superintendent and CEO
Schools are part of the fabric of any community. At West Clermont Schools, we know that being a good district means thinking beyond a students’ journey just within the walls of our buildings.
To strengthen the experience of our students and elevate what a West Clermont diploma means, we have worked hard to create a bold vision and purpose that unites us all. We are calling this vision Portrait of a Graduate.
Two years ago, we asked our students, staff, families, and community members “ What do our graduates need to be successful in learning and life?” From your feedback, we developed our Portrait of a Graduate vision, which identifies key learning attributes specific to what is valued most in our community.
Our draft plan was improved with the help of the people impacted the most: our students. Members of Mr. Gebhardt&rsquo's principal’s council at West Clermont High School, alongside other innovative districts across the state of Ohio at the Battelle for Kids Learning21 Network, came together to lay the foundation for inspiring students to become happy, healthy, productive citizens.
Success is not a singular destination and can mean different things to different people. Our vision takes into account the various pathways students can take— whether it’s a technical school, college, employment/career opportunities, military enlistment, or an entrepreneurial adventure.
Our goal is to prepare our students to:
- Create lives they desire
- Turn ideas into action
- Be courageous in the face of challenge
- Pursue personal happiness and joy
- Do what is right even when no one is watching
Our students’ journey begins from the first day of kindergarten. We want to intentionally teach our students skills and traits that go beyond academic outcomes so they can successfully navigate each transition in life. That&rsquo's why Portrait of a Graduate focuses on these learnings:
- Academic & Life Skills
- Communication & Collaboration
- Character & Integrity
- Innovative & Creative Thinking
- Resiliency & Adaptability
This Portrait of a Graduate vision marks the beginning of our transformation process at West Clermont. It is our North Star, guiding us not only where we want to go as a school system, but more importantly, where our students want to go.
