Portrait of a Graduate

jasmine gozalez

Jasmine Gonzalez starts her school day in the middle school studio with other students who have volunteered to produce the morning announcements. In her current role as anchor, she stands in front of a green screen sharing important events and reminders in a way that is easy to understand and engaging, and she does it LIVE! As a District, we hope to provide opportunities for students to practice their communication skills. That is often done in writing, but it is fun to see students like Jasmine using their skills to benefit their classmates. Jasmine and the entire morning announcement team truly exemplify our Effective Communicator competency. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do for York Suburban.

Intevise Learning Support Students

In the Intensive Learning Support program, students rotate through non-paid work experiences with different partners throughout the community and learn pre-vocational skills as part of transition planning. Throughout the week, students deliver packages to staff at the the high school, clean the faculty room at Valley View Elementary, deliver lunch orders from Jimmy Johns to staff, and transport clothing and food donations to the Impact Foundation pantry. Not only are our students working with a diverse group of partners, they are working together cooperatively toward a common goal...a BOLD future. They truly exemplify our Community Collaborator competency.

POG

Since elementary school, but particularly during her time at the high school, Sophia Scalet has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to academics and selfless passion for service. For example, as the current President of the Impact Foundation, Sophia is instrumental in leading the organization to provide food and clothing to over 130 families in need each month.

Some of the other ways in which Sophia has had a positive impact on our community during her time as a student include:

  • Lifelong Girl Scout - Joined in Kindergarten
  • Puzzle Partner Working with Exceptional Students - Since Sophomore YearLink Crew Member - Junior Year
  • Student Board Representative - Junior Year
  • Future Leaders of York - Junior Year
  • Tutor for Students in York City - Senior Year
  • Student Council Member - Since Middle School
  • Student Council President - Senior Year
  • Other Clubs and Activities Include - Diversity and Activism Club, Five Academic Honor Societies, Model UN,
  • Technology Student Association, Musicals, and Soccer Team.

Sophia is one of those rare students who not only excels in everything she does, but does so to make the world a better place. She truly exemplifies our Compassionate Citizen competency.

 

What is a Portrait of a Graduate?

  • A comprehensive educational framework that defines the essential skills, attributes, and qualities the community aims to cultivate in its graduates.
  • Portrait of a Graduate goes beyond traditional academic knowledge and focuses on competencies.

What does it support?

  • Well-Rounded Graduates
  • Graduates Prepared for a Rapidly Changing World
  • Students Ready to Address Complex Challenges
  • Graduates who Contribute Meaningfully to our Communities and the Global Society
  • Curriculum Planning and Instruction Focused on our Chosen Competencies

How was it developed?

York Suburban's Portrait of a Graduate was developed using community stakeholder feedback and input.

  • Committee of 45 Stakeholders - Parents, Educators, Students, Board Members, Community, Business, Higher Education, and Military
  • Additional input from Superintendent Advisory Council, Student Advisory Council, Secondary Student Surveys, and Community Surveys

Committee Timeline

  • October 2023 - Reviewed historical graduate data, YSSD Mission and Vision, and future plans. Developed questions for surveys, brainstormed competencies needed for graduates, and reviewed examples from across the country.
  • November 2023 - Reviewed surveys and identified patterns. Reviewed possible competencies from October meeting and compared those with community/student surveys. Consolidated possible competencies into priority areas.
  • December 2023 - Met with Graphic Design class at York County Technical School to share our work and Portrait of a Graduate inspiration. Students returned their design ideas.
  • February 2024 - Three student designs were reviewed and language for the Portrait of a Graduate finalized. We began brainstorming ideas for communicating the concept to our community and integrating it into daily practices.
  • May 2024 - District used committee feedback on student designs to develop final graphic and poster.

What happens next?

  • August 2024 - Introduce to Students and Staff
  • September 2024 - Soft rollout to families and community
  • October 2024 to April 2025 - Focused information for each competency through newsletters, social media, etc.
  • May 2025 - Summarizing communication
  • 2024-2025 School Year - Discuss methods of assessment (How we will measure success for our graduates?), Communication and buy-in
  • 2025-2026 School Year - Begin work of embedding competencies into curriculum, lessons, assessment, etc.
Web version POG Tall