What was the final product of this endeavor?

What was the final product of this endeavor? First, the group decided not to call it a Portrait of a Graduate; instead, it was named The Journey of a Blue Devil. The students, parents, community members, and staff wanted to ensure everyone understood the journey was not just about high school students. Instead, this is genuinely a pre-K-12 initiative.

As a group, the committee identified five key competencies that we felt every student in the Brunswick City Schools should possess by the time they graduate from our district. These competencies should be nurtured at every grade level. They are communication, adaptability, critical thinking, empathy, and responsibility.

The Design Committee identified several attributes students should possess for each competency:

COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY

• Share thoughts and ideas in a variety of forms and contexts.
• Confidently communicate to inform and motivate.
• Actively listen to understand.

DEMONSTRATE ADAPTABILITY

• Persevere in times of change.
• Show flexibility in thoughts and actions.
• Respond productively to feedback.
• Seek to understand diverse views.

THINK CRITICALLY

• Understand the big picture and the effect they have on others and the world around them.
• Reflect on your thinking in order to solve problems creatively.
• Be open-minded and informed by evidence.

SHOW EMPATHY

• Strive to understand the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of others.
• Demonstrate awareness, sensitivity, and respect in order to connect with others.

LIVE RESPONSIBLY

• Act with honesty and integrity.
• Honor your commitments and own the outcome.

The Journey of a Blue Devil will be a driving force for our district as we continue to move forward. These competencies will be nurtured, discussed, and modeled in our classrooms. The Journey of a Blue Devil will also play a vital role in the district’s strategic planning.