What is a Portrait of a Graduate and our Vision of a Putnam Learner?

Think of the Portrait of a Graduate as a school's roadmap for student success - it's like a picture of all the amazing qualities and abilities we want students to develop by the time they graduate from high school. When schools create this portrait, they're essentially asking themselves and their community: "What do we want our graduates to know and be able to do when they leave our halls?" This isn't just about academic grades - it's about the whole person each student can become.

This portrait helps schools make sure they're giving students everything they need to succeed not just in school, but in life beyond graduation. It's like having a compass that guides how teachers teach, what activities are offered, and how the whole school works together to support students. Every school's portrait might look a little different because each community is unique, but they all share the same goal: making sure students graduate ready to chase their dreams, whether that's heading to college, starting a career, or making a difference in their community. When families understand their school's Portrait of a Graduate, they can better partner with teachers to help their students develop these important skills and qualities along the way. Think of it as everyone - students, families, teachers, and the community - working together to help young people become their best selves.

Welcome to Putnam's vision for our students - what we call our "Vision of a Putnam Learner"! This vision wasn't created by just one group - it came together through the teamwork of our whole Putnam family. Teachers from all three of our schools, school leaders, students, parents, and community members all shared their ideas about what makes a Putnam graduate special. Think of it as our community's shared dream for every student who walks through our doors.

Our Vision of a Putnam Learner acts like a growth map, showing the important skills and qualities students will develop during their journey with us, from their first day until graduation day. Just like watching a garden grow over time, we help nurture these skills throughout each student's years in our schools, celebrating their progress along the way. This vision helps everyone - students, families, and teachers - understand what we're working toward together and ensures every Putnam graduate leaves our schools ready to succeed in whatever path they choose.