As students begin their high school journey, they take their first steps toward becoming exemplary Putnam learners by developing meaningful academic goals that align with our vision's core values of citizenship, communication, critical thinking, leadership, exploration, and lifelong learning. During this foundational year, students begin curating their digital portfolios, carefully selecting artifacts that demonstrate their initial growth in these areas. This might include examples of their first public speaking experiences, evidence of community involvement, or reflections on their emerging leadership skills. The digital portfolio becomes their personal story, documenting their growth and achievements throughout their high school career.