In the Spring of 2019, the London City School District published its Portrait of a Graduate, which highlights the key skills and attitudes necessary for district graduates to have success in college and careers. Our district uses the Portrait of a Graduate to help design meaningful teaching and learning experiences for our students.
The following students were recognized during the November Regular Board of Education meeting for substantially demonstrating the district’s Portrait of a Graduate. Congratulations to each of these students!
Matthias McFarland (5th Grade) - London Elementary School
London Elementary 5th grader, Matthias McFarland, truly embodies the characteristics outlined in London City Schools' "Portrait of a Graduate." As an effective communicator, Matthias excels in both verbal and non-verbal skills, making him an active participant in class discussions and group projects. He listens attentively to his peers, ensuring everyone's ideas are heard and valued, and he is adept at expressing his thoughts clearly. Matthias naturally creates a positive and collaborative learning environment during group activities.
Matthias also demonstrates strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. He is in our new gifted ELA and Math classes. Matthias is an exceptional individual with a curious mind and a compassionate heart. He consistently exceeds expectations in his work and demonstrates a deep empathy for those around him. One of his teachers said, “Matthias is a very confident young man who demonstrates a true passion for learning with his overall enthusiasm, participation, and willingness to help others.”
Finally, he exemplifies flexibility and adaptability, as well as respect for others. He is always seeking ways to brighten the day of others, Matthias' positive influence is felt by everyone he encounters. Matthias first started attending London Elementary School three years ago, and he has overcome prior life obstacles and is thriving in his new setting. Anyone who has the privilege of knowing him is truly fortunate.
Spencer King (8th) - London Middle School
This month, we proudly highlight 8th-grader Spencer King. With a passion for the arts, an active role in the community, and ambitious goals for the future, Spencer exemplifies the qualities of a successful graduate and leader.
To begin, Spencer's impact extends beyond middle school and has already left an impressive mark at London High School. He has performed in school productions like Hello Dolly and The Wizard of Oz, and as a member of the Pride of London Marching Band, he has competed in four competitions.
When he's not performing or competing, Spencer enjoys composing music and experimenting with various instruments at home, from trombone to bagpipes. His passion for creativity also shines through his YouTube channel, where he communicates effectively and creatively with a broader audience.
In addition to his artistic talents, Spencer has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, earning a spot on the merit honor roll since the 6th grade. This achievement reflects his commitment to his studies and his pursuit of excellence in all areas of his education. He has also served as a member of the LMS student council, where he demonstrated leadership skills and a commitment to making a positive impact in his school community.
Mr. Bannan, one of Spencer's teachers, shares, "Spencer truly exemplifies the qualities we've outlined as essential for our graduates. He consistently takes pride in his assignments, completing all work to the best of his ability. His dedication to excellence not only reflects his commitment to learning but also sets a positive example for his peers."
He continues, "Moreover, Spencer treats all students with respect and kindness, fostering a supportive environment in the classroom. He is always willing to share his thoughts and answers during discussions, demonstrating his effective communication skills. Additionally, he stands firmly behind his beliefs, showcasing his critical thinking and problem-solving abilities."
Mr. Billings adds, "Spencer is such a polite, well-mannered student with an eagerness to learn. He truly enjoys reading and discovering new things within the classroom. Spencer definitely epitomizes the Portrait of a Graduate at London City Schools. And, based on his Halloween costume this year, we may have to name it Portrait of a Future President!"
Looking ahead, Spencer has his sights set on an exciting future. He aspires to join the Ohio State University Marching Band and "dot the I" in Ohio—an aspiration that speaks to his dedication to excellence, respect for tradition, and love of music.
Spencer's journey and goals showcase what it means to be a future-ready, adaptable, and respectful graduate.
Leah Grundy(12th) - London Unlimited
Leah Grundy, a lifelong student of London City Schools and November’s Portrait of a Graduate, is a senior who embodies the district’s vision for its graduates. Through the flexible London Unlimited program, she has customized her schedule while meeting all graduation requirements. Leah has previously benefited from London Unlimited's credit recovery program prior to her acceptance into the Tolles Career & Technical Center where she is currently studying culinary arts.
Leah is an effective communicator, a critical and creative thinker, and a skilled problem-solver. She adapts to changing circumstances and is proficient in literacy, numeracy, and technology. As part of Ohio’s Graduation Seals program, which highlights college, career, and military readiness, Leah has earned both an industry-recognized credential and the student engagement seal. With over a year of work experience at Popeyes, she enjoys shopping and aims to become a child psychologist.
Kaitlynn Chastain (12th) - London High School
It is with great pride that London High School names Kaitlynn Chastain as November's Portrait of a Graduate recipient. Kaitlynn is a talented, driven, and well-rounded student whose involvement in Tennis, Choir, and Color Guard reflects her dedication to personal growth and her contributions to our school community. Her character and skills exemplify the qualities of a graduate ready to make a meaningful impact.
Effective Communicator: Kaitlynn demonstrates outstanding communication skills across her activities. In Tennis, she effectively collaborates with teammates and coaches during matches. Her experience in Choir showcases her ability to connect with an audience, conveying emotion and meaning through her performances. Additionally, her role in Color Guard requires seamless synchronization with her team, reinforcing her skills in non-verbal communication, timing, and teamwork.
Critical, Creative Thinker, and Problem Solver: Kaitlynn excels in thinking critically and creatively to address challenges in each of her pursuits. In Color Guard, she approaches each routine with creativity, finding ways to express the music through complex movements. Her problem-solving abilities are also evident in Tennis, where she anticipates her opponents' moves and adjusts her strategy. In academics, she consistently tackles challenges with a thoughtful approach, showing that she is resourceful in her work and studies.
Respectful to Self and Others: Kaitlynn exemplifies respect in all her interactions. She treats her teammates, instructors, and peers with kindness and understanding, always offering encouragement and support. She respects herself by maintaining high standards for her performance, while also showing respect to her team by putting in the necessary effort and preparation to contribute positively.
Flexible and Adaptable: Kaitlynn’s ability to be flexible and adapt is evident in her successful involvement in such diverse activities. Balancing the demands of sports, music, and performance requires adaptability, and Kaitlynn handles these responsibilities with grace and efficiency. She has shown her resilience and adaptability in managing her schedule, shifting between the physical demands of Tennis and the artistic focus required in Choir and Color Guard.
Skilled in Literacy, Numeracy, and Technology: Kaitlynn’s academic abilities reflect her proficiency in literacy and numeracy, consistently demonstrating her competence across subjects. Additionally, she leverages technology effectively in her activities and studies, using tools to support her learning and improve her performance, whether it’s analyzing strategies or reviewing recordings to refine her routines.
Kaitlynn's teachers have the following to share:
Kaity is an extremely positive person even when faced with challenges and adversity. She really pushes herself to do the best she can in all of her activities and enjoys the learning process. Kaity is also a positive communicator and does well at explaining ideas and concepts to others around her. She is extremely enthusiastic about her career path and always looks for more opportunities to learn more about it. (Mr. Freeman)
Kaitlyn is the kind of person that teachers want in their classrooms; kind, dedicated, and positive. She leads by example, with a smile on her face. When a difficult task needs to be completed, Kaitlyn is the person I go to. I have been proud to call her one of my students. (Mr. Tanner)
Congratulations to Kaitlynn Chastain!
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