What should a student take with them when they leave Burrell?
Certainly, a strong academic foundation. But preparing students for what comes next means more than what they learn from a textbook, the courses they complete or the grades they earn. It also means learning how to think, communicate, solve problems, work with others, take responsibility and become part of a community.
That is the idea behind Burrell School District's Portrait of a BUC.
Portrait of a BUC creates a common vision for what Burrell wants students to gain from their educational experience, beginning in their earliest years in the district and continuing through graduation. It brings together academics, personal growth, relationships, leadership and preparation for life beyond the classroom. In many ways, the Portrait puts a name and a purpose behind work that is already happening throughout Burrell.
Students develop these skills in traditional classrooms, but they also develop them through studios, athletics, the arts, clubs, community projects, career exploration and simply by learning how to work alongside people with different ideas and experiences. The goal is to make those connections more intentional.
Learn. Create. Lead. Succeed.
At the center of the Portrait of a BUC are four simple words: Learn. Create. Lead. Succeed. They are easy to remember, but each represents something much bigger. Learning is about gaining knowledge, but also developing curiosity and becoming willing to consider new ideas. Creating means using that knowledge to solve problems, think differently, and turn ideas into something meaningful. Leading can happen in front of a group, but it can also mean taking responsibility, helping others and setting an example. Success looks different for every student, whether the next step is college, a career, the military, technical training or another path entirely. Together, those qualities help define what it means to Be a Proud Buccaneer. And they extend well beyond academics.
A student's ability to communicate, collaborate, build relationships and feel connected to the people around them matters. So do character, responsibility and understanding the role each of us plays in creating a strong school community. The Portrait gives Burrell a way to bring those pieces together.
Making the Connection
The next step is making the Portrait something students recognize in their everyday experiences, rather than something they simply see on a poster. Teachers will increasingly connect classroom lessons and activities to the qualities represented in the Portrait. One tool designed to help make those connections visible is the Compass, which gives teachers and students a way to identify the skills being developed through a lesson, project, or experience.
A science project might require students to learn and create. A studio challenge may require collaboration, problem solving and leadership. A community project can ask students to use what they've learned to help someone else.
The lesson may be different, but the larger purpose remains the same.
That is also why the Portrait reaches beyond any one classroom, grade level or program. From curriculum and studios to student activities, community partnerships and career experiences, each can play a role in preparing students for what comes next.
Once a BUC, Always a BUC
Preparing students for what comes next extends well beyond the moment they walk across the stage at graduation. Once a BUC, Always a BUC is an important part of the Portrait because Burrell graduates remain part of the community.
Alumni can provide students with a valuable connection to the world beyond school by sharing their experiences, serving as mentors, talking about careers, and returning to participate in district programs. They also provide current students with real examples of the many different ways success can look after Burrell.
As the new school year begins, families will hear much more about the Portrait of a BUC. They will also begin seeing it in action. Throughout the year, we'll share stories about students learning in new ways, teachers creating opportunities, studios tackling real-world challenges, families becoming involved, community partners lending their expertise and alumni returning to help the next generation of BUCs.
Because the Portrait of a BUC isn't about adding one more program to the school day. It's about putting a common purpose behind the many experiences that already make up a Burrell education and making sure that when students leave Burrell, they are prepared not only for their next step, but for everything that comes after it.