The Student Spotlight segment of each Board meeting celebrates a student or a group of students who are living out the Portrait of an LPS Graduate, which highlights the life skills each LPS graduate should have. Tomorrow’s workers will succeed by constantly adapting to the changing world around them, and today’s students must begin by learning and developing life skills - where every student should be well-adjusted, thriving, and balanced.
Additionally, students will develop skills in:
Communication
Global and Cultural Awareness
Character and Critical Thinking
Problem Solving and Adaptability
Creativity and Risk Taking
Resiliency and Collaboration
Self Advocacy
All surrounding Rigorous and Relevant Academic Skills
In LPS, we strive to implement opportunities to grow these skills at every level of education, and we recognize students of all ages.
At the regularly scheduled meeting on September 11, the Board of Education recognized students from Options Secondary Program and Newton Middle School.
Paul Zamora, currently a junior at Options Secondary Program, was the featured speaker for this year’s New Educator Breakfast, and he rose to the occasion with grace and authenticity. From the moment he began, his quiet confidence and gentle presence drew the room in. With a mix of lighthearted humor and heartfelt, personal stories, he demonstrated the very best of COMMUNICATION–speaking not just to be heard, but to truly connect.
Paul’s message resonated deeply with the new teachers, reminding them that their influence on the students walking into LPS classrooms this year will be lasting and profound. His willingness to share a personal story was a powerful act of RISK-TAKING, especially in front of a room filled with educators, administrators, and district leaders. It took courage to be that vulnerable, and his words moved many to tears.
Paul, thank you for giving us a gift that morning: a reminder of why we do this work and the difference one person’s story can make. Your voice will no doubt stick with your entire audience this year.
Callum Jarvis is a sixth grader at Newton Middle School, and he served as a student host at the New Educator Breakfast in August. He welcomed our new educators in style. Callum showed incredible CREATIVITY by singing a Frank Sinatra song along with telling a few great back-to-school jokes that had everyone laughing.
Callum didn’t just take the stage; he owned it. With his strong COMMUNICATION skills, he set the tone for a positive, joy-filled start to the school year. New educators and district employees in attendance were blown away by Callum’s ability to make them laugh while also sending a heartfelt message of welcome and appreciation. Thank you, Callum, for being authentically you! We are so grateful Callum shared his unique blend of authenticity, humor, and personality with this year’s new educators; they will surely remember his message and presence.