Portrait of a Graduate
The Douglas School District's Portrait of a Graduate represents our shared vision for the knowledge, skills, character traits, and competencies every student should develop to succeed in college, career, and life. It is a community-driven framework that reflects the hopes and expectations of our students, families, staff, businesses, and community members.
From October 2025 through April 2026, a Portrait of a Graduate Leadership Team and Steering Committee, consisting of approximately 40 members, worked together to develop this vision. Through two rounds of focus groups and valuable feedback from families, community members, and Douglas alumni, the committee refined a portrait that reflects what it means to be a successful Douglas graduate.
Today, this work extends across every grade level. More to come on how this is defined at each level, but we found we are already developing students but this work will help us become more targeted and specific in our approach. Using age-appropriate instruction, guidance, and learning opportunities, we are intentionally helping students develop the skills and characteristics outlined in our Portrait of a Graduate, ensuring they are prepared for success both in school, in life and beyond.
A Douglas School District Graduate is a contributing community member who acts responsibly.
- Self-Awareness and Motivation: Recognizes their strengths, sets meaningful goals, and takes an active role in their growth and well-being.
- Accountability and Integrity: Takes responsibility for their choices and understands the impact of their actions.
- Growth Mindset: Shows persistence and curiosity when facing challenges.
A Douglas School District Graduate speaks and responds with confidence and clear ideas in a variety of social and professional settings.
- Self-Advocacy: Clearly communicates their needs, opinions, and interests to others.
- Conflict Resolution: Possesses the skills to thoughtfully and constructively resolve disagreements .
- Leadership: Guides and encourages others, sets a good example, and positively influences those around them.
- Critical and Creative Thinking: Solves complex problems using available resources.
- Organizational Mastery: Demonstrates effective time management and organizational skills.
- Financial Effectiveness: Applies knowledge of budgeting and effectively manages personal finances.
- Digital Literacy: Utilizes technology responsibly and understands the impact of their choices.
A Douglas School District Graduate is prepared for any chosen career path after high school.
- Career Exploration: Actively engages in opportunities to learn about careers that align with their skills and interests.
- College / Career Experiences: Actively pursues rigorous learning opportunities and real-world experiences to enhance their success.