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Deerpath 5th-graders and staff showcase new 'portrait of a learner' routines and organization stations
Summary
Deerpath Middle School staff highlighted a theme 'Be Brave, Reach Beyond' and demonstrated grade-wide supports—organization stations, planners, and SEL lessons—while 5th‑grade students described how the tools helped with independence and confidence.
Board members heard a student spotlight from Deerpath Middle School where principal Sam Paulson described the year's theme 'Be Brave, Reach Beyond' and efforts to embed a district 'portrait of a learner' into classroom practice.
"So Be Brave, Reach Beyond is the theme of our school year," Paulson said, explaining teachers are connecting classroom tasks to portrait competencies such as citizenship and communication. Assistant principal Carly Harvey described a new set of behavior expectations called "Guidelines for Success" (DPM: dependable, positive, mindful) and a consistent planner and organization station (OS) used across 5th grade.
Four 5th‑grade students spoke about daily use of the OS and planners. "My name is Hannah... The OS helps a lot and keeps everything organized for me," one student said. Another student, Henry, said the organization station removed the need to carry loose folders between classes. Students also described increased independence, locker use and new tools in math and writing instruction.
Principal Paulson and staff credited Spirit of 67 for funding a Boundless Adventures field trip used as a community-building experience; a parent at the meeting thanked Deerpath staff and Spirit of 67 for the opportunity.
