Developing ‘human being skills’ for success

Each school year is a unique journey with numerous phases, peaks, and valleys.
Personally, I enjoy the excitement at the beginning of the school year and the fresh start provided with the holiday break, but my favorite time of the school year is March.
I have appreciated the recent articles from Gregg Slaathaug and Beth Giese highlighting the importance of activity participation and the life skills learned through those experiences. Like them, I am continually humbled by the work ethic, teamwork, and discipline on display during activity participation. Obviously, March provides many opportunities to showcase skills and for school communities to support their respective teams and activity participants.
March is also a favorite time of the school year because we have crossed the one hundred school day milestone, and routines, procedures, expectations, and communication practices with families should be well established. It is also the time when public schools are planning for and conducting state accountability assessments.
We must continue to adjust our teaching methods and assessment practices to improve teaching and learning outcomes. Although there are many methods to measure student achievement and learning, and many different opinions on statewide standardized tests, I do appreciate the opportunity to receive feedback on how our practices and methods are impacting student achievement.
Although March is a time when many skills are on display, I think it is equally important to acknowledge the human being skills that lead to success in academics, activities, and athletics. The development of these skills is an ongoing process that needs to be built over the course of many years to see success. At Triton Public Schools, these efforts are guided by our Profile of a Graduate. The Triton Profile of a Graduate is our locally developed approach to what it means to be a graduate of Triton High School. We have incorporated many principles and competencies designed to help all students develop the skills necessary for success in college, in a career, and most importantly in life. It presents a clear visualization of priority goals for teaching and learning that can be easily communicated to students, parents, and staff to align collective efforts.
Throughout the many phases of the school year and the unique journey each year provides, I continue to be grateful for the opportunities to help all students and professionals continue to grow and improve. We are all on a continual journey of learning. The skills learned through victory, defeat, and improved academic achievement will continue to serve students well as they prepare to be successful contributing members of our communities. Most prominently, I hope all of our students develop the discipline, awareness, and confidence needed to put forth their best effort to become the best students, activity participants, and people they can be.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and for your continued support and engagement with local public education. Please feel free to contact me with any comments, questions, or concerns.
Together #WeAreTriton
Luke Lutterman
llutterman@triton.k12.mn.us
507-418-7530