Portrait of a Graduate

Glen Cove’s Portrait of a Graduate: A Collaborative Vision

Glen Cove School District is proud to introduce its Portrait of a Graduate (POG)—a shared vision of the skills and competencies students need to succeed after high school. This project was a collaborative effort led by Bryce Klatsky and Susan Poulos, along with dedicated committee members and students who volunteered their time to bring this vision to life.

Last spring, district administrators were introduced by Dr. Maria Rianna to New York State’s graduation measures and began exploring what a Portrait of a Graduate should represent. To gain insight, the team conducted student interviews, asking, "What do you need to graduate and be successful?"—gathering responses that ranged from essential life skills like saying please and thank you to broader competencies necessary for future success.

To ensure the portrait reflected the entire Glen Cove community, the committee launched a survey that collected 500 responses from students, families, administrators, teachers, and community members. Through this input, they identified the core qualities that define a Glen Cove graduate:

Self-Advocate
Critical Thinker
Versatile Learner
Engaged Citizen
Collaborative Communicator

Each quality was paired with specific indicators to provide a clear framework for student growth. The committee also collaborated with talented artists to visually represent these traits. Under the guidance of Maria Verni, advisor for the National Art Honor Society, high school students Nyann Petit and Giorgina Dondero dedicated countless hours to designing stunning artwork that incorporates the POG logo and indicators.

This inspiring design has also been transformed into a printed pamphlet to share with the community. While New York State will soon require all districts to develop a Portrait of a Graduate, Glen Cove is proud to be ahead of the curve—leading the way in preparing students for the future.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this meaningful project!

Please click here to print.

At Glen Cove Schools, our Portrait of a Graduate envisions students who embody five key attributes—Self-Advocate, Critical Thinker, Versatile Learner, Engaged Citizen, and Collaborative Communicator—ensuring they are prepared to navigate challenges, contribute meaningfully to society, and achieve success in an ever-changing world. 

The Glen Cove City School District’s Portrait of a Graduate was developed with input from over 500 stakeholders, guided by a diverse core planning team representing the entire community.

SELF ADVOCATE

• Shows self-compassion and acceptance
   
• Recognizes that physical and mental health are part of a meaningful life
   
• Identifies challenges and understands how to adopt them
   
• Demonstrates self-awareness and a strong work ethic
   
• Recognizes and communicates their needs and goals
   

CRITICAL THINKER

• Makes connections
   
• Asks thoughtful questions
   
• Finds meaning and purpose
   
• Utilizes evidence to support thinking
   
• Solves problems creatively and effectively
   

VERSATILE LEARNER

• Views setbacks as opportunities for growth
   
• Learns and embraces mistakes and failures
   
• Perseveres through challenges
   
• Adapts to an ever-evolving world
   
• Embraces fear and vulnerability to remain determined to achieve success

ENGAGED CITIZEN

• Demonstrates respect and embraces diverse perspectives and traditions, fostering empathy and global awareness
   
• Participates in democratic processes by being informed and engaged in elections and policy discussions
   
• Works effectively with diverse groups to address community challenges and create sustainable solutions
   
• Actively makes a positive impact on their sphere of influence
   

COLLABORATIVE COMMUNICATOR

• Works effectively in a group setting to accomplish the assigned task
   
• Expresses their point of view effectively both orally and through written expression
   
• Properly addresses an audience both written and non-written, including attention to societal cues
   
• Expresses in a grammatically appropriate way

The Glen Cove City School District Mission Statement 

We are dedicated to providing all of our children with an education of the highest caliber. Our future rests in the hands of today’s children.  Education is the key to improving the quality of their lives. In order to accomplish this mission: We are committed to knowing each child as an individual and providing that child with the skills, attitudes, concepts and knowledge needed to be a complete person. We support responsible citizenship by reinforcing morals and values. We recognize and celebrate our diversity. We support a staff committed to learning and growing. We will build a sense of school community through effective communications. We will provide strong leadership, a safe environment, clear goals, high expectations and continuous assessment. We share our successes and grow from our experiences.