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/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
LPS strives to implement opportunities to grow these skills at every level of education and recognize students of all ages. At their regularly scheduled meeting on August 14, 2025, the Board recognized students from various programs operating in our district over the summer.
Drea Thom has been an exceptional part of Gaskill Elementary School’s School Aged Child Care (SACC) community. She brings such a positive attitude each day and truly shows what it means to be a kind, curious, and courageous learner—even outside the classroom! Drea consistently shows strong CHARACTER—she’s respectful, thoughtful, and always true to herself. When challenges come up, she handles them with grace and RESILIENCE, never giving up and always bouncing back with a smile. She’s a clear and confident COMMUNICATOR, always willing to share her ideas and listen carefully to others.
She’s also incredibly CREATIVE and a natural PROBLEM SOLVER, often thinking outside the box to help her team or solve a tricky activity. Whether we're playing games, working on a project, or going on an adventure, Drea shows amazing teamwork, ADAPTABILITY, and a willingness to try new things—even when they’re a little outside her comfort zone.
Drea knows her strengths and isn’t afraid to speak up or help others do the same. She’s a wonderful example of the values we hope all our students take with them—kindness, curiosity, and confidence.
LPS is so proud of all she’s accomplished and can’t wait to see what she does next!
Blake Brester from Hopkins Elementary School's SACC program consistently shows strong CHARACTER—he’s honest, responsible, and someone both staff and peers can count on. His great sportsmanship and respectful attitude help create an environment where everyone feels included, supported, and encouraged.
What really sets Blake apart is the way he works with others. Whether he’s teaming up with peers during group activities or stepping in to help a younger student, Blake brings a spirit of COLLABORATION and PROBLEM-SOLVING to every situation. He’s patient and thoughtful, often helping others work through challenges rather than giving up or getting frustrated.
Blake’s ADAPTABILITY also shines through. No matter what the day brings, he approaches changes or obstacles with a positive attitude and a willingness to adjust and support others along the way.
He’s a role model and coach for younger students. Whether guiding them through a tricky task or celebrating their small victories, Blake helps others grow with his encouragement.
Hopkins is lucky to have Blake in their SACC program! LPS is proud to recognize the difference he makes each day.
Juan Diego Vargas Caldon did an amazing job at Super Reader Camp over the summer! He came each day with a bright smile and a ready-to-learn attitude. He modeled RISK-TAKING every day: when he bravely tried new activities even when they felt tricky, when he practiced and mastered nearly all of his letter names and sounds far beyond his original goal, and when he participated in group activities with confidence and enthusiasm. He also demonstrated COLLABORATION, often being the first to help a friend or contribute to a joyful, inclusive classroom environment. Juan Diego also showed incredible RESILIENCE, pushing through challenges and encouraging others along the way. Juan Diego was an important member of the Super Reader Summer Camp. His kindness, leadership, and natural collaboration skills made each day enjoyable for everyone. Our Super Reader teachers and administrators were so proud of the growth he made-- both academically and personally-- and they know he will continue to fulfill his potential in LPS. Juan Diego is going to continue to shine in the year ahead!
During the Newcomer Summer School program this past June, Yarely Montalvo Reyes was welcoming and kind to the other students, many of whom came from different schools and were Rising 6th Graders, new to middle school this fall. Yarely was a RISK-TAKER every day: when she raised her hand to share with the group, even when she wasn't completely sure of her answer in English, when she tried new adventures like baking and a field trip to the EPIC Campus, and when she created her very own body parts model. She was also COLLABORATIVE and supportive when working with other students who spoke a different home language than hers. She would support her new friends by showing them pictures or re-explain the information in Spanish. Yarely was always calm and patient, even excited to learn and interact with others. Yarely was an important member of the Middle School Newcomer Program this summer. Her bright smile and friendly attitude made each day fun and easy for all to participate! Yarely is going to tackle her 7th grade year successfully!
