Applause went both ways when LaRue County Middle School leadership students recently visited a local nursing home. Residents cheered as students played the piano. Students returned the encouragement when residents sang or played the harmonica.
Those moments reflect something our community has said matters: students learning to connect with others, contribute and care.
The students planned activities for residents, including tossing a ball, coloring and working with Play-Doh. They shared conversations, enjoyed music and even spent time with the nursing home’s puppy.
Each activity offered an opportunity to practice skills that reach beyond a classroom.
That is the purpose of the LaRue County Schools Learner Profile.
Developed through collaboration between schools and the public, the profile grew from a shared question: What skills and attributes should our children develop from preschool through graduation?
Together, our schools and community identified five areas. This visit put four into practice: Collaborative Communicator, Responsible Individual, Lifelong Learner and Engaged Citizen.
Students practiced communication by listening, sharing and participating alongside residents. Planning activities gave them responsibility for creating an experience others could enjoy. Learning from another generation encouraged curiosity and appreciation for different experiences. Serving neighbors helped students see themselves as people who can contribute to their community today.
Participating students were Delainey Coffman, Wyatt Henderson, Joel Hinton, Kampbell McDowell, Molly Smith, Ruby Carter, Ashlyn Frank, Addie Shelton, Ava Williamson, Rebecca Diego, Hayden Gardner, Leanna Morris, James “Burke” Phelps and Elijah Reiman.
Their visit also helps explain local accountability. When a community identifies what it wants for its graduates, schools have a responsibility to help students develop those qualities and demonstrate them in meaningful ways.
Academic learning remains essential. So does learning how to listen, follow through, work with others and recognize when someone could use companionship.
Our learner profile gives us a shared way to name those expectations. Experiences like this bring them to life.
The goal is for students to leave LaRue County Schools prepared to build a better future for us all. Sometimes, that preparation begins with a conversation, a shared song and the simple decision to show up for someone else.
