I Am a Spartan. UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS Grades 9-12
Welcome to Upper School!
This marks the final chapter of your educational journey with us. As an Upper School Spartan, you are a leader and a role model. You are shaping not only your future but also the culture and legacy of our school. Being a Spartan means taking full ownership of your education and your role in the community.
Spartans Prioritize
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
SPARTANS PRIORITIZE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT What it looks like: I engage in my classes with curiosity and a passion for learning. I am a self-directed learner. I manage my responsibilities with little prompting from my parents or teachers, respectfully advocating for myself as needed. I am developing stamina for difficult academic work and an appreciation for intellectual challenges.
Rely on others to manage assignments. Plagiarize or cheat by using the work of others or AI as their own. See academics as a race for grades.
SPARTANS PRIORITIZE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Spartans choose not to:
Spartans Show
CARE AND RESPECT
SPARTANS SHOW CARE AND RESPECT What it looks like: I demonstrate empathy and kindness in my daily interactions with everyone in our community, including students, teachers, and staff, and beyond. I am an upstander, not a bystander. I advocate for others and speak out against injustice and unkindness, both in person and online. I understand that my words and actions have a lasting impact on those around me.
Participate in or tolerate bullying, harassment, or exclusion. Use social media to spread rumors or make fun of others. Complain about teachers and classes instead of taking responsibility for their attitude and performance.
SPARTANS SHOW CARE AND RESPECT
Spartans choose not to:
Spartans Engage in
CIVIL DISCOURSE
SPARTANS ENGAGE IN CIVIL DISCOURSE What it looks like: I engage in civil discourse by having meaningful and respectful dialogue that considers the variety of experiences and opinions in our learning environment. I can articulate my own views clearly and respectfully, using evidence and logic. I also have confidence to voice my opinion freely, even when it differs from others. I understand that the ability to engage in civil discourse is a core part of being a citizen in a democratic society.
Shut down conversations with those who disagree with them. Resort to name-calling or personal attacks instead of discussing the issue. Refuse to listen to others' points of view.
SPARTANS ENGAGE IN CIVIL DISCOURSE
Spartans choose not to:
Spartans’
INDIVIDUAL STRENGTHS Enrich our Community
SPARTANS’ INDIVIDUAL STRENGTHS ENRICH OUR COMMUNITY What it looks like: I have the self-confidence to be my authentic self and to embrace my unique identity. I recognize and celebrate the diverse talents and perspectives of my peers. I am a leader who inspires others to be their best selves.
Put others down to make themselves feel better. Engage in exclusive behavior that makes others feel left out. Be afraid to try something new because they’re worried about what others will think.
SPARTANS’ INDIVIDUAL STRENGTHS ENRICH OUR COMMUNITY
Spartans choose not to:
Spartans
INNOVATE
SPARTANS INNOVATE What it looks like: I am a critical thinker and a creative problem solver. I look for new and better ways of doing things. I see challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities for growth, collaboration, and resilience. I am future-minded and think about how my education today will prepare me for tomorrow's world.
Resist learning a new skill, collaborating with others, or trying a new approach. Use technology in class for purposes other than learning. Avoid taking risks because they might fail.
SPARTANS INNOVATE
Spartans choose not to:
SPARTANS INSPIRE and Spartans Are Inspired
SPARTANS INSPIRE AND SPARTANS ARE INSPIRED What it looks like: I am a positive role model for younger students and my peers, both through my actions and my words. I am engaged in my school community through clubs, athletics, arts, and service. I am a leader who contributes to a positive and inspiring school culture.
Negatively influence their peers or younger students. Complain about their school and its culture. Refuse to participate in school activities.
SPARTANS INSPIRE AND SPARTANS ARE INSPIRED
Spartans choose not to:
OUR MISSION is to prepare our students for college and for life in a community defined by robust academics, inspiration, engagement, and care.
OUR CORE VALUES are academic achievement, care & respect, civil discourse, individuality, innovation, and inspiration.
We are the Steward Spartans.