Summit Educational Service Center (ESC) recently partnered with Norton City 
Schools to develop "The Panther Way" – a Portrait of a Graduate initiative that reimagines student success. Guided by Jeff Ferguson, Director of Administrative Services & Wellness Initiatives at Summit ESC, this service assists districts in articulating the core knowledge, skills, and dispositions their students should possess upon graduation. Through a process rich in collaboration and community engagement, Summit ESC helped Norton craft a distinctive vision that prepares students for both academic and life challenges beyond school.
The process of creating "The Panther Way" was a collaborative endeavor, engaging the community to identify six core attributes for Norton graduates:
Contribute
Be Responsible
Persevere
Think Critically
Communicate
Adapt.
For instance, "Contribute" is uniquely defined within Norton's context as students embodying integrity and empathy, taking personal accountability seriously, and striving to make a positive impact on the world by seeking out opportunities to benefit others. These qualities were chosen to ensure students are equipped with the skills necessary to thrive in an evolving global landscape.
“We are grateful for the collaboration with the Summit County ESC in crafting ‘The Panther Way.’” states Norton Superintendent, Bryan Farson. “Engaging approximately fifty community members, we collectively identified and defined the traits essential for embodying the spirit of a successful Norton Panther. A heartfelt thank you extends to Jeff Ferguson of the Summit ESC and his dedicated team for their exemplary leadership throughout this transformative process.”
"The Panther Way" exemplifies the powerful partnership between districts and Summit ESC, collaboratively creating the conditions for comprehensive student development. This project marks a shift from traditional education models, focusing instead on adaptability, critical thinking, and social responsibility. The forward-thinking approach promises to cultivate graduates who are not only academically proficient but also prepared to make meaningful contributions to society.
For districts interested in how Summit ESC can assist in creating their Portrait of a Graduate, please contact Jeff Ferguson at [email protected] or call (330) 945-5600 x513918. Together, let's envision and build a future where every student is equipped for success in all facets of life.