MEDINA, Ohio – The Medina City Schools Portrait of a Bee initiative works to create students who are respectful citizens, responsible decision makers, collaborators, communicators, innovative problem solvers and resilient lifelong learners. Director of Instruction Tina Cassidy recently presented the board with information on the ways the district worked toward this goal last school year. “Last year we had our first ever Portrait to Practice expo which showcased 60 plus teachers and the amazing projects they are doing to promote deeper learning among students and master the Portrait of a Bee initiative,” she said.
Cassidy said the district also awarded 15 educators across the district with innovation awards to highlight the work they had been doing to encourage deeper learning with students and she said that two staff members gave presentations on deeper learning at state and national levels. “Last year we also started our capstone experiences which take place in grades, 5, 8 and 12,” she said. “Those were all really exciting and something we are very proud of.
” Cassidy said capstone is a universal experience across a grade level and crosses different subject areas where students engage in projects where the have a voice and choices and also work on competencies identified within Portrait of a Bee. “Fifth graders worked with community members to solve problems in different industries,” Cassidy said. “For example, if there was a fifth grader who wanted to be.