Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger. But what does “Always a Tiger” mean when it comes to the future of our graduating students?
For generations, a U-E education has meant strong academics, work readiness and graduates who contribute to their communities. Those values remain at the heart of who we are. But as the world changes, so must the ways we prepare our Tigers to meet it.
That is where New York State’s Portrait of a Graduate initiative comes in. Being developed across the state, including at Union-Endicott, Portrait of a Graduate identifies the knowledge, skills and attributes students should develop throughout their K-12 experience so they are prepared for college, careers, military service, civic life and lifelong learning.
The goal is simple: prepare every Tiger for the future they choose.
Portrait of a Graduate is part of NY Inspires, a larger statewide effort to reshape graduation and learning. Beginning with students entering ninth grade in 2029-30, New York will move toward a single state diploma, with opportunities for additional seals and endorsements, including Advanced Designation. Until then, students will continue working toward the diplomas currently available, including the Regents Diploma, Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation and local diploma, where applicable.
The state’s implementation is a multi-year process. Additional guidance and resources are expected through 2027, followed by district preparation and piloting of elements such as capstones and portfolios before full implementation begins in 2029.
At U-E, the work is already underway. Throughout the past school year, several district leaders participated in the Leaders’ Action Network through Southern Westchester BOCES, collaborating with educators and administrators from across New York to strengthen our Portrait of a Graduate work. The year culminated in June with a presentation to the network of Union-Endicott’s implementation plan, outlining progress and next steps.
At the heart of that plan is a common language, from kindergarten through 12th grade, around the qualities U-E believes are important for every Tiger. This work will involve teachers, administrators, students, families and community partners. Professional learning will help staff bring the Portrait to life, while expanded opportunities may include career exploration, internships, work experiences and stronger partnerships with local businesses and organizations.
This will be a process, and U-E will take the time to do it thoughtfully and intentionally. Academic excellence will remain the priority, while the district continues building on the traditions, programs and experiences already preparing students for success.
The goal is for a graduating Tiger to leave U-E with more than a diploma. Every Tiger should be confident communicating and collaborating with others, adaptable when faced with change, capable of making good decisions and prepared to navigate whatever comes next.
A U-E diploma represents academic achievement and a graduate ready for the future. Portrait of a Graduate gives U-E an opportunity to define what it means to be a Tiger in the world our students are entering and to ensure every student has the knowledge, skills, experiences and confidence to meet that future.
Education is changing. The world is changing. U-E is ready to lead the way while staying true to what has always made our district special.
Because wherever the journey takes them, our graduates will always be Tigers.
Always a U-E Tiger.
