The Eighth Grade Catholic School Graduate Profile of the Diocese of Buffalo provides a benchmark of excellence for students who are nurtured and developed in our Catholic schools. The profile also challenges schools to provide learning environments that prepare our students to strive for excellence, to seek truth and to work for justice in our world.
Christ-Centered
- Models Catholic Christian values, including respect and forgiveness for self and others
- Forms a Christian conscience and evaluates moral choices within the context of the Church’s teachings
- Builds a personal relationship with Christ through the regular practice of prayer and the Eucharist
- Responds to the needs of others with a compassionate and empathetic spirit
Academically Strong
- Possesses skills to be academically competitive and successful in high school and beyond
- Forms a Christian conscience and evaluates moral choices within the context of the Church’s teachings
- Develops creative, collaborative, media and information fluencies
- Exhibits independent and creative thinking skills
- Conveys information in an effective and clear manner
- Works collaboratively and creatively with others
- Demonstrates critical thinking for problem solving
- Plans and perseveres to achieve short-term and long-term goals
- Literate across the content areas
Christian Leader
- Acts with good judgment, encourages others and empowers others
- Sets a positive example and serves as a role model for younger students
- Collaborates with others to achieve a common goal
- Assumes responsibility and acts appropriately
- Develops an ongoing awareness of the proper and ethical treatment of others and his/her surroundings
Responsible Citizen
- Displays social-emotional competence in relation to self and others
- Develop a self-awareness that nurtures and affirms a strong sense of identity, informs decisions about their actions, and builds a sense of agency
- Use social awareness and interpersonal skills to establish, navigate, and maintain mutually supportive relationships with individuals and groups that nurture a strong sense of belonging
- Demonstrate intentional decision-making skills and behaviors that consider social, emotional, and physical safety and well-being in personal, school, and community contexts
- Gives back to society through community service
- Views the environment as a gift from God and accepts his/her role as a steward of God’s creation
- Demonstrates cultural competence through taking an interest in social and global awareness issues as reflected in the Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching:
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person – Human Life is Sacred
- Call to Family, Community, and Participation – Seeking the Well-Being of All
- Rights and Responsibilities – Protecting Human Rights
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable – Putting the Needs of the Poor and Vulnerable First
- The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers – Respecting the Basic Rights of Workers
- Solidarity – Loving Our Neighbor has Global Dimensions in a Shrinking World
- Care for God’s Creation – Caring for People and the Planet