Building a Shared Vision: MAUSD Community Comes Together for the Portrait of a Learner Community Engagement Dinner

On February 12, 2026, members of the Mount Abraham Union School District (MAUSD) community gathered with a shared purpose: to shape the future of their schools through the continued development of the Portrait of a Learner. The evening was more than just a meeting—it was a celebration of collective effort, a reflection on progress, and an invitation for deepening community voice in defining what success looks like for MAUSD students.

At its core, the Portrait of a Learner represents a powerful idea: that a community can come together to articulate what truly matters for its students—not just academically, but as people. It defines the skills, knowledge, and dispositions students should carry with them when they graduate. Just as importantly, it serves as the foundation for a renewed district vision and a strategic plan that will guide decision-making, measure progress, and ensure continuous growth.

The event was designed with several key goals in mind:

  • To celebrate the collaborative work that led to the development and adoption of the Portrait of a Learner
  • To showcase how individual schools are already bringing this vision to life
  • To engage community members in meaningful dialogue and reflection
  • To identify next steps in continuing this important work together

 

The evening began with community-building activities that set a welcoming and collaborative tone. Participants then enjoyed a delicious dinner while they heard from school-based Portrait of a Learner teams, who shared inspiring examples of how the vision is being implemented in classrooms and school communities.

One of the most impactful moments of the evening was the “Pillar Walk and Talk.” In this interactive activity, participants rotated through stations representing the key pillars of the Portrait of a Learner. Working in small groups, they reflected on three essential questions:

  • Why is this pillar important?
  • Where does this pillar show up in my life?
  • Where do I see this pillar in our schools?

 

Using color-coded notes, participants captured their thoughts, building a vibrant, collective picture of how these values live both inside and outside the school building. As groups revisited their starting stations, they identified common themes—powerful insights that will help shape the district’s path forward.

The work doesn’t stop here. MAUSD is committed to keeping this momentum going:

  • School-based teams will continue meeting regularly to bring the Portrait to life in meaningful ways
  • The Portrait of a Learner directly informed the newly revised MAUSD Ends Policy and upcoming Strategic Plan
  • All school teams will reconvene this spring for a retreat focused on advancing their action plans
  • Another community engagement event is planned for May to celebrate progress, share successes, and look ahead to the future

 

The evening concluded with a simple but powerful activity. Participants selected postcards that represented their hopes for MAUSD and the Portrait of a Learner, each sharing a single word to capture their vision for the future. These words—hopeful, ambitious, and deeply personal—serve as a reminder that this work belongs to the entire community.

As MAUSD continues this journey, one thing is clear: the Portrait of a Learner is not just a document. It is a living vision, shaped by the voices, values, and aspirations of the people it serves. And together, this community is building something meaningful—for today’s students and for generations to come.