Are they ready for college or the workplace? Are they prepared to succeed in life?

These are questions driving a conversation Coeur d’Alene Public Schools wants to have with the community throughout May.

The school district is asking the public’s help in crafting a “profile of a graduate” identifying the cognitive and personal skills that local students should possess upon graduation. This portrait will help shape a new strategic plan for the school district over the coming year.

“Education is in a cathartic state of change right now,” said Dr. Steve Cook, superintendent of the school district. “Technology and access to information at a fingertip’s length is completely changing the way we have to approach how we educate our kids.

“We would want every kid who leaves to be overwhelmingly excited and motivated about the education they got while they were here,” Cook said.

The district will host three workshops over the next three weeks to collect the perspectives of local employers, business leaders, policymakers, nonprofit organizations, educators, parents, students, retirees and others.

“It’s critical that we get feedback from our families and from our kids, from our graduates and former students, that we can know what it is that they want and value,” Cook said, “so when we’re sending them on their path, whatever it may be, they feel completely prepared to take on the challenges that life bring with it.”

Those who take part will be asked to think about the young people entering the workforce, heading to college or trade school, joining the military or making other post-graduation plans. They will consider the knowledge, skills and character traits that graduates should have as they take the next steps. Examples include complex problem-solving skills, creativity, emotional intelligence, compassion and a service mindset.

“We want to make sure our kids are so prepared, they can compete with any kid in the world for the jobs and the life that they would desire for themselves,” Cook said. “Our community owes that to them. That’s our commitment, and we need the community’s input to do that the best way we know how.”

Participants need to attend only one of the three workshops. Each will be two hours long, at the Hospice of North Idaho Community Room, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene. The dates are:

- Thursday, May 9, 8-10 a.m.

- Thursday, May 16, 12-2 p.m. (includes lunch appetizers)

- Thursday, May 23, 5-7 p.m.

To sign up, send your name and preferred workshop date to Pam Westberg, [email protected]. Questions? Contact Scott Maben, [email protected], 208-664-8241.