Portrait of a Graduate

Ensuring Our Graduates Have the Career, Life and Academic Skills to Succeed in the 21st Century

Recognizing each student has unique goals, interests, and skill sets, at D.C. Everest we rely on a diverse set of research-based metrics to assess a student’s life, career and academic preparedness. We consider the whole person — the breadth and depth of their coursework, participation in extracurricular activities, ACT scores, grades, third-party certifications, community service, and ability to demonstrate soft skills within and beyond the classroom — to determine student readiness.

These same metrics serve as guideposts that help students make informed choices about the courses, activities, community service, and work-based learning experiences they engage in based on their personal and professional goals.

Portrait of a Graduate Guidance

Developing a Learner's Mindset

Due to the rapid pace at which careers and technologies evolve, we must prepare today's high school graduates to become lifelong learners capable of advancing their skill sets with on-the-job or post-secondary academic training. To ensure our students are capable of adapting to change in professional fields, we have implemented research-based “college ready” metrics.

Students are considered college ready (able to successfully complete an entry-level college course) if they meet the academic indicators OR standardized testing benchmarks listed below.

Academic Indicators:

Earn a GPA of 2.8 or better and attain one or more of the following:
Earn an Advanced Placement Exam Score of 3 or better
Complete an Advanced Placement Course (A, B, or C)
Complete a Dual Credit College English and/or Math course (A, B, or C)
- Written Communications DE
- Applied Calculus and Trigonometry DE
- Algebra III
- Algebra II (A, B, or C)

Standardized Testing Benchmarks (minimum score):

ACT Exam: English (18) - Reading (22) - Science (23) - Math (22)
College Readiness Placement Assessment (determined by post-secondary institution)

Additional factors that contribute to collegiate success:

Earn As, Bs, Cs as a secondary student
Complete the FAFSA application (financial aid assessment form)
Enroll in a career pathway course sequence during high school
Take part in college academic advising
Participate in college-bound bridge programs
Complete a senior year math class
Complete at least one math class after Algebra II

Securing Career Skills

It’s important for students to understand what it takes to secure a job, sustain employment, and attain credentials that differentiate them from others applying for the same opportunities. We have implemented research-based career ready metrics to help students develop pathways that connect them with real-world social, community and workplace experiences.

Students are considered “career ready” (possessing the knowledge, skills, and education necessary to successfully engage in their chosen career) if they have identified a career cluster they aspire to and meet two of the benchmarks listed here:

Maintain a 90% attendance rate in school
Complete 25+ hours of community service
Participate in a workplace learning experience
Earn an industry standard certification
Complete a dual credit course
Participate in two or more organized co-curricular activities

Students who plan on entering the military upon graduation must meet the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) passing scores for their intended branch of the military.

Preparing for Variability and Challenges

It is likely most students will have multiple careers in their lifetime and will need to navigate challenges when things don’t go as planned. Our “life ready” metrics assist students in acquiring the skills (leadership, collaboration, service, creativity, critical thinking, perseverance, self-awareness, and problem solving) they need to become a responsible and productive member of the community.

Students can demonstrate they are “life ready” by utilizing these skills in the classroom, during extracurricular/co-curricular activities, and while on the job

College and Career Readiness

We are committed to helping students connect what they are learning now with future college and career opportunities. Our K-12 Academic and Career Planning program provides students with tools that assist them in making informed choices about their interests, career fields, and postsecondary education/training options while helping them develop — and modify — personalized goals/plans throughout their academic career at D.C. Everest.

Academic and Career Planning

We are committed to helping our students connect what they are learning now with future college and career opportunities. Our Academic and Career Program provides students with tools that assist them in making informed choices about their interests, career fields, and postsecondary education/training options while helping them develop — and modify — personalized goals/plans throughout their academic career at DCE.

Learn More about Academic and career planning

Academic Awards Requirements

The D.C. Everest High School presents academic letters to outstanding students. Students can qualify 3 years in a row. To qualify for the letter, students must maintain the following:

a minimum cumulative grade point average (freshmen 3.9, sophomores 3.75, and juniors 3.5)
the required grade point must also be achieved as a semester grade point average in at least one of the semesters during the school year.

In addition, students must have demonstrated scholarship beyond what is required in class. Scholarship can be demonstrated by participating on an academic team (math, computer, mock trial, forensics, solo/ensemble, etc.) or by pursuing academic improvement such as entering a contest (drawing/painting, cooking/sewing, an essay or speech) or by participating in an academic project promoted by a department or teacher that was not part of the graded requirements or extra credit for the course. Examples of this qualification would be writing a computer program to help a teacher facilitate learning for a particular concept and/or tutoring students who need help on a sustained regular basis.

Letters are sent in early August to those qualifying with cumulative grade point averages and semester grades from the previous year. Students who fulfilled the scholarship requirement must return the letter signed by a specified date. All recipients and family members are invited to an awards ceremony at the high school the end of September.

If you have any questions, please call the High School Principal Dr. Raether 359- 6561, 4022. Letter Award

Career Awareness: Grades K-5

Career Exploration: Grades 6 - 12

Grade level opportunities:

Complete career interest inventories
Explore 16 Career Clusters and pathways
Write a career research paper
Develop an understanding of labor market information
Participate in the Heavy Metals
Tour and Adventure Day
Explore interests through elective
coursework
Complete a Financial Literacy course
Engage in student organizations and co-curricular activities

Career Preparation: Grades 9 - 12

Tailored to college/career goals:

Resume development
College credit courses (Advanced Placement and Dual Credit)
Industry credentials/certifications
Youth apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, industry tours, and Career Fair
Community service
Individual advisor support in college/career goal setting
Online tools to receive career and community related announcements, log community service, and track workplace learning experiences

Career and Tech Ed

Clubs and Activities

D.C. Everest offers a variety of clubs and activities. Co-curricular and extracurricular clubs and activities provide students with opportunities to explore their interests outside of the classroom, compete with their peers, hone their academic/career/life skills, serve their community, and develop leadership and collaborative skills.

Learn More about Clubs and activities

DCE Evergreen Volunteers

At D.C. Everest, our goal is to ensure all students attain the academic, career and life skills they need to face the challenges — and embrace the opportunities — of the 21st Century. Volunteer partnerships with family and community members, businesses and organizations play a critical role in helping us accomplish that goal — by helping us build ties between our schools, students, families, alumni and the community at large.

Learn More about DCE Evergreen Volunteers

College, Career and Life Ready Skills

Education for Employment

The D.C. Everest School District, in partnership with the community, is committed to being an innovative education leader in developing knowledgeable, productive, caring, creative, responsible individuals prepared to meet the challenges of an ever-changing global society. “Portrait of a Graduate” has been identified as one of the D.C. Everest Area School District Strategic Goals aligned with “Great Place to Learn” and is defined as follows: Develop pathways that connect D.C. Everest students with the world. Provide opportunities for every D.C. Everest student to graduate with meaningful academic, service, and community-based experiences. We consider this work essential in preparing our students to become college and career ready. As a result, relevant programming and services have been added to increase the engagement and learning experiences for our students. Each of our goals is designed to promote equity and innovation - fostering a culture that provides each individual with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed now and into the future. Education for Employment
“Education for Employment” programs and services have been implemented in the D.C. Everest School District more information can be found in the Academic and Career Planning section.

Long Range Plans
As we move forward in preparing our students to become College and Career Ready, the high school has identified the following goals and objectives for the 2023-2024 school year:

Family Engagement: The district will expand the outreach to parents/guardians so they are aware of opportunities available to their students and can take an active role in their academic and career planning. Emphasis will be placed on providing parent access to the Portrait of a Graduate Student Dashboard; a new tool for students to develop, track, & execute their post high school plan. This tool embodies National Research Metrics and Best Practices for setting students up for success. In addition, we will introduce families to the Wisconsin Regional Endorsed Career Pathways and create an awareness to the sequence of courses, work experiences and related learning opportunities. Finally, we’ll continue to share college and career readiness focused communication through an Infinite Campus Bi-monthly Newsletter, Student Services Canvas Course (Parent Observer Account), and the District Website driving families to the wealth of information and opportunities. A pre/post school year Parent Engagement Survey will be conducted to determine strategies and outcomes.

Leadership and Culture: The Building Leadership Team will meet on a monthly basis to increase consistency among staff and student engagement in the Advisory process. Student’s college and career readiness will be supported by a continuous relationship with an adult advisor who is knowledgeable regarding the student’s interests, goals, and plans. During the first two weeks of school, Advisory activities will focus on relationship building and providing students with a strong foundation around College and Career Readiness Indicators, Student Dashboard, Student Services Canvas Course, Goal Setting and Club/Activity Fair. Advisory time will be scheduled once per week for regular one-to-one conferencing support to help guide goal creation, course selection, and post-high school planning.

Graduation Requirements

Laude System - AP, DE & Honors Courses

The Laude System provides incentive for students to challenge themselves to participate in high-level curricula and better prepare themselves for post-secondary educational opportunities. It uses a point-based system to recognize students who complete high-level coursework in grades 9 through 12. To be considered for a Laude award, a student must first have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher. The Laude score will be determined by counting the number of semester credits successfully completed by the student for all pre-approved Laude courses. One point for each completed semester course will be awarded for approved courses.

Learn More about the laude system

Secondary Course Registration

D.C. Everest offers a broad curriculum designed around 16 Career Clusters that provides students with the opportunity to explore their interests while earning four- and two-year college credits, attaining industry credentials, gaining hands-on classroom experience, and completing work-based learning opportunities prior to graduation.

Our curriculum is designed to help students prepare for a 21st-century career, balance professional and personal responsibilities, and be prepared — at any point in their post-secondary life — to be a successful learner on the job or while attending a two- or four-year college or university.

Below are a number of resources we have created for students to assist them in choosing courses that help them meet their personal goals and explore new interests. We look forward to partnering with you in making the best choices for your future success. Please reach out to your adviser or school counselor with any questions.

Learn more about Secondary Course Registration

Work-Based Learning Opportunities

Technology Education

Community Partnerships Provide Real-World Experience - Our dedicated volunteer and community partnership coordinators help students secure community service and workplace learning opportunities in the community.