By Dr. Michael J. Barnes and Vickie Loncar

In an era where education must adapt to the rapidly changing demands of the modern world, the Mayfield City School District in Ohio has taken a holistic route to create the Portrait of a Mayfield
Wildcat. By the time students don their caps and gowns, they are not just academically proficient, but also equipped with essential skills.

The Portrait of a Mayfield Wildcat was conceived as a comprehensive blueprint for student development. It outlines key attributes intricately woven into the fabric of the curriculum and extracurricular activities, providing students with continuous opportunities to develop and refine these skills.

Critical and creative thinking: The district has integrated project-based learning into the curriculum, challenging students to solve real-world problems. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through the inquiry process and encouraging a mindset of curiosity. Charlie Brunello, a member of the Class of 2025, said of the process: “My teachers challenge me to think critically.”

Collaboration: Mayfield emphasizes collaborative learning from the earliest grades. Students regularly engage in group projects, peer reviews and cooperative classroom activities. The district also partners with local businesses and community organizations to offer internships and service-learning projects where students can apply their collaborative skills in professional and community settings.

Communication: The Mayfield curriculum includes extensive writing and public speaking components, including debates, presentations and performances. Digital literacy is also a focal point, ensuring students are proficient in modern communication tools and platforms.

Curiosity: Cultivating curiosity among students is a transformative approach that empowers them to embrace deeper learning. When curiosity is nurtured in the classroom, students develop a lifelong love for learning and are better equipped to tackle complex challenges both inside and outside of academia. By fostering curiosity, educators not only enrich their students’ academic experience, but also empower them to become more self-directed, confident learners.

Personalization: Personalized learning actively integrates students’ needs, strengths and interests into the learning process. We believe all students, in every classroom, should have access to deep and authentic learning opportunities that allow them to use both content and foundational knowledge to find and solve problems, create, collaborate, think critically and communicate thoughtfully.

Scholarship: Scholarship underscores the commitment to academic achievement within the Mayfield community. It signifies not just the pursuit of knowledge, but also the dedication to rigorous learning and intellectual curiosity.

Together, critical and creative thinking, collaboration, communication, curiosity, personalization and scholarship create a dynamic Portrait of the Mayfield Wildcat — one characterized by academic excellence, personal growth and a commitment to lifelong learning.

MEASURING SUCCESS

To ensure these attributes are effectively cultivated, we employ a multifaceted assessment strategy. This includes traditional assessments, such as exams and essays, alongside more innovative approaches such as portfolios and performance assessments.

Portfolios: It is the ongoing goal for each student to maintain a portfolio showcasing her or his work and progress in critical and creative thinking, collaboration, communication, curiosity, scholarship and personalization, providing a comprehensive view of student growth over time.

Performance assessments: Real-world tasks and projects are used to evaluate students’ application of skills in practical scenarios.

Feedback mechanisms: Continuous feedback from teachers, peers and self assessments allows students to reflect on their learning journey and identify areas for improvement. Student agency is a cornerstone of the district’s commitment to a personalized learning philosophy.

Community and parental involvement: The district actively involves parents and community members in the assessment process. Regular updates, meetings and show cases foster a supportive environment where students feel valued and motivated.

A COMMUNITY EFFORT

The success of the Portrait of a Mayfield Wildcat lies in the collective effort of teachers, administrators, parents and the community. By working together, we create an educational ecosystem that nurtures well rounded individuals prepared to navigate and contribute positively to the world.

MICHAEL BARNES is superintendent of Mayfield City School District in Mayfield Heights, Ohio. E-mail: mbarnes@mayfieldschools.org. VICKIE LONCAR is director of curriculum of Mayfield City School District.

As I pen this final article in my role as President of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA), I do so with a heart full of gratitude, pride, and hope. It has been an absolute pleasure and profound privilege to serve as President of this incredible organization. Over the past year, I have been blessed with the opportunity to engage with and learn from passionate, talented, and committed educational leaders from every corner of our great state.

From regional gatherings to state-level advocacy, informal conversations to formal boardroom discussions, each encounter has reinforced just how fortunate Ohio is to have such dedicated individuals leading our schools. Your vision, resilience, and willingness to collaborate continue to inspire me. Together, we’ve championed student success, upheld the value of public education, and advanced innovative solutions in the face of unprecedented challenges.

Service is central to who I am. Leading this organization has not only affirmed that calling but also has deepened my respect for those who step into leadership every day—not for recognition or reward, but to make a difference in the lives of students, families, and communities.

As I transition into the role of Past President, I remain as committed as ever to BASA’s mission and to supporting its continued growth. I want to thank the BASA staff, Executive Committee, and membership for your trust, your counsel, and your encouragement throughout this journey. I’m especially grateful to those who offered their wisdom, partnership, and friendship along the way—you have enriched my leadership and my life.

To the next generation of leaders, I offer this encouragement: lead with integrity, speak with courage, listen with compassion, and always remember that the work you do matters. The future of education in Ohio is bright because it’s in your capable hands.

Thank you again for the honor of serving as your President. I look forward to seeing where our shared commitment to excellence and equity in education will lead us next.

With gratitude and admiration,
Dr. Michael Barnes
 President, Buckeye Association of School Administrators

Dear Colleagues,

The 2024-25 school year is well underway, and I am hopeful that all of you—along with our administrative teams, teachers, staff, students, families, and communities—are celebrating the strides we are making across Ohio to strengthen what we value: academics and education.

I recently read a quote that said, “When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.” As we all know, there isn’t much that’s “easy” about our roles as superintendents. However, recognizing what we value provides the foundation not only for good decision-making but also for growth, achievement, and, dare I say it, even some feel-good joy.

Here at Mayfield, we often talk about “The Mayfield Way.” For years, our employees, parents, and alumni would reference district events, decisions, or outcomes and describe them as “The Mayfield Way.” We all nodded because we understood the sentiment, even if we couldn’t always define it.

Last year, we committed to engaging our stakeholders to take up the challenge of defining “The Mayfield Way.” At first, it wasn’t easy, but as we shared examples, we began to understand what we meant: “The Mayfield Way” represents what we believe and value. Through spirited conversations with teachers, staff, business partners, and neighbors, we identified six core values that guide us: Family, Loyalty, Collaboration, Innovation, Tradition, and Integrity.

Colleagues, values are the heart of our school districts. They underpin everything we do—in and out of the classroom, on and off the field, on the stage, and in our communities. Our values foster a culture of respect, support, and continuous growth. Whether you’ve been in education for one year, 10 years, or 30 years, the question, “What do I value?” remains central. As educational leaders, we must reflect on and act upon our values daily to strengthen Ohio’s schools and nurture the next generation.

Thank you for all you are doing for Ohio’s students, teachers, families, and communities. I wish you continued success throughout the school year.

Regards,

Dr. Michael J. Barnes

BASA President

We often remind others—the students, staff, and communities we serve—of the importance of prioritizing their well-being. Yet, how often do we extend that same grace to ourselves? As leaders, we set the tone for those around us. Our ability to serve, inspire, and lead effectively hinges on our ability to take care of ourselves first.

Self-care doesn’t have to mean grand gestures or sweeping changes. Sometimes, it’s the small, consistent habits that make the biggest difference: taking a brisk walk to clear your mind, carving out time to enjoy a hobby, practicing mindfulness, or simply pausing to breathe during a chaotic day. It’s about being intentional and recognizing that rest is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Remember, we are more than the position we hold. We have to give ourselves permission to feel recharged and fulfilled. By taking care of our own well-being, we not only enhance our capacity to lead, but also model the importance of balance and resilience for those around us.

As we navigate these colder months, let’s commit to showing ourselves the same care and compassion we offer to others. Together, we can ensure that we remain strong, healthy, and ready to meet the challenges of leadership—because our students and communities deserve the very best version of us.