SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – South Tahoe High School has undergone a rebranding, but not in a typical way. All around the campus are displays of the school’s Viking mascot to help increase student pride, and bring a sense of community and belonging to the school while also promoting and displaying the “Viking Graduate Profile.”
Not only are all of the new flags and window coverings a bright and fresh look, but they are also part of increased campus safety. Window coverings are a safety feature as they are one-way visibility on windows so students can see out but from the outside, one can’t see into the classrooms.
STHS Sports Medicine Coordinator and CTE Department Chair Isaiah Tannaci worked with former Principal Carline Sinkler, Visual & Performing Arts Department Chair Travis Steil, and student Khushi Panchal for three months in 2020 to apply for a grant from Stanford to get everything done.
“This was all made possible from a grant from Stanford that I did to increase school culture and community, and [it] has already had positive effects on students,” said Tannaci.
The Viking Graduate Profile was created through a visioning process with students, faculty, staff, school volunteers, and the community prior to COVID. The profile:
CRITICAL THINKING
– Divergent Thinking
– Creativity
– Links Learning Across Disciplines
– Strategic and Extended Thinking
COLLABORATION
– Values Teamwork
– Demonstrates an Appreciation for Others
– Works with Others to Reach a Shared Goal
CURIOSITY
– Committed to Lifelong Learning
– Self-Directed
– Exploration of Purpose
– Takes Initiative
– Motivated by Questions
COMMUNICATION
– Shares Verbally and in Writing
– Authentic Interaction
– Shares Ideas
– Active Listening
– Understands Non-Verbal Cues & Cross-Cultural Differences
CHARACTER
– Empathy
– Resilience
– Personal Responsibility
– Confidence
– Perseveres to Reach Long-Term Goals
HEALTHY INDEPENDENCE
– Make Healthy Choices
– Practices Healthy Habits
– Positive Peers
– Develop Skills to Manage and Maximize Personal Finances