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8th Grade Catholic School Graduate Profile

The Eighth Grade Catholic School Graduate Profile of the Diocese of Buffalo provides a benchmark of excellence for students who are nurtured and developed in our Catholic schools. The profile also challenges school leaders, teachers and parents to provide learning environments that prepare our students to strive for excellence, to seek truth and to work for justice in our world.

Our schools are blessed with a rich tapestry of diversity and with students and parents who practice other faiths. We value the contributions of all and invite all children and families to our nurturing, faith based school programs and academically challenging environments.

The profile is designed to identify the desired spiritual, academic, leadership, service and citizenship characteristics of our eighth grade graduates. We (Catholic school leaders, educators, parents, parishioners and stakeholders) are called to embrace these important qualities and to guide our youth in their development as:

  • Young adults practicing faith, hope and love as fundamental virtues of life
  • Critical and moral thinkers
  • Confident leaders in answering the Gospel call by responding to the needs of others
  • Action oriented youth with an awareness of civic, health, environment and global issues


The task is great and the commitment is worthwhile. Together our efforts are focused on nurturing our youth to become prepared for high school, college and the global workplace. Ultimately, we strive to guide our youth to become beacons of hope, instruments of peace, and ambassadors for Christ.

Christ Centered
The 8th grade graduate…

•     models Catholic Christian values, including respect and forgiveness for self and others
•     forms a Christian conscience and evaluates moral choices within the context of the church's teachings
•     responds to the needs of others with a compassionate and empathetic spirit
•     builds a personal relationship with Christ through the regular practice of  prayer and the Eucharist
•     practices his/her faith by worshiping on a weekly basis as part of an active faith community
•     takes responsibility for exploring and validating one’s own faith
•     exhibits basic knowledge of Catholic beliefs, prayer, scripture and social justice teachings
•     who is of another faith tradition, knows and understands Catholic teaching and is also an active participant in his/her religious group

Academically Strong
The 8th grade graduate…

•     possesses skills to be academically competitive and successful in high school and beyond as demonstrated in the NYS Common Core Learning Standards
•     develops creative, collaborative, media and information fluencies as presented in 21st Century Teaching and Learning Skills
•     demonstrates critical thinking skills for problem solving
•     possesses a strong foundation, mastery and competencies in all areas of study as outlined in the Diocese of Buffalo Curriculum
•     exhibits independent and creative thinking skills
•     strives for personal best
•     studies a problem to formulate a conclusion relevant to the situation (inductive and deductive reasoning)
•     conveys information in an effective and clear manner
•     uses technology/digital media as an educational tool, media device and communication tool
•     reads, comprehends, applies, analyzes and evaluates various text and materials
•     recognizes that learning continues beyond the classroom through various means and modes
•     works collaboratively and creatively with others

Christian Leadership
The 8th grade graduate…

•     acts with good judgment, encourages others and empowers others
•     sets a positive example and serves as a role model for younger students
•     collaborates with others to achieve a common goal
•     plans and perseveres to achieve short-term and long-term goals
•     demonstrates flexibility, respect and good listening skills
•     accepts challenges and takes appropriate risks that develop his/her talents and abilities
•     demonstrates confidence, that is, faith in oneself and one’s gifts
•     displays a positive attitude and a good sense of humor
•     demonstrates good sportsmanship
•     exhibits humility

Service
The 8th grade graduate…

•     shares talents for the purpose of enriching other people’s lives
•     participates in giving, aiding and supporting others as a responsible member of society
•     assumes responsibility and acts appropriately using resources that are available
•     develops an ongoing awareness of the proper and ethical treatment of others and his/her surroundings

Citizenship
The 8th grade graduate…

•     recognizes that it is his/her responsibility to give back to society through community service
•     understands that each person’s actions affect the surrounding community positively or negatively
•     views the environment as a gift from God and accepts his/her role as a steward of God's creation
•     understands that the digital world has the potential to positively affect self and others if used responsibly
•     takes an interest in social and global awareness issues as reflected in the Seven Principles of Catholic Social Teaching