Butler County Schools takes pride in celebrating the many ways its Portrait of a Learner framework comes to life across the district. At North Butler Elementary, collaboration has been at the heart of vibrant lessons where students are learning not only to create art but also to build community through teamwork.

Lexie Belcher, Assistant Principal at North Butler Elementary, recently shared a powerful story that highlights how art is becoming a vehicle for collaboration in the classroom. In Mrs. Decker’s art room, students of all ages are practicing skills that extend far beyond brushes and paper—they are learning how to listen, share, and grow together.

In one lesson, third and fourth graders used chalk pastels to design colorful pumpkins, while kindergarten students experimented with warm colors through watercolor leaves. These projects, though simple in design, became canvases for something much bigger: an opportunity for students to work side by side, encourage one another, and celebrate creativity as a team.

“Our Cubs aren’t just creating beautiful projects—they are practicing our Portrait of a Learner focus: Collaboration,” Belcher shared in her submission. “By sharing ideas, encouraging one another, and working side by side, they are learning that the best work happens when we grow together.”

The Portrait of a Learner framework, adopted by Butler County Schools, emphasizes five key pillars—Character, Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Global Citizenship—along with Butler Pride. These durable skills guide students in becoming well-rounded learners and citizens. In this story, Collaboration shines as young artists discover that the creative process is stronger when fueled by teamwork.

Learning Through Art

Art education is often thought of as a space for individual creativity, but at North Butler Elementary, it is also a platform for collective growth. Students learn to respect each other’s ideas, offer constructive feedback, and find inspiration in the work of their peers. These are skills that translate directly into everyday life—whether working on group projects, solving community challenges, or one day joining the workforce.

Teachers play a critical role in nurturing these skills. By designing lessons that intentionally encourage interaction, Mrs. Decker ensures her classroom is more than just a place for creating artwork; it is a laboratory for building relationships. The photos captured during these sessions show young learners smiling, sharing, and proudly holding up their completed projects—a testament to both their artistic talent and their collaborative spirit (see photos, pages 3–4 of submission).

Collaboration in Action

The lesson is also a reminder of how collaboration can look different at various ages. For the younger students, sharing paint and exploring warm tones meant learning how to take turns, respect materials, and encourage one another. For the older students, collaboration took the form of brainstorming design choices, experimenting with shading techniques, and comparing results in ways that uplifted, rather than competed against, their peers.

These moments embody the Portrait of a Learner in action. Collaboration is not about everyone doing the same thing; it is about finding strength in diverse ideas, talents, and perspectives. When practiced in art class, collaboration becomes a habit of mind that students can carry into all aspects of life.

A Community Vision for Education

At its core, Butler County Schools is committed to developing lifelong learners who are not only academically capable but also socially and emotionally prepared to contribute to their communities. The work at North Butler Elementary reflects this mission. When students work together on pumpkins and watercolor leaves, they are preparing for a future where success depends on their ability to connect, communicate, and collaborate.

This story also reflects the community-centered vision of the district: “One team with one vision that makes us Butler Strong.” The collaboration happening in Mrs. Decker’s art class is more than an exercise in creativity—it is a demonstration of the values that unite Butler County Schools and the broader community it serves.

Looking Ahead

As Butler County Schools continues to spotlight stories like this one, it is clear that the Portrait of a Learner is not an abstract framework but a living, breathing guide for classrooms across the district. Every chalk pastel stroke and watercolor brush mark carries with it a lesson about working together, lifting others up, and striving for shared success.

The collaboration seen at North Butler Elementary is only the beginning. With supportive staff like Assistant Principal Lexie Belcher and dedicated teachers like Mrs. Decker, students are discovering that learning is not something they do alone—it is something they do best together.

As Butler County Schools looks toward the future, one truth remains clear: when students practice collaboration in classrooms today, they are preparing to lead with collaboration in the world tomorrow. Together, we are truly “One team with one vision that makes us Butler Strong.”