Each month, we are introducing a different North Kansas City Portrait of a Graduate Competency. Our next competency is Problem Solving. We are problem solvers when we identify, evaluate, and prioritize creative responses to complex situations. We are problem solvers when we identify and analyze underlying causes of issues. We are problem solvers when we maintain curiosity to advance our understanding of issues to complex challenges. Problem solving aligns with the Illuminator's Mindset skills of Problem Finding and Observing.

Learning to be problem solvers helps children to persevere and remain curious when working to understand complex challenges in the world around them.

SAGE Illuminators gain these skills as they develop the competency of problem finding:

• Consider new possibilities
• Consider local and global issues for authentic problems that might be solved
• Propose deep questioning that requires analysis, synthesis, or evaluation of ideas

SAGE Illuminators gain these skills as they develop the competency of observing:

• Make observations using the information gathered from the surrounding environment
• Continue making observations throughout the creation process
• Link connections from the world to personal ideas

We hope that PAGS and the SAGE Center can count on your support through our membership program. The dues we collected last year allowed us to put on amazing events like:

• Back to School Social
• Guest Speakers
• Field Trips
• Various supports of Units of Studies
• Teacher development opportunities
• Farewell party for middle school SAGE students
• Teacher and Staff Appreciation Breakfast

So what are you waiting for? Dues are only $10 per family. We now have an on-line option for our membership form and can take credit card payments via Square!

Thank you for your continued support of PAGS and the SAGE Center. Here's to another successful year!

Sincerely,

NKC PAGS Board