Learning in Butler County classrooms focuses on both academic growth and the development of skills and relationships that prepare students for lifelong success. This vision came to life at Butler County Middle School in Mrs. Derque’s 7th grade reading class, where students recently engaged in a lively and thoughtful debate about character roles in the award-winning graphic novel Nimona.

Principal Tim Freeman, who submitted the story as part of the district’s “Portrait of a Learner in Action” initiative, highlighted how students worked together in small groups to decide which character was the true protagonist and which was the antagonist. This collaborative approach turned a classroom reading assignment into a powerful lesson on teamwork, communication, and critical thinking.

“Watching students lean in, listen to each other, and build their arguments together is exactly what we want to see,” Freeman shared. “They were doing so much more than just answering a question for class: they were learning how to collaborate, to value each other’s perspectives, and to communicate with respect.”

The exercise embodies the Collaboration pillar of Butler County’s Portrait of a Learner framework, which emphasizes working effectively in teams, demonstrating flexibility, and contributing meaningfully to shared goals. Students were tasked with analyzing literary characters, but the deeper lesson was in how they reached their conclusions together.

Mrs. Derque designed the activity to be interactive, encouraging her students to wrestle with complex ideas while relying on one another’s insights. Groups discussed plot details, character motivations, and themes, all while weighing multiple viewpoints. Photographs from the day show students sitting side by side, leaning over shared texts, and engaging in animated discussion.

“It was amazing to see them so invested,” Mrs. Derque said. “The debate gave them ownership of the reading material, but it also gave them practice in listening and working as a team which are skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom.”

The Portrait of a Learner initiative was launched to showcase how the district’s core pillars (Character, Problem Solving, Communication, Collaboration, and Global Citizenship) are cultivated through everyday teaching and learning. In this instance, Collaboration stood front and center.

According to Freeman, the lesson reflects the district’s mission to prepare students not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. “When our students collaborate in meaningful ways, they are practicing what it means to be contributing members of their community,” he explained. “That’s what education in Butler County is all about—helping students grow into lifelong learners and leaders.”

The activity also underscores the district’s emphasis on real-world learning. Debating a novel may seem like a small classroom moment, but it mirrors the kinds of teamwork and critical thinking students will need in high school, college, and their future careers. “Collaboration is a skill that never loses value,” Freeman said. “Whether our students go on to work in business, healthcare, education, or any other field, being able to work effectively with others will always be essential.”

As the district continues to gather stories through the Portrait of a Learner in Action campaign, this example highlights how teachers are intentionally shaping not just readers and writers, but also collaborators and leaders.

“Every day in our schools, moments like this are happening,” Assistant Superintendent Josh Belcher noted. “They may look like group projects or classroom debates, but at their heart, they’re opportunities for students to practice the skills that make them successful in life. That’s why our Portrait of a Learner is so important—it guides us in creating learning experiences that matter.”

Looking ahead, Butler County Schools remains committed to ensuring that each student has opportunities to strengthen their skills across all five pillars. The district believes that by nurturing these durable skills—like collaboration—students will be equipped not just for the next grade level, but for a lifetime of success and service.

As Freeman concluded, “What we saw in Mrs. Derque’s class is a perfect example of why we say, ‘One team with one vision that makes us Butler Strong.’ Together, we’re helping our students grow into the kind of learners - and leaders - our community can be proud of.”