Every Victoria ISD student will continue their character development this school year by studying one of the district’s 10 VISD Values each month. These lessons are designed to be age-appropriate and relevant, giving students meaningful opportunities to reflect and grow at every stage of learning.
In September, campuses are focusing on the Core Value of Excellence - “Do everything to the best of your ability.”
This month, student Excellence lessons are building a growth mindset, using grit to push through challenges, setting goals we care about, and finding ways to show excellence in everything we do each day.
Elementary students
For elementary students, Excellence means always doing your best, even when something feels challenging, and finding ways to improve. Throughout the month, lessons guide students to believe in themselves, make great choices, and practice positive habits that show effort and care in everything they do. Activities include reading and discussing stories, watching inspiring videos, playing interactive games like “Excellence Charades,” and reflecting on personal achievements. Students learn that excellence can be shown in academics, kindness, teamwork, and behavior. By the end of the month, they can describe what excellence looks like in their classroom and share examples of how they’ve practiced it at school and at home.
Middle School students
Over the course of four weeks, students will take part in lessons exploring the value of Excellence through a mix of videos, class discussions, writing prompts, and reflection activities. In Week 1, they will learn about the Mindset of a Champion using examples like Michael Jordan and The Rock, focusing on the difference between a growth and fixed mindset. Week 2 will connect grit to excellence, encouraging students to see how persistence leads to success in academics, sports, and everyday life. In Week 3, students will practice goal setting and accountability by identifying personal goals, writing them down, and learning from setbacks. Finally, Week 4 will allow students to reflect on what excellence means to them and how they can demonstrate it daily at school, in activities, and in their personal lives.
High School students
For high school students, Excellence focuses on developing grit, perseverance, and the drive to do their best in academics, sports, and personal life. Lessons encourage students to discuss how grit relates to excellence, how persistence helps them succeed, and what it looks like to keep striving even after setbacks. Through guided conversations, they reflect on role models who demonstrate grit and write about how those individuals inspire them. Students also set personal intentions for showing grit and excellence during the week, both in the classroom and at home, reinforcing the idea that excellence is about consistent effort, resilience, and self-improvement.
Teachers report that Excellence lessons are fostering a positive mindset, accountability, and respect among students, improving both academics and classroom culture.
The 10 VISD Values serve as guiding principles for all actions, behaviors, and decision-making across the district. They provide a framework for building relationships, resolving conflicts, and achieving goals.
With the VISD 10 Values, the choice is clear. Make Good Choices.
Ashley Alvarez is the executive director of communications for VISD.