As we reflect on the hard work of the fall semester, it is clear that Victoria ISD students and staff lived out our 10 VISD Values every day. Across classrooms, campuses, and activities, we saw Excellence in academic achievement, Respect in how students and staff supported one another, and Honesty in learning, leadership, and accountability. These values are not just words on a poster. They are habits that are practiced, refined, and strengthened over time.
As we begin the spring semester, January brings a renewed focus on the value of Perseverance. Perseverance means pushing yourself to work through challenges and obstacles, even when things feel difficult or uncomfortable. It is about staying committed to growth, learning from setbacks, and continuing forward with purpose.
For students of all ages, perseverance looks different, but its impact is equally powerful. For our youngest learners, perseverance might mean sounding out a tricky word, trying a math problem again, or learning how to manage emotions when something does not go as planned. These early moments build confidence and teach students that effort matters.
For middle school students, perseverance often shows up as balancing increased academic expectations, navigating friendships, and discovering who they are becoming. Learning to stay focused, ask for help, and keep going when schoolwork or social situations become challenging helps students develop resilience that carries them into high school and beyond.
At the high school level, perseverance takes on even greater significance. Students are preparing for life after graduation, whether that includes college, military service, the workforce, or career training. They face rigorous coursework, extracurricular commitments, and important decisions about their future. Perseverance helps students manage stress, stay motivated, and continue striving toward their goals, even when the path forward feels uncertain.
The benefits of perseverance do not end at graduation. As students grow into adulthood, perseverance becomes a key skill in the workplace, in higher education, and in everyday life. Adults who persevere are better equipped to problem-solve, adapt to change, and maintain a strong work ethic. They understand that success is rarely instant and that progress often comes from persistence, reflection, and continued effort.
Throughout January, VISD campuses will highlight perseverance through intentional lessons, activities, and conversations that encourage students to recognize their own growth and challenges.
Elementary Campus Activities
While practicing perseverance this month, students will focus on โflexible thinkingโ. This simply means students will work on their problem-solving skills- their ability to adapt to new situations and challenges by finding multiple solutions to different problems. One of the ways we will practice flexible thinking skills is by setting โTOP Goalsโ. TOP stands forโฆ
Target: Visualize your goal and think about why this is important for you.
Obstacles: Plan for challenges. If _____ gets in the way, then what can you do?
Plan: What action steps can you take to complete your goal? This technique helps students persevere by clarifying different types of goals and taking thoughtful actions to achieve them.
Middle School Activities
Students will hear from proven leaders how failure can actually help and provide the motivation needed to excel.
Students will discuss the concepts of grit and willpower, and consider quotes from notable figures who have achieved success despite their hardships. What do the messages mean to them? Reflect on the obstacles students have overcome and the lessons learned. How do you apply grit and willpower moving forward?
High School Activities
Students will have writing and discussion activities to explore personal challenges or goals where they continued to try even when they faced challenges and difficulties.
Scenarios are provided to student groups to explore and discuss.
Youโve been struggling in your math class all semester. Despite studying every night, your test scores havenโt improved much. You feel frustrated and want to give up, but your goal is to pass the class and graduate. What do you do?
Youโre on the varsity soccer team, but you recently injured your ankle. The doctor says you need to sit out for several weeks. How can you get back in shape and help your team win the championship?
As we move through the spring semester, perseverance will continue to build upon the strong foundation set by Excellence, Respect, and Honesty. Together, these values help students grow not only academically, but also as responsible, capable individuals who are prepared to face challenges with confidence.
At Victoria ISD, we are proud of the perseverance shown by our students and staff every day. By intentionally honing this value, we are helping students develop the skills they need to succeed in school and in life, now and in the future.