Every month this school year, Victoria ISD campuses are embracing one of the 10 VISD Values as part of our commitment to developing not just strong learners, but strong leaders and kind community members. For October, students across all grade levels are focusing on the Core Value of Respect, which is defined in VISD as "being kind and polite with yourself and others."
Respect begins with recognizing one’s own worth and then extends to treating others with kindness, fairness, patience, and understanding. This month, students are learning that respect is not simply something you say. It is something that is shown through consistent words, daily behavior, and thoughtful choices.
Campuses across the district will participate in a Respect Challenge Week that encourages students to put respect into action. Each day has a specific focus:
Respect Through Words: Students are encouraged to offer a sincere compliment or encouragement to someone at school. They will be invited to submit stories about how that small act made a difference.
Respect Through Listening: Students will partner up and practice active listening for two full minutes without interrupting. Afterward, they will share what they learned about their partner.
Respect for Self: Students will affirm their own strengths by sharing something positive about themselves while also taking the time to celebrate others around them.
Respect for the Environment: Campuses will host clean-up activities or organize classroom and hallway spaces to show appreciation for their school environment.
Respect in Action: Students will participate in a Random Act of Kindness Day. Kind gestures may include helping a friend, holding a door, inviting someone to join them at lunch, or offering a smile. Acts of kindness will be collected and shared throughout October.
Elementary students will explore what respect looks like through stories, role play, morning meeting conversations, and classroom expectations. They will practice taking turns, saying thank you, using calm voices when frustrated, and including others during recess or group work.
Middle school students will discuss how respect builds trust in friendships and teamwork. Lessons will include writing reflections about times when they felt respected or disrespected, and strategies for handling disagreements without hurtful words.
High school students will examine real-life examples of respect in leadership, athletics, social media, and relationships. Teachers will guide conversations about personal boundaries, self-discipline, and how respect connects to long-term success.
Unity Day on October 22
On October 22, VISD will observe Unity Day, a national movement that promotes kindness and inclusion while raising awareness about bullying prevention. Students will take part in lessons about how to recognize, report, and stop bullying. They will learn that respect can be a powerful tool to stand up for themselves and to support others who may feel alone.
All students, staff, and families are encouraged to wear orange on Unity Day to show that VISD stands for kindness, safety, and belonging for every student.
How Families Can Support Respect at Home
Parents and guardians can reinforce respect through simple conversations. Ask questions such as "How did you show respect today?" or "What is a respectful way to respond when someone upsets you?" Encourage students to practice respectful behavior at home by speaking calmly during disagreements, taking responsibility for mistakes, and helping without being asked.
When students learn to respect themselves, they gain confidence. When they learn to respect others, they build community.
The 10 VISD Values serve as guiding principles for how we speak, act, learn, and lead. With Respect as our focus this month, we are choosing to treat ourselves and others with dignity and care.
With the VISD Values, the choice is clear. Make Good Choices.
Ashley Alvarez is the Executive Director of Communications for Victoria ISD.