When Victoria ISD kicked off the school year, classrooms across the district came alive with a conversation about character and values. The first week of school wasn’t just about meeting teachers, finding classrooms, or learning new routines; it was about setting the tone for who we are as a district and what we believe in. Students learned about the 10 VISD Values, ten guiding principles designed to help every child grow not just academically, but as a person who contributes positively to their community.
Since August, students have explored one value each month, starting with Excellence, the drive to do their best in every task, big or small, and Respect, the practice of treating others, themselves, and their surroundings with care. This November, classrooms are turning their attention to a value that can be simple in definition but powerful in practice: Honesty.
For VISD students, honesty is not just about telling the truth; it is about doing the right thing even when it is hard. Teachers are helping students explore honesty in ways that connect to their daily lives.
In elementary classrooms, students are reflecting on how honesty is already showing up in their lives. Who is someone you trust? What makes you trust them? How do they show you they are trustworthy? How do our values influence our actions?
In middle school, lessons have shifted toward understanding what honesty looks like in our daily lives. Students will develop an ongoing commitment to actively demonstrate honesty within their school community.
At the high school level, the concept of honesty extends beyond personal integrity to encompass academic and professional ethics. Students are exploring how they would respond when faced with situations or individuals that challenge their commitment to honesty.
Across VISD, campuses are finding creative ways to bring the value of honesty to life.
At elementary campuses, students are writing “Honesty Pledges” that decorate hallways, reminding everyone that honesty builds trust and trust builds community.
Teachers are recognizing “Honesty Heroes” each week, highlighting students who demonstrate truthfulness and integrity in their words and actions.
At the middle and high school levels, advisory lessons and student-led discussions are prompting reflection. Students are journaling about times they made honest choices, even when it was difficult. Counselors and teachers are sharing real-world examples that help students see how honesty strengthens teams, families, and friendships.
"Honesty builds trust, and trust builds connection. Without honesty, we may protect ourselves in the moment, but we lose the opportunity to be truly seen and understood," said Victoria East High School counselor, Kacey Tupa.
What is most powerful about the VISD Values is that they are not confined to a single lesson or subject. They are becoming part of daily conversations across the district. Teachers are weaving values into morning meetings, coaches are connecting them to teamwork on the field, and student leaders are using them to shape how they treat one another.
“Honesty is a value that connects everything else,” said Director of Counseling Brandi Henke. “When you are honest, you show respect. When you are honest, you strive for excellence because you take ownership of your actions.”
Elementary and secondary counselors collaborate in district meetings to prepare guidance lessons that emphasize the VISD core value each month.
As the year continues, students will explore values such as Perseverance, Gratitude, Courage, Responsibility, and Accountability. But for now, November serves as a timely reminder that honesty is at the heart of all great character.
When students learn to be honest with themselves, their peers, and their teachers, they are learning how to build trust, and trust is the foundation of every strong community.
At Victoria ISD, learning who you are is just as important as what you learn. And it all starts with honesty.
Ashley Alvarez is the Executive Director of Communications for Victoria ISD.