CRISP RISE Virtues and Core Meanings by Month
Students are introduced to the month’s virtue and explore its definition in clear, age-appropriate terms. Teachers and mentors lead discussions and share examples that make each virtue relatable (Week 1). Students explore why the virtue matters, how it shapes learning, relationships, and leadership. They connect it to their personal experiences and to real-world challenges (Week 2). Through guided reflection, peer discussions, and teacher modeling, students identify what the virtue “looks like” and “sounds like” in daily life. They learn to notice and appreciate it in others (Week 3). Students find opportunities to actively demonstrate the virtue in class, during virtual collaborations, and within their communities. Practicing each virtue transforms it from an idea into a habit (Week 4).
Curiosity (August/September): A desire to explore, question, and understand the world. At VALA NC, curiosity drives learning, and it transforms learning into discovery. Students are encouraged to ask questions, seek answers, and think critically about how knowledge connects to real life. Curiosity drives learning; learning transforms into discovery.
Respect (October): Treating others with kindness, dignity, and fairness. Respect builds a positive online and classroom community. Students learn to value diverse opinions, communicate courteously, and care for digital and physical learning spaces. Respect honors others; honoring others builds unity.
Integrity (November): Doing what is right even when no one is watching. Integrity is the foundation of trust and academic honesty. VALA NC students are expected to act with fairness and responsibility, modeling truthfulness in all work and interactions. Integrity guides choices; choices shape character.
Service (December): Helping others and contributing to the common good. Service empowers students to apply their learning for the benefit of others. Through school and community projects, students develop empathy and leadership by making a positive impact. Service uplifts others; uplifting others uplifts us all.
Perseverance (January): Continuing to work hard even when challenges arise. VALA NC students learn that success takes time and effort. Perseverance means staying focused, solving problems creatively, and viewing mistakes as opportunities to grow. Perseverance overcomes obstacles; obstacles become opportunities.
Responsibility (February): Being accountable for one’s actions, choices, and commitments. Responsibility in a virtual setting means managing time, completing work independently, and following through with commitments to teachers and peers.
Innovation (March): Creating new ideas and approaches to improve learning and life. Students practice innovation through project-based learning and technology integration. VALA NC values creativity and forward thinking to solve real-world problems. Innovation sparks ideas; ideas become meaningful change.
Self-Discipline (April): Controlling one’s behavior, effort, and focus to reach his/her goals. Self-discipline helps students stay organized, manage distractions, and take initiative in their virtual learning environment. Self-discipline builds confidence and reliability. Self-discipline fuels effort; effort leads to achievement.
Empathy (May): Understanding and caring about how others feel. Empathy connects students in a compassionate, inclusive community. It teaches kindness, patience, and the importance of listening and helping others succeed. Empathy fosters understanding; understanding strengthens relationships.
