Each day can give rise to different opportunities, fresh challenges in any given career.

There are new people, ideas, questions, programs, initiatives, services, technologies, information and even a new crisis or two.

When faced with all of this, it is important to focus on what matters most or it is natural to ask, “What should I be focusing on? What are my priorities?”

VBCPS has its own set of core values to help employees hone in on just that answer. The core values are meant to help define the organization and guide the work done throughout the division each and every day.

This year, after the need to revisit the division’s core values emerged from the work on the new strategic framework, Compass to 2020: Charting the Course, VBCPS has updated its values.

“We wanted to take the time to reflect upon our core values, and ensure they mirror the mission of our work here in Virginia Beach,” VBCPS Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence said in a press release. “I believe all of our employees would not only agree with these values, but also designate them as their own personal priorities for their work.”

At its Sept. 1 meeting, the Virginia Beach School Board affirmed a new set of five core values for VBCPS employees and staff. Along with these core values and definitions are the meaningful behaviors that exhibit the values as well as reflection questions, which allows for self-evaluation in how one is applying the values in his/her own life.

The new VBCPS core values are:

Student-Centered Decision Making – Choosing actions that, above all else, benefit and support student learning, growth and safety. How: Put Students First. Ask: How am I putting student interests and needs first when making decision?

Continuous Learning – Pursuing formal and informal learning opportunities to foster personal growth and improvement for all. How: Seek Growth. Ask: In what ways am I making my learning a priority?

Innovation – Encouraging new ideas or improved ways of teaching, learning and working to achieve our mission. How: Be Open to Change. Ask: How am I implementing new or improved ideas to benefit my work and the work of the school division?

Collaboration – Working together and building partnerships that will benefit our students, division and community. How: Do Great Work Together. Ask: How and where am I working with others to improve my work and the work of the school division?

Respect – Fostering a trusting, open, ethical, honest and inclusive environment where diversity of thought and individual contributions are prized. How: Value Differences. Ask: What am I doing to invite, recognize and esteem the perspectives of those around me?