Core Values

Living Our RISE Values

At M.S. 180 – A School for Excellence & Opportunity, our community is united by the belief that character is just as important as achievement. Every day, we encourage our scholars to RISE by demonstrating our four core values: Resilience, Integrity, Scholarship, and Empowerment. These values shape how we learn, lead, and support one another both inside and outside of our school.

Resilience

We persevere through challenges, learn from setbacks, and continue striving toward our goals. Whether tackling a difficult assignment, resolving a conflict, or trying something new, we remind our scholars that growth comes through persistence.

Families can support Resilience by:

Encouraging a growth mindset and celebrating effort.
Helping children learn from mistakes rather than fear them.
Modeling perseverance when facing life's challenges.

Integrity

We choose honesty, responsibility, and respect in every interaction. Integrity means doing the right thing—even when no one is watching—and treating others with kindness, fairness, and compassion.

Families can support Integrity by:

Encouraging honesty and accountability at home.
Reinforcing respectful communication with peers and adults.
Modeling ethical decision-making in everyday life.

Scholarship

Learning is a lifelong journey. We inspire scholars to be curious thinkers, active participants, and responsible learners who take pride in their academic growth.

Families can support Scholarship by:

Reading together and discussing current events.
Encouraging consistent attendance and punctuality.
Creating routines that support homework, organization, and goal setting.
Celebrating academic progress and personal achievements.

Empowerment

We believe every scholar has the power to make a positive difference. Empowered students use their voices to advocate for themselves and others, embrace leadership opportunities, and contribute to building a stronger community.

Families can support Empowerment by:

Encouraging children to speak confidently and respectfully.
Providing opportunities to serve others through volunteerism and community involvement.
Celebrating leadership, creativity, and acts of kindness.

RISE Beyond The Classroom

Our commitment to RISE extends far beyond our school walls. We encourage every member of our school community to practice these values each day—at home, in the neighborhood, online, and wherever life takes them. A simple act of kindness, an honest decision, helping a neighbor, standing up for what's right, or encouraging a friend are all ways our scholars demonstrate what it means to RISE.

When students, families, and staff embrace Resilience, Integrity, Scholarship, and Empowerment together, we create a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their fullest potential.

M.S. 180 Dr. Daniel Hale Williams