VISION, MISSION AND BELIEFS OF NEW DIRECTIONS’ COUNSELING PROGRAM
VISION
New Directions’ students will graduate prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century by being college and career ready. All
students will participate in academic rigor and take advantage of quality opportunities provided by school and community that
lead to personal, academic, social and emotional growth. With the support of a comprehensive counseling program, caring
teachers and the collaboration of stakeholders, students will be empowered to become life-long learners, leaders and
responsible members of society.
MISSION
The mission of the counseling program is to help students achieve their fullest potential and become productive citizens by using
a comprehensive counseling program that includes collaboration with all stakeholders, advocacy and equal access to school and
community resources
BELIEFS

A comprehensive counseling program helps students achieve and meet personal, academic, social and emotional goals.

All students can achieve and meet high academic standards that will result in college and career success.

School counselors must be advocates and collaborators in providing equitable access to academic rigor and
opportunities for growth and success for every student.

Data must be collected and analyzed to develop a quality school counseling program that promotes student
achievement.
VISION, MISSION AND BELIEFS OF NEW DIRECTIONS
VISION
Building productive members of society one student at a time.
MISSION
In collaboration with community resources, we will provide support for
responsible decision making and on-time graduation.
PHILOSOPHY
Students with behavioral difficulties can learn and make positive contribution to school and the community. New Directions, a
small setting by design for 30-35 students, is based on the idea that students can thrive in an individualized academic program
made to fit students. We are committed to providing the academic, behavioral, and family support that allows students to
progress, families to work together toward success, and students to become contributing members of society. We have high
expectations for the behavior and attitude of our students, and we believe they can meet, if not exceed, these expectations. New
Directions is designed to provide an opportunity for academic, behavioral and personal success for all participants.
VISION, MISSION AND BELIEFS OF APS
VISION
Arlington Public Schools is a diverse and inclusive school community, committed to academic
excellence and integrity. We provide instruction in a caring, safe and healthy learning environment, responsive to each student,
in collaboration with families and the community.
MISSION
Arlington Public Schools instills a love of learning in its students and prepares them to be responsible and productive global
citizens.
CORE VALUES
Excellence - Arlington Public Schools fosters excellence in our students and staff.
Integrity - We expect our students and staff to act in an honest, ethical and respectful manner.
Diversity - We value all students, staff and families in our diverse, inclusive school community.
Collaboration - We support relationships among students, staff, families and the community that ensure
effective communication and promote opportunities to benefit our students.
Accountability - We take responsibility for our progress through transparent evaluation of student success,
staff quality and management of the community’s resources.
Sustainability - We practice stewardship of economic and environmental resources, meeting our current needs
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
APS STRATEGIC PLAN 2011-2017
Goal 1: Challenge and Engage All Students
Goal 2: Eliminate Achievement Gaps
Goal 3: Recruit, Retain and Develop High Quality Staff
Goal 4: Provide Optimal Learning Environments
Goal 5: Meet the Needs of the Whole Child
VISION, MISSION AND BELIEFS OF VDOE
VISION
The vision of the Department of Education, in cooperation with the Board of Education, local
school boards, and other partners, is to create an excellent statewide system of public education
that equips all students with the knowledge and skills to excel in postsecondary education and
careers and to become capable, responsible, and self-reliant citizens.
MISSION
The mission of the Department of Education is to lead and facilitate the development and implementation of a quality public
education system that meets the needs of students and assists them in becoming educated, productive, and responsible citizens.
CODE OF ETHICS
As employees of the Virginia Department of Education we will:
1. Dedicate our efforts toward excellence in public education through continuous improvement.
2. Earn the respect, trust, and confidence of elected and appointed officials, those with whom we work, and the public
in every day interactions by being a positive role model and treating all persons in an evenhanded and courteous manner.
3. Commit to the highest ideals of honesty, integrity, and the stewardship of public resources by protecting the department’s
assets and ensuring their proper and efficient use.
4. Comply with all applicable laws regulations, and policies.
5 Promote policies and programs in accordance with the Department’s Statement of Non-Discrimination and the
Commonwealth’s EEO policy, supporting the rights and recognizing the needs of all citizens regardless of race, sex, age, religion,
creed, country of origin, or disability.
6. Maintain the confidentiality of information entrusted to us by preventing unauthorized disclosure.
7. Expose through appropriate means and channels any discovered evidence of corruption, misconduct, or neglect of duty.
8. Strive for professional excellence of the highest caliber by enhancing professional knowledge, skills, and abilities for ourselves
and our colleagues.
9. Adhere to the principle that the public’s business should be conducted in the public view by observing and following both the
letter and the spirit of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
10. Abide by Department of Education policies, Virginia's Standards of Conduct for Employees, and related regulations.
11. Avoid the appearance of conflict of interest by not engaging in activities that may be inconsistent with the State and Local
Government Conflict of Interest Act or the Public Procurement Act.
12. Uphold these principles in adhering to this Code of Ethics.