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Moments Create Momentum
Breaking Barriers: Making School Involvement Easy for Busy Parents
Let’s be real—parents today are juggling A LOT. Between work, household responsibilities, and kids’ extracurriculars, the idea of adding “school involvement” to the to-do list can feel overwhelming. But here’s the thing: parent engagement is a game-changer for student success. So how can schools break down barriers and make it easier for busy parents to be involved? Let’s dive in!1. Rethink What “Involvement” Looks LikeNot every parent can volunteer in the classroom or attend mid-day meetings. And that’s okay! Schools need to broaden their definition of involvement. Can parents engage through email updates? Quick check-ins with teachers? Virtual events? The more flexible the options, the more parents can participate in a way that works for them.✅ Action Step for School Leaders: Offer multiple avenues for involvement, including digital engagement, take-home projects, and weekend or evening activities.2. Make Communication Quick and ConvenientIf parents have to dig through their child’s backpack to find an important flyer (which, let’s be honest, is probably crumpled or missing), you’ve already lost them. Schools need to meet parents where they are—on their phones, in their email, and on social media.✅ Action Step for School Leaders: Utilize text alerts, emails, and social media updates to share important school information in bite-sized, easy-to-read formats.3. Create Low-Commitment, High-Impact OpportunitiesNot all parents can commit to ongoing volunteer roles, but they might be willing to pitch in for one event or activity. Schools should provide opportunities that require minimal time but still make a big difference.✅ Action Step for School Leaders: Offer one-time or short-term volunteer options like helping at a school event, donating supplies, or sharing expertise in a classroom presentation.4. Provide Childcare and Transportation SupportFor many parents, lack of childcare or transportation is a major barrier to attending school events. Schools that offer solutions to these issues will see increased participation.✅ Action Step for School Leaders: Partner with local organizations to provide childcare during meetings or coordinate carpools for parents who need a ride.5. Foster a Judgment-Free, Welcoming AtmosphereSome parents hesitate to get involved because they feel unwelcome or unsure about how they can contribute. Schools need to make sure every parent—regardless of background, language, or past involvement—feels like they belong.✅ Action Step for School Leaders: Personally invite parents, use inclusive language in communications, and create welcoming committees to greet and guide new families.6. Ask Parents What Works for ThemInstead of guessing what will increase parent involvement, why not just ask? A quick survey can provide valuable insights into what parents need and how they prefer to engage.✅ Action Step for School Leaders: Conduct regular parent surveys to gather feedback on barriers to involvement and adjust strategies accordingly.Breaking Barriers, Building BridgesParent involvement shouldn’t be another stressor—it should be something that fits seamlessly into a family’s busy life. By offering flexible options, improving communication, and making engagement more accessible, schools can create a culture where all parents feel empowered to support their children’s education.So, school leaders, the challenge is yours: What small change can you make today to open the doors wider for busy parents? Let’s make school involvement easy, welcoming, and—dare we say—fun!
Reviving the Magic: 10 School Spirit Traditions That Never Go Out of Style
Remember the electric energy of a pep rally? The adrenaline of chanting alongside your classmates, the pride that surged as your team’s colors waved high? For many, those moments were the heartbeat of school life. But somewhere along the way, the magic of school spirit can fade. So, how do we reignite it and make sure every generation feels the same connection and pride?School spirit is more than just cheering at games or wearing matching shirts. It’s about creating a sense of belonging, pride, and unity that transcends the classroom. Yet, in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, keeping these traditions alive can feel like a challenge. If your school’s spirit feels more like a faint flicker than a roaring fire, don’t worry. The solution lies in rediscovering and revamping timeless traditions that unite students, staff, and alumni alike. You’ve got to make school spirit normal again! Let’s dive into ten school spirit traditions that never go out of style and explore how to bring them back to life.
1. Pep Rallies That RockNothing ignites excitement like a high-energy pep rally. The key? Make it a showstopper. Blend classic chants and cheers with modern elements like light shows, dance-offs, or even surprise guest appearances. Don’t forget to involve teachers and staff for some friendly competition—think tug-of-war or a lip-sync battle. When everyone participates, the energy becomes contagious.Objection Handling: “What if students think pep rallies are outdated?” Modernize them! Use popular music, trending themes, or TikTok-inspired skits to grab their attention.Tip: Orchestrate your pep really by practicing the night before. Think about it, we practice sports, we rehearse for musical theater, weddings, and graduations. Why not pep rallies? You can even make the practice a decoration party. How? Invite pep rally participants to your practice and include all your key spirit groups on campus. Ask everyone to bring a snack item like chips or cookies. When students arrive, give them a decorating task to complete by a set time and then practice your pep assembly. Coach the participants on how to bring energy to your rally.
2. Spirit Weeks with a TwistThemed dress-up days are the norm but don’t recycle the same tired ideas every year. Mix things up with themes like “Decades Day,” “Anything But a Backpack Day,” or “Dress as Your Favorite Meme.” Make it fun and relevant to today’s culture, and watch participation soar. Include a social media challenge for each day, so students can show off their creativity online.Tip: Sometimes barriers (time, money, etc) for students to participate in spirit days. You can combat this by gathering themed items to give away before school each day. Let everyone know you will have a limited number of items each day and that is it first come, first served.
3. Homecoming Royalty for AllHomecoming courts are a beloved tradition, but sometimes they need to be invigorated? Expand the categories to include “Most Spirited,” “Best Team Player,” or “Kindness Champion.” This way, the celebration recognizes a broader spectrum of contributions to the school community.
4. The Power of the Alma MaterEvery school has its anthem, but when was the last time students really sang it with pride? Bring it back at key moments like graduation, assemblies, and sporting events. Add a modern touch by recording a professional version or creating a TikTok challenge to showcase school pride.Tip: I work with a lot of schools and, at a majority of them, most students have no idea what their alma mater is. You have to practice and promote your alma mater so students know it and have confidence in performing it together. Teach and practice your alma mater at orientations, mobile pep rallies, pep rallies, graduation, etc.
5. Big Games, Bigger TraditionsWhether it’s football, basketball, or soccer, big games are prime opportunities for showcasing school spirit. Create unique experiences like a dance party between halves or quarters, make a giant sign that covers your students section and rip it up, organize a chant with your student section, band, spirit squads, and parents. Introduce a signature chant or hand gesture unique to your school that fans can rally behind.Objection Handling: “What about students who aren’t into sports?” Get clubs involved! Have art students design banners or theater kids lead cheers. Everyone can contribute in their own way.
6. Legacy WallsCelebrate your school’s history with a legacy wall showcasing alumni achievements, sports victories, and memorable milestones. This physical tribute not only honors the past but inspires current students to leave their mark. When you add to the wall, make the event special with a ceremony and make certain to publicize it.
7. Spirit Gear Glam UpA standard student section shirt is a must but what happens when you glam up your spirit gear? Work with students to design trendy, wearable merch like hoodies, jeans, or even custom sneakers. Use limited editions or seasonal drops to create excitement.Tip: Want something unique and different? Check out www.gamebibs.com
8. Traditions for Giving BackTurn school spirit into community spirit by organizing service projects like food drives, park clean-ups, or charity events. You can even make it a school beautification project. Make it competitive between grades or clubs to boost participation and pride. Focus on students leaving their school a better place than they found it.Tip: Highlight these efforts on social media to showcase your school’s positive impact.
9. Alumni ComebacksInvite alumni to share their stories, coach teams, or lead workshops. Hosting an alumni game or panel creates a bridge between past and present, showing students they’re part of something bigger.
10. Lip DubWho doesn’t love a lip sync video? The power of a lip dub lies in giving your campus a collective experience that transcends groups and cliques. HERE is a great example of a lip dub.
Reviving school spirit doesn’t mean reinventing the wheel. It’s about reimagining timeless traditions to resonate with today’s students while honoring the legacy of those who came before them. It’s about creating norms on campus. Start small, get creative, and involve your entire school community. Before you know it, you’ll have a school buzzing with pride and unity—and memories that truly stand the test of time.So, what tradition will you bring back first? Let’s revive the magic together!
From Chaos to Connection: How Simple Classroom Rituals Can Build a Thriving Learning Environment
Does your classroom ever feel like a whirlwind of noise, distractions, and endless reminders to "stay on task"? If it feels like you’re constantly putting out fires instead of actually teaching, you’re not alone. Every teacher faces this at some point.But what if I told you there’s a simple, repeatable way to bring calm, connection, and cooperation into your classroom — no extra planning, no fancy tools required? The answer lies in classroom rituals. These small, intentional practices have the power to turn daily chaos into a thriving, engaged learning environment.Sound too good to be true? Stick with me, and I’ll show you exactly how it works.Why Rituals Matter More Than Rules
Rules tell students what not to do, but rituals show them how to succeed. While rules are essential, rituals provide structure, predictability, and a sense of belonging — all of which are critical for a strong classroom community.Think about your own life. Morning coffee, Sunday night meal prep, or your favorite "pump-up" song before a big event — these are rituals that ground you and prepare you for what’s ahead. Classrooms are no different. Students thrive on routine, and rituals give them a sense of security, consistency, and shared purpose.If you’ve ever had "that one student" who’s constantly disruptive, they’re often the ones who benefit most from a structured, ritual-filled environment.The 5 Must-Have Rituals for a Thriving Learning Environment
You’re probably thinking, "Okay, but what rituals are we talking about?" Here are five simple, research-backed rituals you can start using today to create a more connected and cooperative classroom.1. The Morning Greeting Ritual
Goal: Start each day with connection and belonging.How It Works: As students enter the classroom, greet them by name with a smile, a handshake, or a high-five. For an extra twist, let students choose their greeting from a "greeting menu" on the door (wave, fist bump, peace sign, etc.).Why It Works: Students feel seen, valued, and welcomed before the day even begins. It sets a positive emotional tone and reduces the likelihood of behavioral issues later on.Objection: "I have 30+ students — I don’t have time to greet each one individually!"
Answer: This ritual doesn’t have to take long. A 2-second greeting is all it takes to make a student feel noticed. Plus, you can train students to greet each other as part of the process.At the high school level, I offered students the opportunity to be greeted by me with either a handshake, hug, or high 5 each Wednesday. I would have students run to my door when they saw me on Wednesdays because of the greetings!2. The "End-of-Day Reflection" Ritual
Goal: Build self-awareness, celebrate wins, and encourage growth.How It Works: Before students leave for the day, ask them to reflect on two questions:What’s one thing I’m proud of today?What’s one thing I’d like to do better tomorrow?
Why It Works: Reflection builds self-awareness, reinforces positive behavior, and encourages growth. Plus, it’s a great way to end on a positive, forward-thinking note.Objection: "I’m always rushing at the end of the day — I don’t have time for this!"
Answer: Reflection can be as short as 1-2 minutes. Use a "turn and talk" method so students reflect with a partner. It’s fast, effective, and requires no prep.3. The "Classroom Jobs" Ritual
Goal: Build responsibility, ownership, and teamwork.How It Works: Assign students "classroom jobs" (like Line Leader, Materials Manager, or Tech Support) and rotate them weekly. Make it official with job titles, badges, or a "Job Board" so students know their roles.Why It Works: Students feel a sense of responsibility and pride when they have a role to play in the classroom’s success. It’s also a subtle way to manage behavior since students will naturally want to meet the expectations of their role.Objection: "Won’t this just lead to more distractions and power struggles?"
Answer: When students have clearly defined roles with clear expectations, they’re more likely to stay on task. Use a "Job of the Week" system to avoid power struggles.This approach is typically found in elementary settings but how can secondary settings tweak this idea to give students ownership? 4. The "Check-In Circle" Ritual
Goal: Build empathy, connection, and emotional regulation.How It Works: Once a week (or more), hold a 10-minute "check-in circle" where students answer a simple question like:How are you feeling today, and why?What’s one thing that’s going well in your life right now?
Why It Works: It humanizes everyone in the room. Students see that others have feelings, struggles, and wins too. This builds empathy and trust.Objection: "Isn’t this too 'soft' for my curriculum-focused classroom?"
Answer: Emotional regulation is directly tied to academic success. When students feel heard, they’re less likely to act out or disengage.5. The "Class Motto or Chant" Ritual
Goal: Create unity, pride, and a shared mission.How It Works: Create a class motto, mantra, or chant that the class says together at the start (or end) of the day. It could be something like:
"We are brave, we are kind, and we always try our best!"Why It Works: Group recitation builds team spirit, reinforces shared values, and gives students a sense of collective pride.Objection: "My older students might think this is silly."
Answer: You’d be surprised how older students respond when they’re involved in creating the motto. Let them co-create it, and you’ll see even middle schoolers buy in.I used this approach with a squirrely 9th grade physical science class that I had right after lunch in Bentonville, Arkansas. I would have students clear their desks and place both palms on their desks. We would slowly start pounding the desk with alternating hands while speeding up the pace until we did a chant we created. It added energy into the room and gave the class something to do that was unified.Closing the Loop: Why Rituals Outperform "One-Size-Fits-All" Solutions
Unlike rules, which require constant reinforcement, rituals become automatic over time. Students begin to take ownership, and you’ll find yourself giving fewer reminders. It’s the difference between "nagging" students and having students remind each other to stick to the routine.When your classroom has strong rituals, students know what’s expected of them. They feel safe, seen, and part of something bigger than themselves. And that’s when the real magic happens.Take Action Today
Which of these rituals will you try first? Start small. Pick one ritual, introduce it tomorrow, and watch how quickly it shifts the energy in your classroom.And remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about consistency. Show up, stick with it, and soon your "chaotic classroom" will become the thriving, connected space you’ve always dreamed of.Remember, moments create momentum!
Energize Your Campus: 10 Creative Activities to Spark School Spirit
Are you tired of seeing the same faces in the stands at games? Does your school spirit feel more like a whisper than a roar? If so, you’re not alone! Many schools struggle with low engagement and a lack of enthusiasm. But here’s the good news: you can transform that quiet hum into a vibrant cheer!
Start creating moments that give your campus momentum!
Here are 10 creative ideas that can energize your campus and ignite a sense of pride and belonging among students, teachers, and even parents. Whether you’re a student leader, a dedicated teacher, or a concerned parent, these ideas will help you foster a lively school spirit that everyone can rally around.
# 1. Spirit Weeks with a Twist
Instead of the usual dress-up days, create themed spirit weeks that surprise and delight. Think outside the box—how about “Throwback Week” where everyone dresses in styles from their favorite decade? Or a “Cultural Appreciation Week” where students celebrate and learn about each other's backgrounds. This not only boosts school spirit but also fosters inclusivity! Have you heard of underground spirit weeks? Hit google and see what you find! My kid’s school did one recently and it was a huge success.
# 2. Mini Competitions
Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Organize mini challenges—like a scavenger hunt around the school or a talent show featuring student talents. You can even involve local businesses as sponsors for prizes. These events can rally students around a common goal and create lasting memories. If you have not heard of peppermint in your pocket, you can check it out in this post by our friends at Learning for Living, Inc - https://www.learningforliving.com/cultureblog/2024/11/20/peppermint-in-your-pocket
# 3. Mobile Pep rally
Rather than a traditional pep rally, make it mobile! As an activities director, I loved doing quick mobile pep rallies that add energy to campus. How do they work? Grab a mobile speaker, get someone to play music, and organize a group of student leaders to meet in a designated spot 20 minutes before schools starts. Get the leaders organized on what they will chant and pick out 2-3 high traffic spots on campus to stop during your mobile pep rally. Then, set the students leaders out to walk across campus playing music and making noise. At each stop, student leaders can lead 2-3 chants and ask students and staff to join them.
Bonus idea, give participants headbands made with streamers and a few 5 gallon buckets or small empty trash cans to use as drums. You will be amazed at what some streamer headbands and bucket drums do for a group.
# 4. Yell Practice
Sometimes kids want to show up to games and be spirited but they just don’t know how. That’s where a yell practice can be really helpful. Our friend Shannon Smith, Upper School Head at Hilton Head Christian Academy, told us that he never thought about practicing cheers and chants with his students until his school hosted our 4A Workshop. Shannon went on to share that, just like sports and arts, it makes senses to practice cheers and chants so students know what to do and how to do it. Get your student section leaders and spirit squads organized and you can hold a yell practice at night or during an advisory or free period.
# 5. Community Service Projects
Engaging in community service can bond students while promoting school spirit. Organize a day where everyone participates in a local charity event, like a park clean-up or a food drive. Ask students about groups of people they would like to help. Maybe it’s a free game night for senior citizens, cleaning up a park in the city, or organizing athletic competitions for young students with disabilities. This not only fosters pride in your school but also helps students connect with their community.
# 6. Creative Fundraisers
Turn fundraisers into spirit-building events! Instead of traditional bake sales, think outside the box. Host a themed dance, trivia night, or even a talent show. One of the best ideas I ever heard was from a small school in Oklahoma that held a Dollar Bill Dinner. Student leaders organized a fundraiser dinner for the community where each community member that attends the dinner would bring twenty $1 bills. Student leaders would wait on the community members and creatively charge them for utensils, condiments, and food. Want a fork, knife and spoon to eat with? That’s a dollar. Want a plate? That’s $2. You can even take this to the next level by asking businesses to sponsor a table for a set fee and each participant at that table must bring twenty $1 bills. The key is to make it fun while raising money!
# 7. Social Media Challenges
In today’s digital age, leverage social media to spread school spirit! Create fun challenges that encourage students to post their spirit activities online—like a photo contest showcasing school pride. Use a unique hashtag to track entries and reward the most creative ones! This is a great opportunity to partner with business owners to recognize the most creative and spirited posts.
# 8. Spirit Club
Form a student-led club dedicated to school spirit. These clubs can brainstorm and organize events, themes, and ensure that school spirit isn’t just a one-time thing but an ongoing movement. This creates a sense of belonging and gives students a platform to express their ideas.
# 9. Theme Nights at Games
Make every game special by introducing theme nights—like “White Out” or “Glow in the Dark” games. Encourage fans to dress according to the theme. Already doing this but struggle with participation? Partner with a business to sponsor a theme night and use the funds they provide to purchase themed items that students can grab at the game or event. You can also set this up as a fundraiser and tell students spirit items will be available at the game or event for a small fee. This can elevate the atmosphere and create a sense of unity among attendees.
# 10. Personalized Spirit Gear
Encourage students to design their own spirit gear! Whether it’s custom shirts, hats, or wristbands, allowing students to express their creativity can boost pride. Host a contest for the best designs, and watch the enthusiasm grow!
Bonus idea, you can hold an event where students bring plain a shirt or, if you want to get really creative, overalls, and the school can provide the supplies for the students to decorate their shirt, sweatshirt, or overalls. You can turn this into a fundraiser and charge a fee.
You might be thinking, “But these activities sound time-consuming!” or “What if no one shows up?” Here’s the thing: getting started is often the hardest part. Start small with one or two ideas, gather feedback, and build from there. Involve students in the planning process; their investment will lead to greater participation. Remember, moments create moments. Stack a series of these moments together and you will start to feel the momentum!
Energizing your campus doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these 10 creative activities, you can easily spark school spirit and create a vibrant community where everyone feels involved. Remember, it starts with one idea, one event, and one enthusiastic student. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get that spirit soaring!
Empowering Change: How Student Voices Can Transform Your School Culture
Imagine walking into a school where every student feels heard, valued, and empowered. Sounds like a dream, right? Yet, many schools struggle with a culture that feels stifling, leaving students feeling like their voices don’t matter. This disconnect can lead to disengagement, apathy, and even behavioral issues. So, how do we shift the tide and create an environment where student voices truly shape the culture? Let’s dive into the transformative power of student feedback and explore how to harness it effectively.
In many schools, students often feel like passive recipients of education rather than active participants in their learning journey. They may be reluctant to share their thoughts, fearing they won’t be taken seriously. This silence can create a stagnant culture, where innovation and inclusivity are sorely lacking.
But here’s the good news!
When we empower students to speak up, we create a dynamic school culture that fosters collaboration, respect, and excitement about learning. The real question is—how do we encourage this shift?
Here are a few ideas:
Create Safe Spaces: The first step is to cultivate an environment where students feel safe expressing their ideas and concerns. This can be done through regular class meetings, suggestion boxes, surveys, or micro surveys. Let them know their opinions are valued and that feedback isn’t just welcome, it’s essential.
Incorporate Student Feedback in Decision-Making: School policies and initiatives should reflect the voices of those they affect most. Involve students in discussions about school rules, events, and even curriculum choices. This not only builds trust but also gives students a sense of ownership over their education. A Principal’s Advisory Council like THIS from Palos Verdes High School is a great example.
Celebrate Student Contributions: When students share their ideas, celebrate those contributions. Whether it’s a shoutout during morning announcements or a dedicated bulletin board, recognition can motivate others to share their voices as well.
Implement Peer Mentorship Programs: Create opportunities for students to mentor one another. This builds relationships, fosters leadership skills, and creates a sense of community, encouraging even the shyest students to share their thoughts. Check out The Boomerang Project if you want to impact your campus through peer mentoring.
Provide Training for Staff: Educators should be equipped with the tools to facilitate open conversations. Workshops on active listening, constructive feedback, and conflict resolution can help create a supportive atmosphere where student voices are genuinely heard.