What Are the Benefits of School Spirit?

Unity

School Spirit Board

One benefit of school spirit is unity. Showing school spirit for a school brings together all members of that school and the school's supporting community. Parents, teachers and students join together for the emotional, financial and physical support of the school. For example, fundraisers raise funds for school sports equipment or even an injured student or teacher going through financial difficulties. School spirit is the glue that bonds these groups together no matter their individual backgrounds.

Confidence

School Spirit Rally

School spirit is a confidence booster. From the cheerleader leading spirit cheers to the behind-the-scenes parent donating time or transportation to games, each gets a boost of confidence in their ability to make their school a better place. Being confident as a needed member of the school community in turn boosts self confidence in general in the individual that carries over to other areas of life.

Sportsmanship

School Spirit Cheer

Sports activities are what people think of first when thinking about school spirit. Many schools have spirit days to celebrate their school and sports achievements. Taking place in sports-related spirit activities and sports in general foster teamwork towards a common goal.

Fun

School Spirit Day

School spirit gives teachers and students alike the opportunity to have fun during shared activities. It breaks down unspoken classroom barriers and allows each group to be just people together having a good time. For example, at a sports event like a football game, people have fun showing their school spirit by painting their faces in school colors, having pep rallies and singing the school song together.

Student Social Divisions

School Spirit Students

The social divisions tend to dissolve with school spirit. There are fewer cliques among students during school spirit activities since there is a shared goal. Each clique blends somewhat and the group ceases to be so separated and becomes just a group of students participating in school spirit and being proud of their school. The result is a camaraderie between all students that ordinarily would not exist during a normal school day.

Resources

• Five School Spirit Fundraisers
• School Spirit and Involvment Guide
• School Spirit Activities