Middle School Spirit Ideas

School spirit isn't just for athletes anymore.

Building community within a middle school is no easy task. It takes a lot of planning and preparation to design activities that are meaningful and fun for both students and staff. Fostering school pride must go far beyond an annual pep rally if you hope to reach a wider audience. By providing varied opportunities for all to share and demonstrate school spirit, you go a long way toward developing a lasting sense of community in your school.

School Spirit Week

Dressing up is a fun way to express school spirit.

Setting aside a special week to encourage school spirit is a great way to introduce the concept to your student body. Allow students to participate in themed events such as "wacky hair day," "pajama day," "hat/wig day," or "school colors day." These breaks from normal school rules will be a welcome change to both students and teachers. Encourage your faculty to participate in spirit week events. Hold a sporting event, pep rally, concert or play at the end of the week and dedicate it to the school. You can even honor the "most spirited student" at this event.

Extracurriculars

School spirit is all about belonging.

Use spirit events to support athletic, academic and artistic activities. Host a "club rush" day where you allow all students to join and preview the clubs and activities offered at your school. Encourage each club to put on a demonstration that raises school spirit and promotes their group. Show students that having school spirit doesn't mean losing your individuality. It's about contributing to the whole and making sure everyone is heard.

Healthy Competition

Nothing gets the blood pumping like a good competition. Rally the school behind your sports teams. Increase audience participation at games by offering opportunities to be in the spotlight or token prizes. Advertise these events as a way to be with friends and support their classmates. You can also encourage competition between classrooms. Race to see who can raise the most money, read the most books or score the highest on standardized tests. Honor all classes that participate with coverage in the school newspaper and website. Kids and teachers will appreciate seeing their hard work recognized.

The Symbols

The school mascot and colors should be part of everyday activities. Whether they are part of the building decorations or the host of your morning news, keep your symbols alive. Encourage your students to use the mascot or logo in art projects and to wear school colors on special field trips and holidays. Highlight students who demonstrate exemplary school spirit on a visible bulletin board. If you have the funds available, sell school merchandise (T-shirts, pencils, pens or mugs).

School Uniform

Uniforms may not work for every community. Know your parents and students well.

School uniforms are a great way to build school identity and increase a sense of belonging among your student body. Although full uniforms are not your only option. Have students compete to design a school T-shirt. Use the school colors, logo and student design for the final product. These can be sold to students as "field trip uniforms" or memorabilia. With the design changing every year, you have a built-in way of keeping your clothing line up-to-date. Even parents and teachers can enjoy these nifty souvenirs.

References

• Suite101.com: Promoting School Spirit
• McLean: Middle School Spirit Days