Every year, usually right before the winter break in February, our middle and high schools hold "Spirit Week". It's usually a week of decorating contests, themed days, opportunities to wear unusual clothing, and activities in the gym. It's a lot of fun for both students and staff and helps get everyone through the last (we hope) of winter. Students are still in classes, teachers are still teaching, so why devote extra time and trouble on school spirit? (Some students and staff work long into the night and on weekends to prepare skits and decorate!)
To define school spirit, I really need to talk about what it is. It's the feeling you get when you watch your school team play in the soccer finals; or the feeling you have at a bon fire for homecoming; or watching the school band in the 4th of July parade; or encouraging each other in a skit; or raising money for a cause and topping it off with a plunge in the freezing ocean; or walking into the gym for a basketball game with a long time rival; - it's the emotional pride you feel with your classmates as well as with those who have walked these same halls before you.
We've all felt these feelings of pride about an important date or event and when this coincides with a school, school spirit is created. Watching your teacher playing a volleyball game, even if they are not Olympic quality, shows students that it is OK to take risks and is a demonstration of the teacher's commitment and enthusiasm for our school, its students and all those who help make a school successful. It is a demonstration of pride.
In between the seeming silliness that takes place, and the contests that appear to have nothing to do with education, our students are learning important lessons: cooperation, good sportsmanship; community, responsibility, teamwork, kindness, good behavior, relationships, and belonging. All of these things help foster and create a positive learning environment.
So, I say "Hurray for Spirit Week"- when it is age appropriate it's a great thing for our schools (don't be surprised if your child stays late at school or asks for an outrageous Hawaiian shirt this week.)
