Fun Ideas to Boost Student Morale at Middle School and High School
From guest DJs (and breakdancing) in the caf to Rock Paper Scissors tournaments, these fun ideas for middle schools and high schools are a surefire way to boost student morale.
Music at Morning Drop Off
The quickest way to change a moody teenager's mood before 7:00 am? Carpool music at morning drop-off!
DJ at Lunch
Invite parents to come in as guest DJs on Fridays for lunch dance parties (breakdancing is not required, but highly encouraged!).
Celebrate “National" Days & 100th Day of School
Who says middle school and high school students are too old for cookies and milk, or playing a competitive game of "how many rubber duckies can you find hidden around school"? There's no shortage of fun and silly days to celebrate, like National Rubber Ducky Day, National Oreo Day and National Pencil Day to name a few (you can get our full calendar of fun days to celebrate at school). Stick an uplifting note (like "You Matter" or "We're So Glad You're Here!") to treats for a fun and unexpected pick-me-up for students.
School-wide Rock Paper Scissors Tournament
During a school-wide rock paper scissors tournament, every student and teacher gets a Mardi Gras necklace. Between periods, students can challenge anyone wearing a necklace (winner takes the necklace). Once a student has a total of four necklaces, they can challenge a teacher. The tournament culminates at the end of the day with a championship showdown between the last two standing!
@christina.cavaliere Campus Wide Activity
♬ It's Tricky - RUN DMC
Give Those School Restrooms a Glow Up
A lot of drama happens in the restrooms at school (IYKYK), so why not give those restrooms the feel-good glow up they deserve? Paint the walls and add decals with uplifting, inspirational messages to stall doors. You can also use dry erase markers to write affirmations on restroom mirrors and windows.
Anything But a Backpack Day
"Anything But a Backpack" is a fun school-wide spirit day that invites students to bring their belongings to school in (you guessed it) anything but a backpack.
@ptotoday Any PTO or PTA groups done “Anything but a backpack day”? Love this, @TWASB 👏 #pto #ptomom #ptamom #schoolvolunteer #schoollife #ptoparents ♬ original sound - PTO Today ✨School Family Media
Start a School Store for Students
At a school store, students can purchase candy, snacks (must-haves: Takis and Spicy Cheetohs!), drinks, supplies, spirit wear, and other items (like hair ties) before, during and after school. Consider using proceeds to enhance the school building, like murals to brighten the walls and recess benches so that students have somewhere to sit and socialize. Check out the ultimate list of ideas for school stores (elementary and middle school)
Hold a "Book Tasting" in the Library
A book tasting is a fun way for students to learn about different genres of literature by "sampling" different books (and cookies, for obvious reasons) in the school library.
Start a Care Closet (Hygiene Closet)
Students shouldn't have to worry about access to basic hygiene supplies. Partner with your school counselors or admin to create a “Hygiene Closet” or "Care Closet" that stocks basic hygiene supplies for students. Items to stock include travel-size deodorant, sanitary pads and tampons, hair ties, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, soap, laundry detergent, gel, nail clippers, safety pins (for wardrobe malfunctions), extra underwear, socks and spare leggings. Some brands (like Dove) may be willing to donate products if your PTO or PTA requests them.
Hot Cocoa Bar for Students
The week before winter break, plan something fun for students, like a hot cocoa bar! We love how the school below put out hot cocoa fixings, along with colorful stickers and sparkly gems that students could use to personalize their cups.
@green_star.ks Right after this they ran out of hot water #school #highschool #winterbreak #hotchocolate #schoollibrary #christmas #gingerbread #holidaystickers ♬ last xmas - kpopvrycs⁷
Underground Spirit Week
Yes, an underground spirit week is for staff (they dress according to the theme of the day, like "anything but a cup" and "dress like a student"), but it's just as fun for students as they're left wondering what's going on, and have to put two and two together! While some schools will do an Underground Spirit Week, others will do it once per week for "What's Up Wednesday" (because students are left wondering what's up!). Check out these great ideas and themes for a Staff Underground Spirit Week at school!
Student Singalong
We love how this teacher invited middle school students to a classroom sing along...the catch: they had to singalong to a song their parents jam out to!
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