BACK TO SCHOOL: RENAISSANCE STYLE
It’s the best time of the year — back to school. And that’s something to celebrate! If you are looking for some new ideas, check out our top 10 back to school activities from Renaissance schools that kick off the year on a high note! Even better? Tell us how Back to School season went at your school for the chance to win $500 in the School Culture Challenge sweepstakes.
TOP 10 BACK TO SCHOOL IDEAS
Idea #1
Welcome back new and returning Staffulty™ (staff + faculty) by creating gift bags for each invaluable member. Get to know your newest staff and help them know that they are seen, heard and loved on your campus with this welcoming activity!
Idea #2
Add a little extra something to everyone’s first day of school photos with a photo booth that everyone can have fun with from Staffulty and students to parents! Check out this awesome Idea Exchange submitted by LaSalle-Peru High School.
Idea #3
Set the tone for the year with encouraging sidewalk chalk messages and colorful parking spot paintings! These are great opportunities to reinforce that your school is a welcoming and fun environment.
Idea #4
Start the year on a sweet note. Book an ice cream truck for your first day back with all Staffulty! Then, have your everyone watch this inspiring episode of The Green Room and utilize the accompanying Action Planning guide to make the first few days of school extra special!
Idea #5
Gather your seniors before classes begin to start the year with some collective fun. Senior Sunrise will soon be THE tradition students will look forward to participating in as a senior!
Idea #6
Who said dress up days are just for spirit week? Start the year off with some immediate fun by having a dress up day! It doesn’t have to be complicated — keep it as simple as dressing up in your school’s colors.
Idea #7
Host a Back-to-School Night BBQ that your entire community can attend to celebrate this time of year — and help welcome anyone new to your community. This can also be a great fundraiser for your school or Renaissance program! Check out this Idea Exchange from Clear Creek Middle & High School.
Idea #8
Thousands of teens are entering their first year of high school — and that can bring up a lot of emotions, including fear! Hold a Freshmen Class Orientation with bubbles, music, high-fives, gift bags and this episode from The Harbor to make your freshman feel welcome and valued!
Idea #9
Celebrate back to school with some tried-and-tried Renaissance FUN! Learn how Summerville High School’s surprise Renaissance rally on the first day of school motivated their seniors in this video.
Idea #10
Set the bar for academic achievement by announcing the criteria for Renaissance Cards or Student of the Month. Then, host an energizing rock, paper, scissors tournament to keep the back-to-school excitement going!
BONUS ACTIVITY!
Review the criteria to start a School of Distinction application! Jostens schools can apply to be Silver, Gold or Platinum by documenting and reflecting on their Renaissance programing for the entire school year. All recipient schools receive tangible awards and are recognized at the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference for their achievement.
WANT TO USE JOSTENS RENAISSANCE?
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If you don’t currently partner with Jostens for yearbooks or graduation regalia or other celebratory products, you can learn more here.