BACK TO SCHOOL
SCHOOL CULTURE ACTIVITIES FOR BACK TO SCHOOL
The first day and week of school are opportunities to make a strong, positive first impression! Seize the chance to help everyone feel supported, appreciated and excited to be back in the building with one another. Set the tone on the first day of school with sidewalk chalk notes and fun experiences that spread joy across your entire campus. Keep the energy going with a simple, friendly relationship-builder: send students home with a hand-signed Welcome Back Postcard in celebration of back-to-school season!
See more details about back-to-school activities by clicking the title of each idea below.
MAKE IT HAPPEN!
CULTURE & CLIMATE
First Days of School– Culture Challenge of the Month
Activity Overview: Start the new year off with welcoming activities.
School Type: K-12
Prep Time: 1-5 hours
People Required: Staffulty and students
Your school could win $500 by participating in this Culture Challenge!
RELATIONSHIPS
Welcome Back Postcards
Activity Overview: Welcome students before they even step foot on campus.
School Type: K-12
Prep Time: 2 – 8 hours
People Required: Staffulty
STAFFULTY MORALE
Staffulty Gifts
Activity Overview: Give gifts, big or small, to Staffulty in their mailbox or at the first meeting of the year.
School Type: K-12
Prep Time: 2 – 4 hours
People Required: Administration and one lead Staffulty
Video & Discussion
Activity Overview: Use this episode of The Green Room Professional Learning at a staff meeting, a PD day or in an email.
School Type: K-12
Prep Time: None
People Required: Facilitator and Staffulty
CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT
Announce Character Criteria
Activity Overview: Announce what actions will merit recognition and rewards for students.
School Type: 3-12
Prep Time: 1 – 4 hours
People Required: Administration and one lead Staffulty
Video & Discussion
Activity Overview: Use this episode and critical thinking guide from The Harbor by Jostens to talk about setting goals with students.
School Type: 6-12
Prep Time: None
People Required: Facilitator and students
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
Announce Academic Criteria
Activity Overview: Announce what grades will merit recognition and rewards for students.
School Type: 5-12
Prep Time: 1 – 4 hours
People Required: Administration and one lead Staffulty
GET RECOGNIZED FOR YOUR EFFORTS!
All schools who do one Monthly Playbook activity for each month of the school year and track their school culture and climate efforts are eligible to be a Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction.