School leaders are finding extra ways to celebrate their staff members this holiday season. We have gathered some of the best ideas from Twitter to share with you.
Meghan Redmond, principal of Homer Middle School in Homer, AK, and NASSP board member, recently brought a fun activity to a staff meeting: ornament making. She purchased a $33 kit, so the planning was easy for her and enjoyable for all.
Nicki Slaugh, principal of Quest Academy Technology Center in West Haven, UT, hosts an annual teacher swap at her school during December. For the swap, each staff member dresses up and acts like another member of the staff to the delight of students and staff. Slaugh says this activity builds a strong culture of support among teachers, administrators, and paraprofessionals. Just as important, itβs a way to keep students engaged these last few days of school before the holiday break. βThe students absolutely love it,β she says.
At Kelso Virtual Academy in Kelso, WA, Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell holds an annual Festivus celebration, an idea which she gleaned from the show βSeinfeld.β For the last five days of work before the holiday break, Sholtys-Cromwell plans games, crafts, and celebrations, complete with a coffee and cocoa bar. βItβs all to try to bring fun to these very stressful days,β she says.
Throughout a 12-day countdown to winter break, Dr. Amber Grady, principal of C.E. King 9th Grade Campus in Houston, TX, and the 2021 Texas Assistant Principal of the Year, encourages staff reflection, celebration, and fellowship. The countdown includes themed spirit days, prizes, and treats. βIt is an amazing way to promote campus culture during a time of year that can be draining for teachers, and it ends the semester on a positive note,β she says.