Kickstart Back to School: 8 Staff Morale Boosters That Work!

As the new school year approaches, it’s important to kick things off with enthusiasm and positivity. Keeping staff morale high, from the very beginning, is key to a successful and vibrant school environment. Staff morale is more important than ever in today’s school climate. 

Here are eight fun and effective ways to boost staff morale as you head back to school:

1. Fuel the Fun with Food!

Who doesn’t love a good meal or a tasty treat? Start the school year with a staff breakfast or lunch. Recruit your parent organization and/or your own relatives to help you provide meals and treats.  Don’t forget to include some healthy options to cater to everyone’s taste. Surprise snack carts or treat days throughout the year can also keep spirits high.

Back to school is hectic for teachers and their families. Reducing the stress of meal planning for back to school  preparation will help teachers focus at work and get more done.  

2. Pump Up the Energy with Prizes!

Nothing gets people excited like the chance to win something. Hold a back-to-school raffle, over the intercom, with fun prizes such as gift cards, school supplies, or even gifts of time for leaving early or coming in late. You can also create a point system for various achievements and let staff redeem their points for prizes. Each time you call the staff together for a meeting or information draw names or give prizes for participating in the meeting.

How do you collect prizes? Local businesses and parents are always eager to help kick back to school off with a bang. Post something on your school Facebook page, create a Sign-Up, or send an email through the school messaging system. You will be amazed how many people want to support the school.

3. Gift a Smile with Thoughtful Tokens

Small gifts can make a big difference. Especially if their language of appreciation is “gift giving.” Consider giving personalized gifts such as customized mugs, notebooks, or desk accessories. If these items seem over done maybe you could create something or present the gift in a different way. Even a simple handwritten note expressing gratitude can brighten someone’s day. Think about seasonal gifts or surprise gift bags to keep the excitement going throughout the year.

Again, reach out to your school community for these gifts. Support local business or buy from business Facebook groups in your area. You don’t have to fund everything when it comes to back to school

4. Treasure Their Time

Show your staff you value their time by offering flexible scheduling during back to school. Create and share a back to school agenda with all meetings and/or requirements. Share this information out as soon as you can, before teachers return, even if it is in “draft” form. You can watermark the document “draft” or type draft at the top of it. Letting teachers know in advance what the back to schedule is going to look like will help reduce stress therefore increase staff morale.

Other options are additional planning time if there is an evening event. Arranging a few “no meeting” time slots will give everyone a break from the usual hustle and bustle of back to school. 

Consider breaking your meetings up to different times over the week of back to school preparations. Instead of one LONG 3 hour faculty meeting, consider one hour or 30 minute chunks of time. Host a snack break to cover a few of the staff policies or expectations.

This is a sample of one of my back to school agendas. Not everyone is required to attend all of these meetings. Different staff are on all of these teams. If their team isn’t in a meeting they have that time to work in their classrooms. Unfortunately, I didn’t think about the fact that I am at all of these meetings. You will probably want to make sure you give yourself some break time or time to take care of all the things that come up right before school starts back up.

5. Unite the Team with T-Shirts

Create a sense of unity and pride with custom school t-shirts. Have a fun design contest over the summer where staff members can submit their ideas, and then vote on the favorite. Post these to social media for staff to vote and celebrate. Wearing matching shirts on designated days can promote school spirit and camaraderie. Consider other wearable items like hats or hoodies to mix things up.

6. Capture the Moments with Photos

Schedule time in the agenda for staff photos. You will need these photos for social media and teachers may treasure and post pictures of their team as well. Create a fun photo booth. Set up props and a backdrop for staff to take silly or themed photos together. Display these photos in the staff room or on a shared digital platform. Regular photo updates throughout the year can help capture memories and foster a sense of community.

Usually the photography company your school or district uses is willing to send someone out for a whole group photo. You could also a local photographer or student trying to make money or start a small business. 

7. Challenge Accepted!

Challenges and team-building can be over-used under the disguise of “getting more energy in the room,” or warming up the audience for long and boring presentations or meetings. Please use challenges and team-builders wisely. Every back to school meeting does not need a team-builder. 

However, if you are going to use these tools create engaging challenges that promote teamwork and friendly competition. Organize team-building activities or scavenger hunts that encourage collaboration and problem-solving. Recognize and reward teams that complete the challenges successfully. Challenges can be related to school goals, wellness, or just for fun!

Consider the physicality of your staff when creating challenges. Also have the option to opt out of anything that makes someone uncomfortable.

8. Seal the deal with Celebrations!

Regular celebrations can keep the positive energy flowing. If you get in the habit of celebrating early in the school year, it will be easier to keep a celebratory atmosphere building. Set the tone for celebration and then invite staff to help you celebrate. Celebrating successes and achievements, big or small, fosters a supportive and uplifting work environment.

Celebrations can be as easy as certificates on completion of back to school training. “Champagne” toasts at the end of the last workday before the kids come. Light candles and share what you are looking forward to for the year. Surprise your staff by calling them together just to thank them for their hard work. 

Be sure to put celebrations on your calendar. Whether it’s once a month at meetings or you pull your staff together at the end of the day randomly, celebrations can always boost staff morale.

By implementing these fun and thoughtful morale boosters, you’ll help create a positive and energetic atmosphere that will benefit both staff and students throughout the school year.