Using events to generate school spirit is a great way to attract involvement from the students, faculty, and parents. There are many ways in which to inspire school spirit. Most events may revolve around the athletics associated with the school, but there are activities such as fundraisers, school gear, and competitions that can be used in place of events.
The most obvious school event to build spirit is a pep rally. This usually involves the cheerleaders and the football team, but it can also be a way for all athletics to participate. Pep rallies during the fall months could include all the fall athletic teams while the same can be done in the spring. One way to get more teams involved is to create competitions such as "land versus water" that pits the football and baseball teams against the swim and water polo teams in a non-sports contest like a trivia quiz about school traditions.
An easy event to plan is a Dress Up Day. Encourage the students to dress in school colors, let them attend class dressed up and painted. Plan a "Twins Day" where students can dress like a friend. Host a creative uniform day that lets students make modifications to their normal uniform with extra points for uniqueness. Let the students vote on the most interesting outfits.
Most schools have a store inside the school in which they sell school related items. This is a prime opportunity for non-event spirit building. Add in a variety of items that feature the school colors or emblem: t-shirts, hoodies, shorts, notebooks, book covers and window decals. For extra fun, have special items just for freshmen, seniors, etc.
Rather than a single event, designate an entire Spirit Week with a lot of activities planned. This can be coordinated with Homecoming Week, where alumni are likely to get involved. Ideas can include having Super Hero Day, Hat or Slipper Day, Flashback Day, etc. Plan a different activity every day leading up to the main event. Spirit Week can include contests between classrooms such as the best decorated door, trivial pursuit games, or which class can rack up the most points for students actually participating in Spirit Week.
Participating in fund raisers, such as Make-A-Wish, can induce a lot of student and faculty participation. Sparking contests between classrooms on who can raise the most money inspires many to empty their banks and pockets. The winning classroom can be treated to lunch at the local pizza shop or for an ice cream treat.
A great way to encourage student involvement is to have organized events such as a girls Powder Puff Football game or student/teacher events. A popular event is a Student Teacher Basketball game. This can include any teacher who wants to participate and any student, whether on the basketball team or not. Have a date and time set up for the students and community to come and enjoy the game.
Involve the principals by encouraging them to be willing to shave their heads or dye their hair a funky color if the students can accomplish a set goal. Make a big deal out of it by doing it at a pep rally for the entire student body to witness.
There are many events that can inspire school spirit. There is nothing better than seeing a stadium filled with one's school colors, that sight alone may entice more kids to participate.
