Climate and Culture
Renaissance schools reward students for actions and achievements that align with what the school respects. There are many examples of Renaissance rewards — each of them serves to show appreciation to the efforts of students and teachers, to reinforce the behaviors that are valued and respected at school, and to provide motivation for more achievements. By implementing a system of rewards, schools can illustrate how the hard work students and educators put in comes with benefits.
The Harbor by Jostens
The Harbor facilitates the teaching of character development in classrooms by showcasing tangible life lessons through a school year’s worth of episodes with rich, raw and engaging content.
Below is a sample of The Harbor video resources focused on climate and culture.
Collaboration over Competition
Season 6: Episode 15
Alicia Reisinger speaks on how collaboration can lead to better results and relationships than competition does.
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Showing Up
Season 6: Episode 28
Students and educators can build school climate by simply showing up for other student groups.
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Leading by Example
Season 6: Episode 5
Mike explores what living and leading by example means, and how leadership is contagious and can change the culture of a school.
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For full access to all Harbor videos, log in to your JostensRenaissance.com account.
Idea Exchange
The Idea Exchange is a curated collection of the best proven Renaissance ideas submitted by schools.
Below is a sample of Idea Exchange ideas focused on climate and culture.
Best Seat in the House
Reward what you want to see more of (good behavior, kindness, punctuality, attendance) by entering names in a drawing to get special seating at games.
Applause
Line up and welcome students with applause and cheers from the school staff and faculty as they arrive for the first day of school.
Just Checking in Cards
Students are often the first to know when another student is having a rough day, and these cards give them an excuse to check in on each other in a fun way.
For full access to all Idea Exchange PDFs, log in to your JostensRenaissance.com account.
ConnectEd Podcasts
The Jostens Renaissance ConnectEd Podcast series focuses on various topics centered around developing stronger school culture and climate. Each episode features a new guest speaker, highlighting their insights and expertise on topics ranging from identity to school traditions.
Below is a sample of Jostens ConnectEd podcasts focused on climate and culture.
School Spirit and Culture Traditions with Steve Bollar
This series of the ConnectEd podcast is focused on the School Traditions. In this episode, host Scott Geesey is joined by Steve Bollar [NJ] to discuss the impact school traditions have on school spirit.
Power and Planning of Tradition with John Bush
This series of the ConnectEd podcast is focused on the School Traditions. In this episode, host Scott Geesey is joined by principal John Bush [TN] to discuss the need for and impact of school traditions on school culture.
