IDEA EXCHANGE

It’s as simple as it sounds. High Five Fridays are an easy, free, and effective way to reinforce positive relationships between Staffulty and students. Activity Goal:…

Inspired by the college basketball March Madness tournament, In It To Win It allows classes to compete against one another to earn a party through a…

Celebrate Spread the Love Day by recognizing the unique qualities that make each person special. Students and Staffulty™ (staff + faculty) are encouraged to spot strengths…

Changing academic and behavioral habits can be hard; improvement deserves some positive recognition! Use this downloadable On-A-Roll Certificate to recognize students who have demonstrated improvement in…

Much like prom-posals, have your students do a “diploma-posal” – a fun and meaningful way students ask teachers to hand them their diploma at graduation. School…

Give your Staffulty a heart attack  – notes of appreciation on paper hearts that are taped on the recipient’s door, desk or other work area! This…

This inclusive freshman orientation is designed to help incoming students succeed from day one. Listen to Principal Lizzie Herring detail her school’s student-led orientation day from…

Renaissance is all about recognizing students who demonstrate growth and good character. Try some of Melanie Lindsey’s unique award ideas to recognize a wider variety of…

Charge $1 for students and Staffulty to wear their favorite (or silliest) onesie on a designated Wednesday. School Type: Elementary school, Middle School, High School (1-12)…

Make learning about Staffulty a reward by creating Staffulty Trading Cards! School Type: Elementary school, Middle School, High School (1-12) Activity Goal: Boost Climate and Culture and…

If you have a large Staffulty that make pot-lucks an impossible task, this is the idea for you! Create opportunities for Staffulty to come together and…

Recognize students in your school’s English language learning (EL) classes with an ELLevated Award for passing or improving their measured skill level in standardized testing.  …

School culture starts in the classroom! Watch Assistant Principal Liz Dalzell share some of her favorite recognition and reward ideas for the classroom. Give them a…

Make a difference in your city while teaching empathy and respect to your students by teaming up with a senior citizen center, nursing home, or assisted…

Students can have fun and learn more about your school’s Staffulty in this special edition of Guess Who!   School Type: High school, middle school, elementary…

Have your seniors sign a special graduation gown that is displayed as their Commitment to Graduate, and then vote on which Staffulty member has been the…

Raise money by inviting Staffuty to enter their pet into Pet Wars – a fundraiser where students get to vote for their favorite Staffulty pet. Whosever…

Download and customize the script from the 2024 Jostens Renaissance Global Conference (JRGC) rally Renaissance School of Climate and Culture Magic! Which house will win? School…

Give freshmen a glance into the future! Set up a photo booth with graduation gowns at freshmen orientation or the first day of school. School Type:…

Highlight Staffulty while giving them the opportunity to share some positive messaging with the entire school community with a Staffulty Quote Wall. School Type: High school,…

Spring cleaning is in the air – have a Campus Cleanup Day with your student leaders to not only leave your spaces feeling fresh, but give…

Help your seniors feel royal by hosting a Senior Crown making party and encourage them to wear their creations on the first day of school and…

Choose a word that each homeroom spells by showing up to class everyday. Once the entire word has been spelled on the door, the class gets…

Strengthen school culture while positively impacting your community! Educator Kristina Peterson shares three tips for establishing valuable partnerships with local businesses. School Type: Elementary School, Middle School, High School (K-12) Submitted by: Little Rock Southwest High School, AR…

Have a Renaissance class or club that is overcrowded or at a time that constantly conflicts with other school activities? Introducing RAD: Renaissance After Dark! This…

Spread the love to clubs on campus that may not always draw the biggest crowds. School Type: High school, middle school Activity Goal: Boost general school…

Build positive relationships with your students’ families by inviting them to take part in a special Renaissance Family Rally. This event is a great way to…

Create a designated Student Game Room where students can relax, socialize, and enjoy recreational activities in a positive and supportive environment. This space can also be…

Recognize and reward elementary students who demonstrate leadership and good character qualities, even when they think no one is looking. School Type: Elementary school Activity Goal:…

Recognize Staffulty members who have made a significant impact by having senior members of your various sports teams choose someone to wear their jersey on gameday.…

Gobble Quest is a fun and interactive game designed to bring a bit of humor and connection to your Staffulty as Thanksgiving approaches. The goal is…

This interactive and student centered mural will have everyone creating, sharing and dreaming at your school! School Type: High school Activity Goal: The Look of Renaissance…

Break up the day and have some fun by having a Bubble Gum Blowing Tournament!  This will get students excited to be at school and will…

Build relationships within your school and broader community by hosting a Trunk or Treat in your school parking lot or gym! This is a great opportunity…

Demonstrate to students that showing up matters! An affordable reward to encourage attendance can make an ongoing impact, especially in schools that actively encourage healthy relationships between students…

This is an easy way to get your seniors decked out with class spirit at the beginning of the year! Encourage your incoming senior class to…

Have your seniors sign a special graduation gown that is displayed as their Commitment to Graduate, and then vote on which student has overcome the most…

Don’t let your seniors fall into a “senior slump” – encourage attendance by granting seniors low cost wishes throughout the school year on any given day.…

Ice Breakers are excellent tools for creating connections and traditions. Stomp, Clap, Snap is an easy one to try in your school community! Leadership consultant Frank…

Start the school year on a positive note with day one fun. Watch teacher Amber Carls share as many first day of school ideas as she…

The Teens and Tots Trike Race is an event where students lead a tricycle race while also raising funds for a local charity. School Type: High…

Have your student athletes and their coaches lead games and activities for your school district’s students with special needs in an engaging morning called All Star…

Staffulty Rewards are great, but the icing on the cake? Making sure each and every Staffulty member knows they are seen, heard, and loved. Use a…

Have your elementary students practice reflecting and goal setting by instructing them to write a letter to themselves as a high schooler. School Type: Elementary school…

Show teachers you value their contributions in a way that students can see with these Teacher Appreciation Buttons. School Type: Elementary School, Middle School, High School…

Shout your appreciation for your teachers so loud that the whole community hears it! Make yard signs with messages like “A Rock Star Educator Lives Here!”…

A great way to get to know someone is to know what they love to eat! Ask your Staffulty to submit a recipe of any kind…

Decorate a Compliment Chair where students and Staffulty members can take a turn sitting to receive compliments from their peers – a great SEL activity for…

Let’s face it – students are on social media and most use it daily. Why not make sure they are seeing your content there so they…

Download and customize the script from the 2019 Jostens Renaissance Global Conference (JRGC) rally Renaissance Rangers! Get ready for a good ole fashion rodeo – yee…

Download and customize the script from the 2022 Jostens Renaissance Global Conference (JRGC) rally Back to the 80’s! Can you help the hosts get back to…

Download and customize the script from the 2023 Jostens Renaissance Global Conference (JRGC) rally Renaissance Air! Can you help the hosts escape the jungle? We will…

Pass a compliment and encourage students to pay it forward! Give a Compliment Clothespin with a corresponding message (“Team Player”, “Day Maker”, etc.) and see how…

Play a game of soccer with bumper balls at your next Renaissance Rally – the best parts? Everyone already knows the rules, and you can do…

Download and customize this rally script to have your own mystery solving rally with Scooby Doo, the Mystery Crew, and more Renaissance friends! School Type: High…

Recognize students with achievements in designated areas (i.e. a minimum ACT score, 4 or higher on the ACT or AP exam, or National Merit Finalist) with…

Reinforce school values and the idea that everyone’s thoughts matter by hosting a Town Hall meeting for students. Invite a speaker and offer breakfast or treats…

Reinforce your appreciation for Staffulty by setting up a hot chocolate and coffee bar, complete with delicious flavorings and toppings. School Type: Elementary school, middle school,…

It’s almost time to say goodbye to your senior class. Organize a Senior Sunset – a popular tradition of providing a last evening of fun and…

Recognize and include ALL students at your school by hosting “Talentless Talent Tuesday” – this small, silly event will have a big impact on students who…

This simple activity will spread the love to your custodial Staffulty! Display a photo of each member with “This school is professionally maintained by ______” on…

Reinforce your school’s values by taking time in your next Staffulty meeting to write notes of recognition for students who display those qualities. School Type: K-12…

Welcome your incoming 9th grade freshmen to your school community with a gift bag that includes school swag for them to wear and encourage school spirit.…

Build relationships anytime during the school year with either students, Staffulty, or both with these easy to use discussion cards. Just print, pass, and start getting…

Reinforce the behaviors that you want to see in your school’s hallways by offering a small tangible, reward to any student anytime they demonstrate those qualities.…

Boost school spirit anytime, not just Homecoming, with a competitive spirit week! Activity goal: General Culture and Climate Timing: Anytime you need some school spirit  …

Celebrate every graduating senior and every post secondary plan they have, not just those going to colleges or universities, with a Decision Day. Activity goal: Encourage…

AHHHH!!! Here is your next ice breaker game from Dr. Farah Ortega-Choate that is both silly, loud, and doesn’t need any materials! Activity Goal: Build Culture…

Reinforce a culture of joy by creating a fun scavenger hunt at school in which students search for designated items, like dollar store dinosaurs, around campus.…

Welcome back school staff, both new and returning, by creating gift bags with your Renaissance students and gifting to each Staffulty member before the new school…

Promote mental wellness to your students and Staffulty by having therapy dogs visit your campus. School Type: Elementary school, middle school, high school (K-12) Activity Goal:…

Bring awareness to the importance of mental health for Staffulty and students alike during a Mental Wellness Week. Each day, introduce a focus area and a…

Show students and parents how loved your school is by displaying a wall of Staffulty that had not only graduated from your school, but also came…

Celebrate Black History Month with an event that your entire community can attend and enjoy together at school. School Type: High school Activity Goal: General Culture…

Encourage participation in your school’s spirit week by playing a variety of Minute to Win It games that are quick and entertaining during lunch periods. School…

Invite students to write anonymous messages on gold stars to teachers and staff and secretly hang the star in that Staffulty (staff + faculty) member’s work…

Give students and Staffulty an opportunity to recognize people they are grateful for on campus by writing short notes that are then attached to a small…

Recognize and reward students for their academic achievements, attendance and behavior demonstrated in the fall semester by inviting them to a Cozy Café at school on…

Bring a little fun to the front office and make some silly holiday ornaments that feature Staffulty members “sledding.” School Type: Elementary school, middle school, or…

Students and school are a BIG DEAL and that should be celebrated! A Deal Day Renaissance Rally is a combination of two game shows, “Let’s Make…

Set the tone for your culture of fun at the very first workday of the school year with a Staffulty vs. Staffulty Marshmallow Dodgeball game. School…

Spread positivity within the Staffulty by encouraging everyone to write “Positivity Grams” – notes of encouragement to each other and hand delivering them. School type: K-12…

Get your community excited for the first day of school with a pancake feed – breakfast is the most important meal of the day after all!…

Want to have more participation in Renaissance Rallies? Organize a Staffulty Hype Team to get more students and Staffulty pumped for an awesome rally! School type:…

Hang decorated folders on a bulletin board with each Staffulty member’s name on it and encourage them to write notes to each other about “what makes…

Commemorate the seasons of the school year by decorating the hallways – this can easily become a fun competition between students, classes, or Staffulty! School type:…

Give students a way to learn, understand, and build connections to your school’s values through a fun, creative contest. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Improve school…

Host your very own “Dancing with the Stars” that features 10 couples from your school community to help raise money for a goal, fund, project, or…

Place student care stations throughout your school with school supplies and hygiene products to help students feel prepared and confident every day at school, no matter…

If you are looking to raise a lot of funds for programming or other goals, host a Holiday Market on your campus with all the student…

We live in the digital age – so be sure to give a digital shoutout to Staffulty members on their birthdays! School type: K-12 Activity goal:…

Help students process their grief or other large feelings by creating origami cranes of peace, based on the story of Sadako Sasaki – a survivor of…

Are you trying to spice up your school fundraiser? Create a system of tiered dares that will be completed any time a goal is met –…

Raise money for your Renaissance group or another effort by hosting a “Cocoa Cinema Day” – an in school event for students to wear pajama pants,…

Reward any senior that is able to raise their ACT score on the ACT retake with an off-campus reward trip to an indoor trampoline park and…

Celebrate the beginning of summer and the end of a great school year by bringing your school community together for a school-wide 6 vs. 6 volleyball…

Show students that Staffulty are working with them and supporting them on their journey to graduation with this simple, visual reminder. Plus – a great activity…

“What would you do for a Klondike® bar?” Host a Klondike Bar Challenge Day – a day of challenges that your students and Staffulty can do…

Everyday, random acts of kindness are being done at school by students and Staffulty. This simple method recognizes those little acts that create a positive culture!…

A spooky good time for all! Organize an Halloween Egg Hunt during October to connect students and Staffulty. School type: K-12 Activity goal: General Culture and…

Spread giggles (and maybe some groans) through your whole school with Taffy Time – an easy-to-do activity of passing out candy during class and sharing a…

Celebrate your students’ achievements with some FUN! Learn how Summerville High School’s surprise rally on the first day of school motivated their seniors in this video.…

Building relationships between students and Staffulty™ keeps everyone, especially elementary students, enthusiastic about coming to school. Get started with these elementary first day of school ideas…

We love back to school season! Start your year off on a positive note with these spectacular back to school culture building ideas from Horizon Middle…

Gather your seniors before classes begin to start the year with some communal fun – Senior Sunrise will soon be a tradition each student will look…

Reinforce staff camaraderie and student connections by having a classroom door decorating contest. Encourage contestants to decorate based on personal interests, or provide everyone with a…

This is a popular activity at Renaissance schools across the country! Recognize and reward students (or anyone) on campus by allowing them to paint a parking…

Looking for some new rewards that won’t break the bank? Check out the list below for ideas for big or small low cost rewards for students…

Do an audit of your student body and the percentage of students that are involved in some type of club, competitive student organization, or athletic program…

Surprise Staffulty by teaming up with your cooking classes to make a baseball themed hot dog cart with all the fixings for teachers and staff to…

Spread positive appreciation vibes throughout your Staffulty with this easy to do activity of sending “sweet notes” to colleagues. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Staffulty appreciation…

It’s not a secret that administrators and teachers are leaving schools at a high rate. More than ever, school culture and climate is key to attracting…

You got one minute? That’s all you need! Learn how a handwritten note and a special treat sweetly honor the relationships built at your school AND…

Have your principal (or other administration Staffulty member) send a Monday Memo to communicate all of your school’s Renaissance initiatives to students, parents and Staffulty using…

This is a remix of the C2G banner –  students create a poster of their signatures that creates your school’s logo or mascot to display their…

Host a Back to School BBQ Bash to bring together your entire school community (Staffulty, students, parents, and community partners) for a night of fun, and…

Bring together students involved in the many clubs and organizations at your school by hosting a Student Club Cookie Exchange – a great way to celebrate…

Invite your school community to bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets to your school’s green space on the first Friday of each month for Lunch on…

Reward students for being involved with your school’s community and diverse activities by creating this traveling rewards cart called the Congrats Cabana Cart. School type: High…

Recognize student’s accomplishments for a variety of activities by creating a symbol for each activity and posting it on the students’ lockers. School type: High School…

Bring students together as a graduating class by putting the spotlight on a specific class on the day of the month that corresponds with their graduating…

Reinforce your school’s values by starting or ending the day with an inspirational quote or other daily words of wisdom for students. Share on social media…

Provide seniors with a memorable final Senior Walk through campus, and show younger students the power of the graduation cap and gown. This activity is a…

Recognize Staffulty by having students create these inexpensive personalized superlative awards on something found in any school lunch room – paper plates! School Type: Elementary school,…

Create a month-long March Madness style contest where classes compete against each other for the best behavior, attendance and grades to win everyone’s favorite reward –…

Looking for some new dress up day ideas that you can do at your school? Check out the list below for ideas where you can go…

One of the best ways to encourage positive character traits is public recognition. So, how about recognizing your students who demonstrate strong leadership and values? Trust…

When students meet performance criteria, like zero tardies or 100% homework completion, show up unexpectedly with treats in-hand on an unannounced day! Use it during periods…

Minute to Win It Games are one of the easiest type of games to play with any group of people. There are games for every holiday,…

Recognize Staffulty for their impact on students through a variety of tactics ranging from short gratitude videos to decorated doors and personal notes on Thankful Thursdays…

Organize a special lunch for your honors students called “Honors Café” where qualifying students get a quarterly special lunch period with a different food option and…

How do students in your middle or high school find out about student groups or clubs? Make a fun event out of the search for new…

EVERYONE can participate in creating an all school lip dub. And that’s an easy recipe for building a lasting sense of inclusion and camaraderie. School Type:…

We’ve all seen it. We’ve all felt it. And we know it works, but it’s easy to forget how effective it is for motivation and building…

Use Renaissance to build on the positive things happening at your school. Hear Tina’s perspective on how she does it at the elementary school level in…

RECOGNIZE MORE OF YOUR STUDENTS. HERE’S HOW. Typically, schools offer a lot of recognition and appreciation for the top 25% of students and a lot of…

Kick off your first Staffulty meeting by welcoming and encouraging the newest teachers with this fun activity. Activity Goal: Welcome new Staffulty Timing: First staff meeting…

This easy and inexpensive idea helps the Rock Hill High School Staffulty recognize one another and builds staff morale – because teachers rock! School Type: Middle…

When principal Eric Hamilton gets a positive email or phone call about a teacher, he uses this visible and tangible tactic to recognize it. Activity goal:…

Hear from Dr. Tara Campbell on how to reinforce your school’s values by incorporating them into your next school fundraiser Activity Goal: School fundraiser Submitted by:…

Use a Homecoming activity like Powderpuff Football as an effective FUNdraiser! Given a limit of 60 seconds, Beth explains how her school raises both money and…

Harbor Homeroom can support SEL and help you discover more student leaders on your campus than you ever imagined. Implement school-wide discussions about character development and…

Spotlight yearly Renaissance t-shirts by framing each year’s shirt in a shadow box and presenting them on the walls of school. School type: High school, middle…

With a timer counting down, how many ideas can Steve Bollar give? He’ll be sorry if he takes too long! One minute. 60 seconds. Ideas Ideas…

Reward Staffulty by stocking the fridge in the staff room with a variety of sodas on Fridays – just because! Bonus points for quirky sodas that…

Here’s an idea from Dr. Darrin Peppard: Recognize the hard work of the your school’s cafeteria Staffulty. This Cafeteria Takeover can help them to feel seen…

Reinforce a sense of fun and camaraderie by having the entire Staffulty (staff + faculty) dress in an unexpected way on a designated day. Even costume…

Hear in ONE MINUTE about how you can recognize & reward the people that set the tone for students’ school day – the bus drivers –…

High Five Fridays are easy, free, and effective at reinforcing positive relationships between Staffulty and students.   Activity Goal: Develop relationships with all students.  Timing: Before…

Activities Director DeWayne Patterson has just 60 seconds to answer: What’s the single most important thing for a successful Renaissance Rally? Don’t overthink it, the clock…

Want Staffulty at your school to feel appreciated? Have Staffulty members complete Room Service Cards, then organize students to knock on their classroom doors to deliver…

A celebration of the people in your school At Rock Hill High School, TX, a wooden box sits on a prominent round table in the middle…

Games are a big part of a Renaissance Rally because they provide so much energy. How should games be incorporated into the rally? The formula that…

Students are the center of everything we do as educators, so naturally, the majority of recognition at your Renaissance Rally will go to them. The goal…

THE SINGLE MOST HIGH-PROFILE RECOGNITION EVENT IN RENAISSANCE SCHOOLS It’s THE party of the year — in the most meaningful way! This academic pep rally genuinely…

Recognize and reward students for their academic achievements, attendance, behavior or anything in between by inviting them to a Food Truck Rodeo – a coordinated special…

Provide free laundry services for students who may not have access to a washer and dryer at home. In this initiative, Renaissance students wash, dry and…

Give recognition to Staffulty by celebrating their birthdays with a song, treats and poster. School type: High School, middle school Activity goal: To celebrate each staffulty…

Make the first day of school even more fun by creating a photo backdrop with photo props for students and Staffulty to take pictures all day.…

Recognize and celebrate the top 10 students with the highest GPA of the senior class by hosting an award ceremony. School type: High School Activity goal:…

Give credit and attention to students who inspire and motivate educators by writing them a letter of appreciation. This activity offers an opportunity to spotlight students,…

Create a postcard with your Renaissance theme for the year and mail them out to students’ families to let them know their child qualified for Renaissance…

Recognize a Staffulty member each week through social media. School type: High School, middle school Activity goal: To recognize staff each week for going above and…

Beautify bathrooms in school to create a more welcoming environment for students to feel safe. School type: High School Activity goal: To beautify bathrooms at school…

Improve your school’s look and boost student engagement by providing a reward for your senior class to work toward a goal (such as a higher GPA…

Build school-wide involvement and positive interactions between students and Staffulty through Trick or Treating activity. School type: Middle School, High School Activity goal: Build school-wide involvement…

Talking with others on video calls gives us a glimpse into their living situations. Some educators, as well as students, might prefer not to share their…

Walker Junior High School in La Palma, CA From Jennifer Sasai, Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame Member Here is the Google Site I created for our…

Part of the Virtual Culture and Climate Series – Spring 2020 Featuring ideas contributed by the Jostens Renaissance educator community and shared in a Facebook Live…

Share these prompts to encourage your students to do something a little different each day they are virtual learning. Each prompt includes: A check-in question to…

Recognize staff who are going above and beyond at your school with the Tireless Teacher Award – an inexpensive recognition that will put a smile on…

Welcome students as they arrive on the first day of school with applause and cheers from the school staff. School type: Elementary, Middle School, High School…

Motivate seniors during their final year of school and prevent them from crashing and burning academically. School Type: High School Activity goal: Motivate seniors to finish…

The People’s Choice Awards is a ceremony that allows school staff to recognize outstanding students for reasons such as hard work leadership or any criteria they…

The goal of the Staffulty Wall Signing is to help welcome new Staffulty to your school, and to show our commitment as Staffulty to students, parents,…

Students are often the first to know when another student is having a rough day or could use a little extra attention. These Just Checking In…

Provide an opportunity for seniors, alumni and community members to leave a legacy by creating an engraved brick wall or walk way – this can be…

Teachers recognize students all day every day, but often don’t receive much recognition themselves. Make it easy for students and other Staffulty to show appreciation for…

Parents and other adult volunteers are critical to making your school’s activities run smoothly. Be sure to show them how much you appreciate their donations of…

Signing a piece of paper makes any commitment seem more real. Reinforce your Commitment to Graduate® efforts by having students and their adult supporters sign these…

Encourage new students to get to know the adults in your school by having conversations about an interesting aspect of their lives. School Type: Middle School…

A great way to reward students for weekly attendance, academic progress, and assignment completion by raffling off a free haircut! School type: K-12 Activity goal: Reward Students…

Elementary Renaissance is Key to a Successful District Program: A Way to Create Leaders at a Young Age By Rhett Ladner As we endure this dark,…

New students need a little extra time to find their way around the school and understand expectations. These cards are an easy way to show them…

Elementary Renaissance is Key to a Successful District Program: A Way to Create Leaders at a Young Age By Dr. Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder When schools begin to…

Create a connection between athletics and academics by rewarding the varsity team with the highest in-season GPA. School type: High School Activity goal:Create a strong connection between…

Recognize the cafeteria staff throughout the year by creating a bulletin board that celebrates who they are and all they do for their school community. School…

Build classroom community by writing an encouraging message to students on the day of an important test or presentation they have been working hard on. School…

Celebrate Staffulty birthdays Jostens Renaissance-style by using the birthday ambush. School Type: High School Activity Goal: Recognize Staffulty birthdays Submitted by: Jostens Renaissance Education

Put together packets filled with supplies that will help students prepare and perform well on state exams or other tests. School type: Elementary School, Middle School, High…

Inspire students to consider the benefits of graduation in a fun and engaging way that’s also backed up by hard facts. School type: Middle School, High School…

Use these notepads to write fun notes to teachers, to show you appreciate what they do with students every day. School Type: Elementary School, Middle School,…

An “at-your-fingertips” message notepad that makes it easy and convenient for teachers to quickly express appreciation and encouragement to a student at a moment’s notice. School…

Create a committee in your school that is in charge of decorating the school and making it look great. School type: Middle School, High School Activity goal:…

Deliver your school’s “Teacher of the Year” award in an exciting and memorable way. School type: Elementary School, Middle School, High School Activity goal: Recognize the excellent…

Clean up the entrance to your school and make it welcoming so you can give a great first impression. School type: Elementary School, Middle School, High School…

Provide special lunch seating and perks for students who earn it. School type: Elementary School, Middle School, High School Activity goal: Reward students for positive actions. Submitted by:…

Tell a joke during morning announcements to set a positive tone for the rest of the day. School type: Elementary School, Middle School, High School Activity goal: Start…

Recognize a Staffulty member each month who is chosen by the student body. A great way to recognize members from each department of your Staffulty throughout…

Create a positive vibe to kick off the day. Have students and staff at each door giving Hi Fives to everyone who enters. School type: K-12…

Students pay $1 to get out of class to participate in a gym event in this fundraiser. School Type: Middle School or High School Activity Goal: School…

Create a feeling of belonging to the school community for the new class of students by having a pinning ceremony. School type: High School Activity goal: Welcome…

Increase homework completion and recognize students who consistently turn in their homework with a prize incentive program. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Increase homework completion Submitted by:…

Celebrate students that are continuing their education by having a college signing event. School type: High School Activity goal: Recognize the achievements and commitments of students…

Have a rally for parents and their students to get them involved in the school community. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Involve parents in the school…

Provide food for certain support staff members to show that you appreciate their hard work. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Show appreciation for the support staff…

Provide personal and public recognition of qualities you want to encourage in students by passing out these small awards to students “on the spot.” School Type:…

Place these clings in various locations around the school as a visual reminder to keep a positive attitude and share it with others through compliments and…

Establish a “Staffulty All-Star” or “Student All-Star” recognition and provide this pennant as a visible award. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Recognize Staffulty or students Submitted…

Plan a day for graduating seniors to gift an honorary diploma to any teacher or staff member throughout their school experience who has made an impact…

Make it easy for students to write a meaningful message of thanks to an adult who made a difference, or for faculty and staff to express…

Bring a splash of color and inspiration to your school stairways with these stair decals. School Type: K-12 Activity Goal: Improve school look Prep Time: 3…

A fun ceremony that celebrates the accomplishments of the graduating class and the advancement of underclassmen from one grade to the next. School type: Elementary School, Middle…

Have a competition among Staffulty to decorate the bulletin boards to create a better school aesthetic. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Improve school look Submitted by:…

Recognize the theatre programs in your district or region with an award’s ceremony. School type: 6-12 Activity goal: Provide recognition for theatre programs Submitted by: Robinson Secondary…

Welcome students to campus with positive messages on the sidewalks, setting the tone of your school as a fun place where everyone belongs. School Type: K-12…

Place compliment notes on each locker – a great way to display your positive culture in the hallways! School type: K-12 Activity goal: Recognize students Submitted…

Recognize your graduating seniors and their postsecondary plans! School type: 9-12 Activity goal: Promote and encourage postsecondary opportunities Submitted by: Andrea Henry

Recognize and thank your school board for their contributions to making your school a better place. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Recognize your school board Submitted…

Add color and pride to your school’s walls that will inspire everyone to be the best they can be each day on your campus. School type:…

Add color and life inside your building by having departments design and create murals to brand their hallways and spaces. School Type: High School, middle school,…

Recognize seniors while reinforcing the ultimate goal of education — a fulfilling life after graduation. Create a senior acceptance wall display where all post-secondary plans are…

Recognize students that graduate from your high school and serve in the military. School type: High School Activity goal: Recognize students Submitted by: Tara Campbell

Recognize students for achieving the honor roll (or other selected criteria) School type: K-12 Activity goal: Provide recognition and ownership in your school Submitted by: J.W. Wiseman Elementary…

Add some fun to your Staffulty meeting with a BYOB or otherwise known as a Bring Your Own Banana Split Bar Staffulty Meeting! School Type: K-12…

Brand your school with the ultimate goal in mind by creating a Graduation Mural. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Improve school look and promote graduation Submitted…

Recognize various staffulty members throughout the school year. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Provide recognition to staffulty members throughout the school year. Submitted by: Tara Campbell

Bureau Valley High School in Illiniois had a great fundraiser for Renaissance in their school – a Machine Shed Masters Tournament! The Machine Shed Masters is…

Increase school pride with entrance signs on your campus that will have anyone coming to your campus feeling welcomed and excited to be there. School type:…

Display and promote the future plans of your senior class. School type: 9-12 Activity goal: Encourage students to pursure post-secondary opportunities Submitted by: Tara Campbell

Raise funds for your renaissance program and create community involvement simultaneously. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Raise funds and build community involvement Submitted by: Tara Campbell

Entertain, excite, and involve your student body with renaissance School type: K-12 Activity goal: Recognize and reward students during a renaissance rally Submitted by: Andrea Henry

Promote kindness on a school-wide level School type: K-12 Activity goal: Spread kindness throughout your school building Submitted by: Joanna Schley

Help students learn how easy it is to be generous. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Teach students simple ways that they can be generous Submitted by: Joanna Schley

Help students learn how to grow into their greatness. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Help students learn how to attain greatness Submitted by: Joanna Schley

Build teamwork and camaraderie with your Staffulty by organizing a kayaking trip before (or after) the school year. School Type: Elementary School, Middle School, High School…

Add some energy and fun to a rainy day. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Set a positive tone on a rainy day Submitted by: Steve Bollar

Help students learn about people that have overcome the odds to achieve success. School type: 6-12 Activity goal: Inspire students to never give up Submitted by: Samantha Grimes

Help students learn about service opportunities within your school. School type: 6-12 Activity goal: Expose students to service opportunities in your school Submitted by: Samantha Grimes

Help your students learn how to be more kind to one another. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Create more acts of kindness Submitted by: Samantha Grimes

Help your students overcome challenges and obstacles they face. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Aid students in overcoming challenges Submitted by: Samantha Grimes

Encourage your students to finish the semester and/or school year in a strong way. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Help students get “over the hump” at the…

Recognize students that overcome adversity to excel in academics and citizenship School type: K-12 Activity goal: Recognize students that have overcome adversity to excel in your school…

Recognize ALL of your staffulty members throughout the school year! School type: K-12 Activity goal: Recognize all staffulty members with a prize at some point during the…

Help your students celebrate the end of the semester, school year or achievement with a movie night at school! School type: Elementary School, Middle School, High…

Teach students the power of forgiveness. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Teach students how to forgive people for their wrongdoings. Submitted by: Samantha Grimes

Create a sense of hope in your students for a better future. School type: 6-12 Activity goal: Help your students set realistic and attainable goals for their futures…

Teach students how to manage healthy and unhealthy relationships. School type: 6-12 Activity goal: Aid students in developing and nurturing more healthy relationships in their lives Submitted by: Samantha…

Encourage students to become more environmentally aware. School type: 6-12 Activity goal: Teach students how to be more aware of the environment around them Submitted by: Samantha Grimes

Teach your kids how to use “pressure” in a positive way. School type: 6-12 Activity goal: Teach students how to use pressure in a positive manner. Submitted by: Samantha…

An activity to help your staff and faculty ensure all students feel connected. School type: MS, HS Activity goal: Identify your “invisible” students so you can ensure all…

Inspire students to think about the legacy they will create for themselves. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Creating a positive legacy Submitted by: Samantha Grimes

A great way to recognize students and staffulty during their birthday month. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Provide recogntion for all students and staffulty members. Submitted by: Tara…

A great way to encourage and promote postsecondary opportunities. School type: High School Activity goal: Promote learning institutions beyond high school. Submitted by: Tara Campbell, Portland High School, Portland,…

A great way to honor and recognize a very special group of students in your building with an adapted prom night, creating a night they will…

A special way to honor and recognize the retiring members of  your staffulty. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Schoolwide recognition for your retiring staffulty members for their…

Set a positive tone at your staff meetings by getting things started with a monthly inspirational staff moment. School type: HS Activity goal: A way to help your…

Just as you would give recognition to your students and Staffulty, give it to members of the School Board. School type: K-12 Activity goal: To recognize School…

Catch your students doing the things you want them to do and reward them with this “token” of appreciation to reinforce the positive behavior! School type:…

Create an assembly where your sophomore class receives their own “Key to Success.” School Type: High School Activity Goal: Reinforce that students’ Commitment to Graduate® is…

Give students positive one-on-one time with administrators and reward them for good behavior with a Positive Principal Referral. School Type: K-12 Activity Goal: Recognize and reward…

This visual reminder of students’ commitment to graduate will also help display the “look of Renaissance” School type: K-12 Activity goal: To create a visual reminder of…

There are different Commitment to Graduate activities for each high school year. This activity is generally done with 10th graders and helps them focus on their…

The first episode of The Harbor discusses judgement, and the dangers of it. This activity will allow students to make flash judgements themselves and see how…

Finding a relevant voice to teach character development is not always easy. The Harbor by Jostens builds character in the classroom and positive culture on campus.…

Host a Homecoming Bonfire to build relationships and raise funds for Renaissance activities. School type: High School Activity goal: Fundraising for Renaissance program and building relationships Submitted…

Submitted by: Jostens Renaissance Education Renaissance Rallies are a great way to celebrate all of the positive behaviors you look for in your students. Celebrate great grades, improving…

Submitted by: Jostens Renaissance Education Renaissance Rallies are a great way to celebrate all of the positive behaviors you look for in your students. Celebrate great grades, improving…

Submitted by: Jostens Renaissance Education Renaissance Rallies are a great way to celebrate all of the positive behaviors you look for in your students. Celebrate great grades, improving…

Submitted by: Jostens Renaissance Education Renaissance Rallies are a great way to celebrate all of the positive behaviors you look for in your students. Celebrate great grades, improving…

Celebrate a day of writing and delivering notes to recognize and say “thank you” for all students and Staffulty at your school. School type: K-12 Activity…

Encourage your students to give teachers a pat on the back during American Education Week in November by nominating their favorite Staffulty members. School type: K-12…

Set a positive tone at your staff meetings by getting things started with a monthly inspirational staff moment. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Set positive tone…

An opportunity to give thanks to all stakeholders in the building and for students and Staffulty to give thanks to those who are deserving within the…

For the past five years, Grant Union High School has recognized and rewarded staffulty members with perfect attendance for the entire school year at our Staffulty Rally…

In many schools, staff can nominate one student for “student of the month” recognition. This idea is to expand the criteria so that staff can nominate as…

The Sign on the Line ceremony is an academic version of when high school athletes sign letters of intent to the university they plan on attending…

An ongoing program that makes it easy to reward students on the spot. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Encourage positive behavior Submitted by: Mary Allen, Yakima, WA  

The Bring Up Grades (BUG) Program motivates all students to improve their academic performance by encouraging consistent effort and growth. It gives every student, from those…

Recognize your students quarterly with a special breakfast with the principal, vice principals and school leaders. School type: Middle School, High School Activity goal: Encourage positive behavior Submitted…

Renaissance Rallies are academic pep rallies, and a great way to celebrate all of the positive behaviors you look for in your students. Celebrate great grades,…

Students can sell Test Care Packages during lunch to any student that wants to give a little motivation to a friend during busy testing times of…

Empower students and staff by turning name calling into something positive. School type: Elementary School Activity goal: Encourage positive behavior Submitted by: Tina Dietrich, Fountain Woods Elementary, NJ  

A great way to get all students to care about their attendance. Because it matters!   School type: High school, middle school Activity goal: Recognize and…

A good example of a creative reward for good behavior: VIP, home-style seating at varsity games. School type: High School Activity goal: Encourage positive behavior Submitted by:…

Give students Attendance Bucks for good attendance. Allow them to use those bucks to enter a drawing for various prizes. For even more fun, allow teachers…

A special ceremony for students to make a commitment to scholarship and high school graduation. School Type: High School Activity Goal: Encourage Graduation Prep Time: One…

A large landscape boulder created as the C2G Rock – a visual. This idea is great to do during the summer or at a break for…

“When people come into our lobby and see it for the first time, they are drawn toward it. If they do not have children in our…

Create suspense and anticipation by spacing out each part of this project without giving away its goal until complete. This project is a little more expensive…

Encourage kindness and compassion with a “Give Me a Hand” wall – a display of cut out hands that students receive when recognized for kind behavior.…

Reinforce good behavior while creating visual reminders for other students by giving bracelets for good behavior. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Reinforce acts of good character…

This idea hits a lot of goals at once—community relationships, inspiration for current students, and a way to create a “Look of Renaissance” for your school.…

Invite your incoming 8th graders (or highest level grade) to a special workshop designed to help them be good leaders as they begin their final year…

Raise money, visibility and give your Staffulty a perk, too – One school raised close to $500! School type: K-12 Activity goal: Create visibility for the…

One of the most successful fundraising ideas we’ve seen. Some schools have made between $3,000-$6,000 over Halloween. School type: High School Activity goal: Fundraising Submitted by:…

It’s not always easy to know where to start, but educators have been using Renaissance ideals for decades. The following are some great tips to keep…

A good early step in starting Renaissance at your school is to form a Renaissance Committee. School type: K-12 Activity goal: Create a committee for Renaissance…

Challenge a few “celebrity” contestants to a round of the “Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader” game for little or no cost while charging admission…