Monthly Playbook

This playbook was created by other enthusiastic educators, with you in mind!
We know you may not have all the resources that are ideal for making change, but that’s ok. This playbook of monthly activities and more was made knowing the people using it may not have a team of people, large budgets or lots of time.
Start small. Focus your efforts.
People will see and feel the difference, and over time they’ll get on board.
Here’s how it works:
- Get a login for JostensRenaissance.com. As a customer, you have access to helpful articles and videos that are referenced in this playbook. You’ll need a username and password to access them. If you don’t have one, click here.
- Start by defining your goals. Once you know where you want to focus, it’ll be easier to explain why you are doing what you’re doing. And – BONUS – you’ll be able to measure whether it’s working.
- Each month, select and implement one or more of the recommended activities. Regardless of whether you are focusing on General Climate & Culture, Teacher Morale, Academic Achievement or Character Development, we recommend always doing a Relationship-builder.
And that’s all there is to it! Dive right into any month – your Renaissance journey starts when you start.
Summer Planning
Finally, a chance to think! Summer break is a great time to reflect on the previous year’s accomplishments and start planning for next year.
Ongoing Activities
When you regularly pay attention to a group of people, in an inclusive way that isn’t dependent on their performance, you foster a tradition of making sure everyone feels seen.
Culture Challenges
When you do the school culture challenges each month, you can enter to win $500 to be used for culture and climate activities at your school!
Back to School
The first day and week of school are an opportunity to make a strong, positive first impression! Seize the chance to help everyone feel supported, appreciated and excited to be back in the building with one another.
October
By now everyone has started to fall into daily routines. Help people avoid the habits of complacency and negativity by using one or more of these activities! We always recommend doing the Relationship-Builder as well.
November
Send people into Thanksgiving break with a greater appreciation for the people around them by doing one or more of these activities, plus the relationship-builder. Both students and staffulty will feel loved!
December
The time between Thanksgiving and Winter Break offers an opportunity to cement the work you’ve done this fall with one or more of these activities, plus the relationship-builder. They’ll smile into the New Year!
January
January offers an opportunity for fresh beginnings and renewed focus on Results. Don’t lose momentum now – do one or more of the activities below, plus the relationship-builder, to keep the energy going!
February
Some see February as the hardest month of the school year, but it can be fun and, perhaps, even inspirational. Implementing just one or two of these activities, plus the relationship-builder, can make a real impact.
March
Heard the phrase “March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb?” Don’t let your school face the spring feeling meek. These activities, plus the relationship-builder, will help everyone finish with the strength of a lion!
April
No Senior Slide or Spring Sloth is happening on your watch! Use one or more of these activities, plus the relationship-builder, to help keep everyone motivated to end spring term strong!
End of Year
The moment has finally come! This is a season of built-in opportunities to create powerful experiences. Take advantage of them, then bask in the recognition YOU receive for creating positivity and heartfelt traditions.