Win $500 for your school!
We’ve selected one culture-and-climate boosting activity each month for schools to do for the chance to win $500. The activities are fun, easy and effective. It’s a win-win!
Simply do a challenge, take photos or a video of it happening, and enter the sweepstakes by completing the required information in each form. And yes – you CAN enter the sweepstakes every month of the school year if you want! And each time you enter, you will receive a School Culture Builder Award.
Announcing The 2027 School Culture Challenges
Schools will be able to enter the following Culture Challenges starting August 1, 2026
Back to School:
Welcoming Activities
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 by making this time of year memorable.
October:
High-Five Fridays
Greet students with high-fives as they enter the school building in the morning or between classes. A single school leader can give all the high fives, but is even more fun if a group of people participate. Consider playing music to amp up the vibe!
November:
Daily Difference Makers
Watch this video on gratitude then choose a group of “Daily Difference Makers” on your campus to write and deliver gratitude notes to during the month of November.
December:
Starfish Mail
Teaching is like a child tossing starfish back in the ocean, making a difference for one individual at a time. Watch this video during a school staff meeting and give gifts or notes to recognize the difference they make every day.
January:
“A” Day
Start a tradition where students receive a reward in every class where they’ve earned an A letter grade. Repeat this celebration at the end of every semester to build anticipation and drive students to work harder for a reward.
February:
Dino Hunt
Reinforce a culture of joy by hosting a scavenger hunt where Staffulty search for designated trinkets, such as mini dinosaurs, around campus. Sometimes, it’s just good to have some frivolous fun!
March:
Power Cards
When students meet specific criteria, teachers fill out a double-duty Power Card: each card not only submit the student into a prize drawing but also enters the teacher into a drawing of their own.
April:
Kindness Pinwheels
For each random act of kindness, place a pinwheel in a designated place, like the front lawn of school. Each pinwheel inspires another act of kindness in a different person, quickly growing growing your garden into an impressive display.
End of Year:
Celebrations
Cap off the school year with whole-school traditions that do more than celebrate advancing students; they build relationships. These traditions can be used to reinforce your school’s values, encourage academic achievement and celebrate strong character, too!
Get even more recognition!
The Renaissance School of Distinction Award celebrates schools that help teachers and students love Mondays by integrating the Renaissance Results Formula™ into their culture. By doing each Culture Challenge above, you become eligible to be recognized as a Silver Tier Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction.