It’s the little things that end up being the big things and nothing says that more than school spirit weeks with a side of national celebrations recognized at school.

Today marks the end of another spirit week and while I randomly participated in the past, I’m finding myself as a decade-long educator doing so more fervently. I can’t tell you why necessarily, but it’s a silly way to engage with students, laugh and joke, and be an active participant in the school’s culture. This week I

• Wore a school t-shirt to support “athletes and mathletes” on Monday
• Cosplayed as Harry Potter for memes, cartoons, and cosplay Tuesday
  • This entailed stealing my elementary-aged son’s Halloween costume
  • I struck a pose with other students from our Anime Club who went all out then also struck a pose with three other staff members who decided Harry Potter was the way to go too
• Wore an LL Bean robe and slippers for pajama day on Wednesday
• Slid on a polka dotted skirt for polka dot Thursday
• And today am donning another school t-shirt to recognize Falcon Friday

Likewise, February 1st (this past Friday) was World Hijab Day and to recognize and stand in support of our female students who wear hijabs, staff were encouraged to participate too. The library took it a step further and asked students to sign an “I support #WorldHijabDay because” poster to hang along our wall in addition to my twenty minutes of Youtube videos and practice on Thursday night to wear a hijab on Friday. As with school spirit week, the conversation was the rewarding part of the experience along with understanding more about the culture of our Muslim students and staff.

It might seem insignificant or a distraction, but as an educator it’s the least I can do to break up the monotony but also connect at that next level. No one is saying you must go out and buy polka dotted outfits if you own nothing with them (you’re not living until you wear polka dots), but making an effort can make you feel more fulfilled. Especially for an educator like me who isn’t always seen as 100% warm and fuzzy all of the time (I like procedures and policies), it makes me vulnerable in a way that helps me remember my role in student development and as a caring adult in their life.

So what the heck?! Throw some caution into the wind and wear your clothes inside out for that next spirit day or plan one if your school doesn’t already have one to pull everyone just a little bit closer.