Increasing school spirit is the key to improving school attendance and participation. 

According to the NASSP (National Association of Secondary School Principals), 75% of students with elevated school spirit perform above average academically. Participation in and attendance at school events work to unite a student body and provide students with an inclination toward enjoying school. 

School-sanctioned activities outside of the general parameters of a school day or class time humanize faculty and add a more authentic nature to one’s school, which encourages students to care about their academic performance.

As a junior in the ASB class at Grossmont High School, I have a broad knowledge of the kinds of events schools can utilize to motivate students.

For starters, kicking the year off with an extravagant homecoming weekend is crucial to ensuring student attendance at the remainder of the year’s events.

Homecoming weekend consists of a homecoming assembly, game, and dance. These three events must have unique activities and details to promote school pride, like a show-stopping halftime performance or a never-seen-before spin on assembly games. Students want to engage in extraordinary events; it gives them a sense of pride to speak about the innovative ways they can engage in their school’s offerings and activities.

Remember that the homecoming game is only one piece of the football season. 

Football games are crucial to students’ engagement in school culture; they require original themes/dress-up days and special, “limited-edition” activities or concession treats to promote attendance. 

Beyond the beginning of the year realm, there is also potential for distinctive assemblies throughout the course of the year to keep the student body on its toes. 

For example, Grossmont houses an annual glow-in-the-dark assembly and a dodgeball assembly. It is important to note, though, that students may not appreciate the effort put into events of this caliber, but it is essential to remember that an individual’s experience is what they make it; if someone is looking for flaws and actively seeking a negative experience, that is what they will get. 

However, for the students who open their minds and hearts to enjoying school events, their academic attendance and participation will skyrocket.

The relationships and sense of personal school pride initiated by these unparalleled school events do a phenomenal job of promoting interest in the educational aspects of school. This concept is similar to that of increased academic success for athletes or students within the performing arts; people who involve themselves within their school culture will feel more passionate about performing well academically to reflect their school positively. 

Practices like standardized tests within the College Board (PSAT, SAT, AP), CAASPP, or ACT are reflections of a school’s effectiveness as an institution, and students who love their school are more likely to attempt to perform better on these assessments.

For students to love their schools and truly develop a fire to keep them populated and thriving, faculty and student leaders must cultivate an environment that makes students feel the three S’s: seen, supported, and safe. 

With increased involvement in school events, schools will reap impactful academic results.

Editor’s note: This is a monthly opinion piece featuring takes in and out of the classroom from students at our area high schools. This month’s piece was written by Grossmont High School student Maggie Kelly. 

(Foto cortesía)