Build a relationship between school and community. How your school is perceived and supported by the community affects how students feel about their school. Pair with local stores or restaurants to hold special school fundraiser nights in which a percentage of proceeds go to your PTA. Have students and staff volunteer each week or month to work for a local charity or host school food drives or fundraisers, such as car washes and candy bar sales, to benefit local nonprofits.
School should hold fond memories for students. Positive experiences lead to the development of a love and respect for the school. Take educational and recreational field trips that might involve longer overnight stays for chaperoned older students, and provide opportunities to hang out with friends and meet new ones, such as school dances, holiday or other school programs and festivals. Have the school chorus, band or drama students perform during these events to expose others to the talent within their school.
The more students know about their school, the more they are aware of the special qualities it possesses. Recognize students or groups for their school-related achievements during school announcements. If the football team has a big game or the band, chorus or debate club is participating in a competition against other schools, let the student body know and encourage students to wish their peers luck. Place good-luck banners and posters throughout the school, and follow up during later announcements with the results.
Develop an identity for your school that sets it apart from others. This can be through the design of a school logo, slogan, mascot, cheers or song. The cheers and song are learned by all students to showcase unity at pep rallies and school events. Sell various products imprinted with the school logo, such as shirts, magnets, pencils, book covers, hats, car stickers and cups. Ask students to wear school clothing or at least school colors for a "School Spirit Day" that fosters unity both visually and conceptually.
Each year, compete against a nearby school in a football, basketball, baseball, kickball or other game. Have students play against students or teachers against teachers. Students bond while cheering for their own school to win. Your school can also host a yearly game featuring teachers and other school staff against students.
When possible, involve students in decisions about school issues. Ask for student input, opinions and suggestions so students feel they have a vested interest and influence in the running of their school. This allows students to actively play a part in shaping and making a difference in their school and lives. Vote on anything from school lunch choices to remodeling design decisions for the school library.