AdvertisementAdvertisementMany of us remember the school spirit days of simpler times: Pajama Day, Wacky Wednesday, Superhero Day, or Ugly Sweater Day. I see the benefits in kidsWhen I was in high school, I avoided anything but the most basic attempts at school spirit. AdvertisementAdvertisementAfter attending a university with unabashed school spirit and spending over two decades as an academic advisor to middle school, high school, and college students, I've seen the many ways school spirit days can have a positive impact on connection, collaboration, and creativity. At a time when so many students feel isolated among peers, school spirit days can facilitate community bonding by increasing interaction and engagement. For elementary school students, focusing on a few school spirit days with a simple theme that do not require last-minute costume shopping reduces adult overwhelm.

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Persons: I, —, I've, Catherine Bagwell, Henry, togetherness Organizations: Service, Palo Alto High, Paly