by Linda Bleile
Principal, May/June 2012

Spirit is a key ingredient at Wiscasset Middle School. Recognitions and celebrations, both small and large, are important features in fostering a positive climate in a middle school.

In addition to schoolwide spirit-building events, we recognize individual acts of spirit. Throughout the year, we issue spirit cards when we find students assisting one another or staff members without being asked, when they do a kind deed for someone, when they make the effort to complete a challenging task, and for myriad other reasons. Students frequently take their spirit cards home to be proudly shared with parents and subsequently place their cards in our spirit box for a monthly drawing.

School spirit gives our students a sense of belonging; it encourages them to take pride in themselves and our school; and it energizes the school. School spirit is a unifying force within our school, and our parents and the community notice this positive, energized atmosphere as they are invited to attend many of our events. In his 1996 study of school culture, The Human Side of School Change, sociologist Robert Evans concluded, “The single best low cost, high leverage way to improve performance, morale, and the climate for change is to dramatically increase the levels of meaningful recognition.”

Great Expectations

Each month we have a spirit assembly. We begin by honoring our students of the month, recognizing our students who are on the honor roll, celebrating our athletes, and thanking our students who participate in clubs and activities. Each grade level takes a turn hosting the spirit assembly. We have learned that starting our 45-minute assembly with the more serious aspects and ending with the fun activities works well for our middle-level students who often have short attention spans and boundless energy. Before the first assembly of the year, homeroom teachers and advisors spend time discussing the appropriate way to behave at a schoolwide assembly, explaining when and how to clap, and when to cheer appropriately for classmates. As principal, I also explain and show them my hand signals for when I need everyone’s attention. Because clear and concise expectations are set forth, we generally have few behavioral issues at schoolwide assemblies.

Our first spirit assembly of the school year, held in October, is organized by our fifth graders. Frequently the theme for this assembly is respect or responsibility. Each student has a speaking part and contributes to the assembly. In November, we honor local veterans during the assembly. Again, each student from the host grade level has a speaking part. Some years we have invited our local veterans’ to be our guests, and this past year we honored the members of our staff who are veterans and thanked them for their service to our country.

Another common theme for our sprit assemblies is reaching out to aid our community. One such theme, called “Our Town,” was built around a student-sponsored food drive. With the assistance of our choral director, the students sang a song about our wonderful town of Wiscasset to the tune of the song “Downtown.” As the students sang, one student signed the words for the audience. Our student council leads the December assembly with an auction to raise money for local families in need during the holidays.

Each spirit assembly features a drawing of four of the spirit cards. Winners receive a gift certificate to a local bookstore. The assembly always ends with a rousing competitive game or activity between the four grade levels culminating with the awarding of the spirit stick to the grade that comes out on top. This spirit stick, made from the wood of a schooner that was in our local harbor for more than 50 years, holds special significance to the students and the community.

The healthy competitions have included many of our town groups. In one activity local firefighters brought their apparel and hoses so students could participate in a relay race. Students put on the heavy garb and then carried the hoses the length of the gym as they competed against the other grades in a timed race with the rest of the students cheering them on. We always extend an invitation for parents to join us as we are cognizant that when parents and community feel a strong connection to their schools, and take pride in the accomplishment of the students, it strengthens our communication and connections with the community.

Our attendance rate is particularly high on the days we have our school spirit assemblies. The students bond during spirit assemblies and have the opportunity to compete in alternative venues, develop good sportsmanship, be recognized, and celebrate each other’s achievements. These activities engender a positive climate and allow all students to powerfully connect with their middle school experience.

Numerous studies show that students who feel connected to school are less likely to skip school or be involved in fighting, bullying, and vandalism and are also more likely to succeed academically. Spirit does make a difference.

Linda L. Bleile is principal of Wiscasset Middle School in Wiscasset, Maine.

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