Academic Pep Rally

Academic Pep Rally

What makes it different than any other pep rally? I’ve been asking myself that for the last fourteen years. It could be the anticipation of the excitement that is generated when all of our students and staffulty members are in the same room celebrating commitment, hard work, character, leadership and academic success. Maybe it’s just the comedy of students and staffulty on stage performing in a live rock band or doing skits or celebrating our achievements.

One thing is for sure: it’s the best day of the school year. It is similar to a sports pep rally although we have amped it up over the years. We now have it the day before Memorial Day Weekend, after our state testing. We invite dignitaries from around the country but many of them decline the invitation because they just cannot share our vision. The fact is that the energy is incomparable. Ask anyone that has ever been here.

Every person has on a pep rally shirt. Each grade is designated with a different color. We respect, recognize, reinforce, reward, and get results. Music is a key component. The skits move effortlessly. Each year we have a theme that starts at the beginning of the year. This year it was easy: School Rocks!

We started with a school infused live band fronted by our fifth grade science teacher and scattered with musicians from fifth through eighth grades. We recognize and reward students and staffulty throughout the rally: Spirit of Renaissance, Most Improved, Sports Winners, Perfect Attendance, Science Fair, Alumni, and community members. Skits included music of the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s (5th to 8th grade, get it?) For a full script, email me. Although we are a school, you can use the pep rally idea in any organization.

Try it. Rock on!