In this blog post, I share one of my favorite traditions I have held as a principal that helped foster a sense of belonging and appreciation that would carry us through the rest of the year.
As we enter November, the air is filled with the spirit of gratitude, and it’s the perfect time for school leaders to reflect on the incredible teams we work alongside each day. Thanksgiving and the surrounding holidays remind us of the importance of showing genuine appreciation for those who dedicate themselves to our shared vision and the success of our students.
I share this each year, one of the traditions I cherish most as a principal, and that I carried forward from the mentors who inspired me, is finding a meaningful way to honor our staff during this season. It was never just about celebrating; it was about fostering a sense of belonging and appreciation that would carry us through the rest of the school year.
A Tradition Rooted in Gratitude
When I served as a teacher and principal in Albuquerque Public Schools, our calendar often aligned with Parent-Teacher Conferences taking place just before Thanksgiving break. When I was teaching, my administration would arrange for a time when no conferences were scheduled, creating a space for staff to come together for a shared meal. The tradition included the special gift of a turkey for each team member, and this act of generosity and community spirit left a lasting impression on me.
When I stepped into my role as principal, I knew this was a tradition I wanted to uphold. Each year, I would ask our team to reserve time on a professional development day or early release day if conferences didn’t align, ensuring we could still gather as a staff. The leadership team and I would decorate a room with warm fall colors, and we’d bring in a lunch that allowed us to serve and celebrate our incredible team members. To keep the event inclusive, we called it our “Fall Feast,” and the atmosphere was one of shared appreciation and fun.
Evolving with Intention and Care
Over the years, our Fall Feast evolved to include engaging activities like board games, “minute to win it” challenges, and even a memorable Karaoke Hour one year! We made continuous improvements to ensure the event was as inclusive and meaningful as possible. This included providing alternative gifts for vegetarian staff members or offering the option to donate turkeys to those in need if they weren’t able to use the turkey themselves.
Of course, implementing this tradition came with logistical challenges, like sourcing turkeys and arranging for freezer space. My leadership team and I worked diligently to secure community donations and negotiate discounts with local grocery stores. PTO funds often covered the remainder, making this tradition possible and impactful. While the logistics took planning, the most important part was the genuine spirit of appreciation and togetherness that it fostered.
Celebrating Our Champions
Our school teams are more than a group of professionals—they’re a team of champions, each bringing unique strengths to our campus. The resilience and passion of educators and support staff are the heart of any successful school community. Taking the time to express gratitude and uplift one another is a vital way to refuel and inspire.
In this season of gratitude, consider ways you can uplift your staff. Whether it’s a shared meal, a simple gift, or a few moments of intentional appreciation, these efforts go a long way in nurturing a positive and collaborative culture. Let us celebrate the incredible dedication and energy our teams bring, reinforcing the value they add every single day.
Gratitude is a powerful leadership tool, and November is the perfect time to wield it. How will you show your team appreciation this season? Let’s continue to make our schools places where staff feel valued, connected, and ready to take on the rest of the year, together.
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