Schools spread spirit in different ways in 2020
Its usual fall slate of activities dashed, New Trier and Loyola Academy remain committed to drive school spirit.
At New Trier High School in Winnetka, which is on a hybrid learning plan, what in the past has been a "Spirit Week" has been expanded by the student council to a "Spirit Month" in October.
New Trier activities director Stacy Kolack said each week in October will offer a different theme. This week, starting on Oct. 6, will be "Welcome Back Week." Students will hang banners around campus, post lawn signs and distribute "Go Trevs" window signs to area businesses.
Kolack said students have been canvassing businesses to discuss partnership opportunities for the various spirit weeks, to "bring the outside in."
Each Friday in October the student council will revisit its popular "Screen Shot Challenge" in which students submit photographs and the student council will vote on one to post in social media, such as on its Instagram page, "newtrier203."
"It's a nice, unifying activity," Kolack said.
For the final week of October the student council will offer daily games and challenges during "Halloween Happenings Week" beginning Oct. 26. That week also culminates with the final screen shot challenge. Timed with Halloween, it'll be a "scream shot challenge."
Not that it's a school spirit activity, but New Trier also presented a Student Job Fair on Zoom on Oct. 7-8.
Loyola Academy in Wilmette, also on a hybrid schedule where 25% of the class attends in-person classes, has almost concluded its "12 Days of Spirit."
Monday was day No. 10, "Do Something Nice Day," in which students were asked to share something positive they've done for someone else.
Other days included things like "Rube Goldberg Day," in which students could virtually share machines they've built; an Instagram-based scavenger hunt picturing a collection of assorted items; and a "Cookie Competition" with students submitting selfies of them enjoying their favorite homebaked cookies.
On Oct. 4 Loyola held its annual Powder Puff football exhibition, 16 games over four hours for junior and senior girls, plus a postgame food truck.
The school previously hosted a screening of "Black Panther," preceded by performances by the Ramblerettes and Step Team.
Responding to a student survey, this week Loyola is holding two half-hour "Freshmen on the Field" events after school on the two days freshmen are on campus.
A freeze dance and limbo competition are among activities designed to help students get to know each other better.
Loyola's director of student activities, Melissa Krein, said the student council also is working on presenting a "Turkey Bowl" flag football game for all grades.