Staff Maxims T-Shirts: Foster a Sense of Connection and Community with Staff and Students

Diverse group of teachers wearing matching shirts

Everyone can improve the school. Whether you’re a third grader or the principal or a custodian, we can all have consistent language and live the values that we as a community [hold] high.

– Todd Miller


IDENTITY/MAXIMS STAFF SHIRTS

  • Have sets of staff t-shirts made, so that there is ONE different school/district maxim on each shirt in the set.
  • Each shirt should be a different school color.
  • Printing layout example: school/district logo on the front, maxim on the back
  • Dedicate a day each week when all staff wear a maxim shirt.
  • But also encourage staff members to wear them on other days.

PURPOSE/ACTIVITY IDEAS

  • Staff are able to express themselves and the maxims in a personal way
    • Staff can tell students something like “I wore my (insert maxim) shirt today because (insert reason which doesn’t necessarily have to be school-related).”
      • EXAMPLE: I wore my never give up shirt today because I had a bad day yesterday, and I wanted to remind myself that I’ll get through this rough patch.
  • Teachers can connect the maxims to their lesson which makes both the maxims and content relevant to students, but also helps teachers know they’re actively ensuring their class connects with the shared vision for readiness and school culture
    • Staff can tell students something like “I wore my (insert maxim) shirt today because (insert connection to the lesson/activity).”
      • EXAMPLE: I wore my never give up shirt today because today we’re going to start a new unit on fractions today, and while it can be challenging, I know we won’t give up, and we’ll all be able to learn the concept.
        • Alternatively, you could just tell the students broadly what you’re doing that day and ask them for how they think that connects with the shirt you’re wearing.

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