Funky threads, enthusiastic students, and the energy surrounding an upcoming game are all elements of spirit week.  But you wouldn’t necessarily know that just from observing what people are wearing during those five days.  Walking through the halls on Monday (Camouflage Day), it looked to me like a typical school day.  There was no apparel in the halls that gave me that “spirit!” feeling – or anything remotely close to it. 

An extra few minutes of digging through the closet on spirit week mornings to pick out an outfit, or even a shirt – showing that day’s theme– would make a meaningful difference. “How hard could it be?” I ask myself while walking to class, seeing very few students wearing anything related to that day’s theme. I recognize there are countless reasons as to why students wouldn’t remember, but the reminders on lockers and on the intercoms are almost overwhelming.

I know that spirit isn’t something thatLangleyis known for, but it can make a meaningful difference in the enthusiasm and support of ourt eams. Spirit days can give something else to look forward to when we get to school.  It can be an interesting and easy way to elevate school pride.

I understand the objections “what’s the point” or “nobody else will be -” but wouldn’t it be great if the people who don’t dress up were the students who stood out, rather than the more enthusiastic students being the minority?

Whatever the objections to spirit wear, in my view we should continue spirit days with a fresh attitude and participate when we can.  School pride, in all the ways we show it, is an important part of the fabric of Langley.