The idea for our recent Pep Rally came from one of our Student Council kids who asked, "Can our rally celebrate everyone in our school, not just the athletes?" The council overwhelmingly thought that would be a great idea! So, we planned our biggest, most inclusive Rally yet, and it was a great success!
We started by asking a band made up of members from the school to play while students were coming in to the gym (instead of the usual recorded music playing). Then, when everyone was in and settled, we did some school cheers. We then had some representatives from the drama club come out and do improv for the school for about 5 minutes. Then we tossed t-shirts into the crowd that the S.C. had decorated with iron-on letters/pictures that had "KISH Pep-Rally 2011" on them. (This was inexpensive as the girls bought a pack of white t-shirts and then decorated them). Students went wild for the shirts. We threw out about 5-7 of them all together. Next, we did the traditional calling out of the sports teams.
This was followed by special recognition of students who had achieved success in other areas (ex: winning at Skills Canada, being asked to perform at Disney World in Florida, winning at a Bridge Building Competition, etc.) These students were asked to stand where they were in the bleachers and be recognized. We also did a call out of students involved in other extra-curricular activities within the school, so when an organization was called, all students involved would stand up in the bleachers.
Finally, a slideshow was projected on the wall of the gym of the recent Talent Show put on at our school which showed various students singing, dancing, acting, and playing music. This was well received by all.
We ended it all with a sock hop where our local band once again played for everyone. We wanted to celebrate all areas of our school and all students who are involved. It really pointed out to everyone how many things our school is doing, and doing well. I believe more students left that gym feeling like a valued member of our school community than ever before, and that's what it's all about!
Kelly Gallant
Kensington Int Sr. High, PEI