Be True to Your School
"Rah-Rah-Rah-Rah, Sis-Boom-Bah!"
And says his school is great
I tell him right away
Now what's the matter buddy
Ain't you heard of my school
It's number one in the state
Just like you would to your girl or guy
Be true to your school now
And let your colors fly
Be true to your school..."
In October of 1963 The Beach Boys released Be True to Your School as a tribute to their high school. Be True to Your School has become the school spirit anthem of students for decades. As a child of the 80s and 90s I even sang this song and thought of my school. We grew up with a devotion to our school and a pride in who we were. Yet as I have sent my kids into our local public high school from our middle school, it seems school spirit has dwindled over the last decade and as we head into this new school year, I think it's time to fight to get our school spirit back!
A pre-pandemic 2020 nationwide survey of 21,678 high school students 75% reported negative feelings toward school due to tiredness or stress (YaleNews). High schools around the nation are reporting less involvement in school spirit activities. In 2023, one high school online news reporter states there was a dramatic decrease from her sophomore year to senior year of student body involvement in spirit week and homecoming, and questions what will happen with future classes (The Shaker Bison). One high school believes the lack of school spirit comes from "kids showing that they don't care about their school... Which results in a vicious downward spiral of school spirit" (Schwartz, 2017).
"Now What's the Matter Buddy..."
A study in 2014 indicates a strong correlation between student achievement and school spirit (Varsity Brands). Researchers from Harvard point to an increase in individualism leading to the decrease in school spirit, stating that students are less interested in a school-wide culture and more individually focused (Harvard Political Review). Another study comparing students in the United States and Japan suggest that individualism negatively affects a person's happiness and personal relationships (Frontiers in Psychology).
So no. School spirit is not the end all, but it is a concerning trend in our schools with potential longterm negative effects from extreme individualism. Individualism attacks the foundation of Christian principles. Jesus said, "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these" (Mark 12:30-31, ESV). Simply put, we are to love God first and love others second. It is no wonder that the previous research indicates that individualism leads to unhappiness. We are created to connect with and care for each other. School spirit is not part of God's commands, but it is a way our children can learn to live the priorities of God
"Get That Ball and Fight"
What Schools Should Do
There is significance is being proud of the school you attend every day. To put it in perspective, it would be the difference between working at a company where you agree with their values and believe in their vision, versus one that you go to simply to get a paycheck. When a student values their school it provides a sense of ownership and responsibility. When our students do not feel strong ties to their school they are less motivated toward achieving.
First, for the Christian school leader we should always begin by praying. The individualism our students are struggling with is in direct opposition to God's plan for unity. We need to pray for unity, for in that unity God has commanded a blessing (Psalm 133:1,3). As we align ourselves with God we will be led by the Holy Spirit into the perfect direction for our schools.
Second, we must not give up in soliciting student involvement. Student involvement is critical to school spirit. I have heard students say they feel school spirit events are out-dated and that they wish it were different. We need to reach out to students and pull them into the planning and decision-making. This means going beyond involving the enthusiastic few and bringing in some dissenting opinions.
Third, we need to try new things. Don't just mask an old method with a new label. Be ready to think out of the box and get rid of the things we love best (we need to be ready to let spirit week dress up die if needed). Finding the path back to school spirit is going to take the concerted effort between school administrators and students. We must work together and research to discover what will light that spark again in our student body.
What Parents Should Do
Parents play a significant role in their child's school spirit and need to recognize the value of instilling school spirit in their children.
First, like schools, parents should pray. Pray for unity, pray for your student specific, and pray for your school staff. As you pray believe that God will show you ways to help. Prayer is our most powerful tool as a parent.
Second, watch your words (and your non-verbal communication). Be careful what you say, even when you think they can't hear you. Proverbs 18:21 says, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue" (ESV). Our children hear our words, but they also feel our words. If you speak negatively (or have an unspoken attitude) about the school, the principal, the teacher, the coach, or the whatever, your child will pick up that attitude. From preschooler to high schooler, your negativity will directly affect their school spirit. Do your best to be positive about their school, and deal with adult conflicts directly with the individual.
Third, train your child to honor their leaders. We do not live in a generation that upholds high standards and respect for authority. Romans 13:1 says, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God" (ESV). God gave your child their teacher, their principal, and their coach. As we teach our children to show them honor and respect for their role, godly submission is taught to our children.
***Side note, I am definitely NOT saying to teach your children to blindly follow all leaders. Teach them to respect the position they hold, just as you would with government and church leaders. Teach them how to respectfully question things they do not understand. Teach them how proper honor and respect should be.
"And Let Your Colors Fly"
I believe it is time to take back the culture of our schools. School spirit is not simply being part of a pep rally or showing up to root on the football team. Our students need to feel connection and pride in what they are part of. For the well-being our children, we as school leaders, teachers, and parents need to work together to foster an environment that promotes school spirit. So as we enter this new school year go ahead and roll down your windows and sing out Be True to Your School.