Boast Board – Bulletin Board Idea

Back to school is one of my most favorite “seasons” of the year.  The excitement and anticipation of a new year is palpable.  The new backpacks & lunchkits, fresh supplies, & chance to start over.  I love it ALL.  This back-to-school season I had the opportunity to help one of my favorite campuses prep for the school year by creating a special board for the front office.

Administration came up with the most AMAZING idea.    We see staff shout-out boards decorate teacher’s lounges & office hallways everywhere.  This is similar in concept, but instead of teachers and staff recognizing their co-workers, this board is intended to engage & invite parents, district employees, and other visitors to leave notes of appreciation and recognition for the teachers and staff on campus.

This board is displayed in the front office and is one of the first things you see when you walk into the main entrance.  There will be a ballot box type container set out in this space & a collection of compliment notecards for visitors to write on & then place in the box.  Administration will read aloud the messages on morning announcements and then display these paper pieces of praise on the boast board for everyone to see.

I absolutely LOVE the idea of creating a space where parents & visitors can reach out and leave small notes of appreciation and praise.  I know that sometimes we can all feel undervalued and unappreciated.  I think that sentiment rings true for most professions.  It’s really powerful to be able to invite parents and visitors to recognize the efforts of teachers and staff.  I truly think this will help to create a school culture full of encouragement and gratitude with both parents AND staff.  And when the kids can HEAR those compliments, they will learn how to give them as well and start to verbalize their appreciation, too.  SO very powerful!

Of course, this would be a great board to display for staff shout-outs, too!