Buzz
Creating a better school environment lifts everyone’s spirits and makes attending more enjoyable. A positive atmosphere not only boosts your mood but also enhances your productivity. As a student, you can inspire others and lead by example with your attitude and actions. If you’re part of the faculty or teaching staff, there are unique strategies you can apply to build a more supportive workplace. No matter your role, constantly look for ways to improve your school community.
Action Steps
Supporting Fellow Students
Speak out against bullying. Never ignore it when you see someone being bullied. Use your voice to confidently step in and tell the bully to stop. Doing this helps foster a safer, more respectful school environment and discourages future bullying behavior.
Stay calm but be firm. You don’t need to show anger—just stand your ground. This can keep the bully from reacting negatively and may even earn their respect, giving them a moment to reflect on their actions and how kindness feels. *If you witness bullying, you could say, “Hey, that’s not okay. Quit picking on her.”
- Or try saying, “That’s enough. They haven’t done anything to you—don’t be mean.”
- You might also ask, “How would you feel if someone treated you like that? Does being humiliated seem fun to you?”
Help settle disagreements between classmates. If you see students in conflict, step in and guide them toward resolving it. A lot of school disputes come from simple miscommunication. Get them talking and help them understand each other’s point of view.
- For instance, if there’s gossip causing tension, you might say, “Jessica’s upset because of the rumor you started, Jack. Instead of arguing, maybe talk it out. Jack, why did you say that in the first place?”
Be a source of positivity. When people constantly complain, it drags everyone down. If the conversation turns negative, try to shift it by offering a brighter perspective. Smile and motivate others to look on the bright side.
- Say someone gripes about how tough physics is—you could respond, “Yeah, it’s challenging, but think how this will help us when we hit college. Better to tackle it now than struggle later.”
Offer to tutor your peers. If you’re strong in a subject others find difficult, step up and help. Tutoring doesn’t just boost grades—it creates a more encouraging learning environment for everyone.
- When students feel lost, they might act out and disrupt the whole class. Helping them can prevent that.
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Befriend students who seem isolated. If you see someone who often sits alone, doesn't have many friends, or is targeted by bullies, take the initiative to reach out. Forming a friendship can ease their loneliness and inspire others to include them too.
- If you spot someone sitting alone at lunch, try saying, "Hey, I think we're in math together. Mind if I join you for lunch?"
- If a student seems to be on their own a lot, walk up and ask, "Got any plans this Saturday? I'm heading out to play basketball—want to join?"
Talk to teachers or school staff about serious concerns. If someone you know is facing tough situations either in school or at home, and you can’t solve it alone, it’s important to notify an adult or administrator. Always try to help first, but don't hesitate to escalate if needed.
- For instance, if your friend is constantly being bullied and it won’t stop, report it to the principal before things get worse.
INSIDER ADVICE
Joseph Meyer
Mathematics Instructor
Mathematics Instructor
Promote social justice in your school community. Use real data to investigate social equity concerns. Look into class enrollment by gender, race, and other demographics to uncover any disparities. Share your discoveries and work with others to come up with ideas for making things more inclusive.
Getting Involved at School
Consider running for student council. Holding a spot in student government gives you the power to make real changes around campus. When elections come around, put your name in the running and campaign for a seat.
- As a council member, you can organize fundraisers for new resources or launch new clubs that bring positive energy to the school.
Take on a leadership role at school. Being a leader means others will take their cues from your behavior. Lead by example in classrooms, clubs, or school programs. Treat everyone with respect, be helpful to teachers, and aim to brighten the mood.
- You could step up as a club president, team captain, or simply be someone others admire.
- Leadership requires accountability, dependability, and teamwork. Great leaders are also approachable, fun to be around, and don't take themselves too seriously.
Cheer on your school's sports teams. Boosting athletic events can lift school spirit. Even if you're not playing, you can show support by spreading the word, building excitement, or helping out behind the scenes as a team manager.
- Try saying, "Hey, are you going to Friday's game? We're up against our rivals—it's going to be awesome!"
Get involved in school arts. A great way to boost school spirit is by showing up for the arts. Attend performances, visit student galleries, and help spread the word about artistic events. Supporting creative expression helps make school more vibrant and inclusive.
- For example, you might say, "Don’t miss the art exhibit this Thursday—Ms. Kenney’s students are showing off their top pieces!"
Help keep the school clean and respect property. Treat your school like it matters. Take time to pick up litter and make sure others aren’t vandalizing school property. Even if the mess isn't yours, doing your part makes a big difference in creating a better space for everyone.
Improving School as a Teacher or Staff Member
Promote teamwork among faculty. Work together with fellow teachers and administrators on lesson plans, events, and school projects. Collaborative efforts help create a supportive and engaging learning environment for students.
Build friendships with school staff. Strengthen relationships with colleagues by spending time together outside of work. A friendly, connected staff creates a more welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Join in on faculty gatherings or suggest a casual outing.
- Say something like, "A few of us are heading to Joe’s Crab Shack on Friday. Want to join?"
PRO TIP
Joseph Meyer
Math Teacher
Math Teacher
Foster meaningful relationships with your fellow educators. Having a strong support system among colleagues can make a huge difference. They can offer fresh ideas, emotional support, and a collaborative environment that makes teaching more rewarding and sustainable.
Focus on the good things happening at your school. Avoid falling into the trap of constant negativity. When others complain about school events or changes, try to shift the tone to something more uplifting.
- For example, if there’s construction, you might say, "It’s going to be great when it’s finished—we’ll have more space and better facilities!"
Empower students to create real impact. When students are trusted to make decisions, they become more engaged and passionate about improving their school. Offer them independence when assigning projects or roles. The more they feel ownership, the more committed they’ll be.
- Try motivating them with something like, "I want the Poet Society’s direction to come from you. It’s your club—your ideas and leadership will shape what it becomes, and I completely believe in your vision."
