Introduction
The 2020-2021 school year has been an unusual one, with distance learning, virtual classrooms, and adapted schedules becoming the new normal. As we come to the end of this challenging school year, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the achievements of students and educators alike. Here are 12 sweet ways to wrap up this unusual school year.
1. Virtual Awards Ceremony
Host a virtual awards ceremony to honor students for their academic achievements, character development, and other impressive feats. Parents and teachers can nominate deserving candidates, while students can watch the event from the comfort of their homes.
2. Time Capsule Project
Have students collect pictures, artwork, journal entries, or written reflections about their experiences during this unusual school year. Create a collective time capsule that can be revisited in future years to remember these remarkable times.
3. Car Parade Celebration
Organize a car parade where teachers, parents, and students decorate their vehicles according to a theme and take part in a celebratory procession around the local community.
4. Customized Yearbooks
Design personalized yearbooks for each student, including photos, messages from teachers and peers, and highlights from the school year that capture each person’s unique experience.
5. Video Montage
Compile clips of students participating in various school activities throughout the year – virtual or in-person – into a memorable video montage that parents and students can cherish.
6. Online Talent Show
Allow students to showcase their talents in a virtual talent show. Acts can include singing, dancing, magic tricks, or any other performance that celebrates creativity and skill.
7. Themed Dress-Up Days
Organize themed dress-up days where students can wear costumes related to specific themes such as superheroes or favorite book characters during remote learning sessions or on-campus events.
8. Gratitude Messages
Encourage students to share messages of gratitude with their classmates, teachers, or school staff. These messages can be presented as digital posters, video recordings, or personal notes to brighten someone’s day.
9. Outdoor Learning Celebration
Plan a safe and engaging outdoor learning event where students can participate in hands-on activities while practicing social distancing guidelines.
10. Distance Learning Awards
Acknowledge the unique challenges students overcame during distance learning by presenting awards for categories such as “Most Improved in Remote Learning” or “Best Zoom Background.”
11. Class Webpage
Create a special class webpage commemorating the school year, featuring photos, art projects, writing assignments, quizzes, and other examples of students’ work. Make sure to include the progress they made despite facing many challenges.
12. Teacher Appreciation Day
Celebrate the amazing efforts and dedication of teachers during this unusual school year by organizing a virtual teacher appreciation day filled with heartfelt thank you videos and kind words from students and parents.
Conclusion
As this extraordinary school year comes to an end, let’s celebrate our resilience and creativity by sharing memorable moments and honoring accomplishments. With these twelve creative ideas, you can wrap up this unusual school year on a sweet note.