The first full week in October is National Yearbook Week, and even though the yearbook committee is just gaining momentum after the start of school, they are already working hard to ensure an amazing yearbook is available for everyone at the end of the school year.
As the Yearbook Adviser, you can build a strong relationship with your committee and provide support by showing appreciation during National Yearbook Week and all year long. Here are a few simple ways to boost spirits, maintain momentum and show appreciation to your yearbook staff:
Thank-you notes
Today’s high school student is highly digital, which is why a handwritten note will stand out from the typical text or tweet. If someone is going above and beyond, has conquered a new skill or is showing perseverance despite obstacles, write a heartfelt note acknowledging their accomplishments. It brightens a student’s day to be noticed and will encourage them to keep up the good work. Give this note to the student with a smile, because they deserve to see how happy they make you feel.
Memory wall
Start an interactive memory wall that features favorite snapshots of staff working hard as well as notes of fun memories. Make sure to add to the wall regularly so that it grows throughout the year. If you like, you can even open the memory wall up to staff members who can add to it as fun activities and notable events happen. At the end of each week, take a moment to read a memory from the wall and show appreciation for your hard-working staff. At the end of the year, you might even consider adding featured snippets from the memory wall to the yearbook to show your gratitude.
Student of the week
You probably know a local business that has an employee of the week or month. This helps boost morale and encourages loyalty, all things you want for your yearbook staff as well. That’s why you should consider a similar program for your team. At regular intervals (week or month, your choice), announce the committee member who will be featured, post their picture on the wall and tell the entire group why they were nominated. You might even go one further and provide them with a sheet noting the award and a letter of recommendation they can add to their resume or college applications.
Treats and eats
If there’s one thing most teens like, it’s to snack. Want to show appreciation to your whole staff? Bring in donuts or bagels so they can carb up and keep working hard. Want to make someone feel special? Give them a favorite candy. It can even be fun to play off candy names and write customized notes. For example, give someone some gum and say “We are Extra lucky to have you on the yearbook committee,” or, along with a chocolate bar say, “During Crunch time, you always come through.”
There’s no better time to start appreciation efforts than during National Yearbook Week. Whatever you choose to do, know that students will appreciate your efforts. A Yearbook Adviser can be an important role model in a student’s life. Your kindness and appreciation now could have a ripple effect in many ways, including fostering a positive culture among the yearbook staff. Not to mention, when students enjoy their time working on the yearbook, they are more likely to come back next year!