We love Spirit Week. But if you want to spice up your school spirit week with a little more mystery and fun, consider going “underground.” Instead of the usual school-wide participation, we will turn it into a guessing game using Underground Spirit Week.
What is Underground Spirit Week?
Some schools call this Secret Spirit Week or Secret Spirit Week. But no matter what you call them, the premise is the same. “Underground Spirit Week” is a school staff-only celebration in which teachers participate in themed dress-up days without students knowing what’s going on, and students try to guess the theme of the day. It creates a sense of mystery and excitement as you try. Basically, it’s Spirit Week where only the staff know about the planned activities.
Examples of school initiatives
Want to see what Underground Spirit Week is like? Here’s how some schools are having fun with a secret teacher-only week.
Dress like it’s PE Teacher’s Day
The school’s teachers arrived wearing tracksuits and tennis shoes and blowing whistles. Comfortable and fun.
blackout day
The options for this Underground Spirit Week are simple. Everything is black.
Other than cup day
One of the most popular options during Underground Spirit Week, “Anything but a Cup” day celebrates undervalued beverage containers around the world. I love the Yeti logo on the mixing bowl in the video below.
Underground Spirit Week Ideas
Socks and Sandals Day — See how long it takes your students to realize you’re on board with this trend. Anything but Cup Day – Instead of mugs or tumblers, teachers bring weird containers for drinking. Ideas we’ve seen so far include cereal boxes, vases of artificial flowers, blenders, giant bowls, and more. This is an essential part of Underground Spirit Week. Temporary Tattoos — At one school, I saw a principal purchase matching temporary tattoos in bulk and keep them in the front office for teachers to apply for. The students couldn’t believe their teacher had a tattoo! Wear the same color – Many schools have blackout days, but this is easiest because most teachers have enough black clothing to go all black. Wear solid-colored clothing – Rather than specifying a single color, have your child wear a color combination of their choice. Dress like royalty with a crown, tiara, cloak, and scepter. Get ready to be treated like royalty that day! Lumberjack Day — everyone is wearing flannel and plaid, and some might even rock suspenders. Denim on Denim Day — Today is the day to break out denim. All about your denim. Decade Day – Each teacher dresses up to represent their favorite decade. Teachers can wear their favorite 80’s band shirt, fluff up their bangs for the 90’s, or wear four different length shirts for the 2000’s. Favorite Holidays — Teachers dress up in their favorite holiday attire, such as Halloween, Arbor Day, or National Croissant Day. Shoes that don’t fit — Wear two different shoes to school!Not a typical hair day — Most teachers wear their hair styled in one of a few styles to work. Today is the day to think outside the box, whether it’s braids, beehives, changing your hair parting, or adding some fun accessories. School Spirit Shirts — The simplicity of this topic. Everyone already has it! Twin Days – Teachers can also pair up or coordinate by team/department.
Things to keep in mind during Underground Spirit Week
Remind teachers to keep the topic a secret from students.
It’s no fun to tell them the punchline every day (or in advance).
Keep costs in mind for teachers.
Note to PTOs and Principals: If you chose a theme with very specific accessories in mind that teachers likely don’t have, please provide them.
Consider the age of your students.
While obvious themes are fun for young children (like dressing up like royalty), consider more subtle themes for older students. Examples of schedules for elementary and junior high schools are as follows.
Don’t make jokes at the expense of others.
The theme “dressing like a student” is not recommended as it can lead to ridicule of students’ culture, interests, and beliefs. Also, if you want to dress like a particular teacher or staff member on campus, be sure to check with them beforehand. Honestly, there are plenty of other Spirit Week options you can enjoy without risking someone being ridiculed.
So what do you think? Are you ready to give Underground Spirit Week a try at your school? Whether it’s wearing that poodle skirt from the back of your closet or getting a temporary tattoo on your neck for the Decades Day, Accept the challenge without hesitation. After all, it’s a great way to boost school spirit, build connections with students, and remind everyone that teachers are just as playful as their students.
Get your editable Underground Spirit Week flyer!
Once you have an idea for your Underground Spirit Week, check out our free editable templates by filling out the form in the link below. Just customize with your own text and download. You can then print, email, or post on social media to promote your event.
