Taco + Nacho Bar
Let staff build their own lunch and connect over food.
30–45 min
Family Favorites Potluck
An easy way for staff to share a favorite dish together this year.
Alissa Christensen
A potluck built around one simple prompt: everyone brings a dish their own family loves. Staff sign up ahead of time so the spread ends up full of personal favorites instead of last-minute grocery store trays.
Why try it
Give staff a chance to share more than just a meal. Inviting everyone to bring a family favorite recipe creates opportunities for meaningful conversations as staff share the stories, traditions, and memories behind the dishes they love. A shared sign-up sheet helps keep the menu varied, making the meal even more fun for everyone to enjoy.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Things you'll need
Printed sign-up sheet
Serving spoons and small labels for each dish
Plates, napkins, and utensils
A table for the spread
Instructions
1
Set your date and sign-up deadline
Pick a date for the potluck and a cutoff for sign-ups a few days ahead of time, so everyone knows what's coming before the day arrives.
2
Share the sign-up sheet
Post the included sign-up sheet in the staff lounge or send a digital version. Staff write their name and the dish they're bringing.
3
Check for variety
Review the sheet as sign-ups come in. If several staff sign up for a similar dish, reach out and suggest a swap.
4
Set up and serve
On the day of, set out each dish with a small label and a serving spoon, along with plates and utensils nearby.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Recipe swap
Ask staff to bring a printed copy of their recipe to leave next to their dish so coworkers can take one home.
Cultural dish spotlight
Invite staff to share a dish tied to their family's culture or heritage, along with a short note about its significance.
Rotate by grade level or department
Instead of a building-wide sign-up, rotate the potluck by grade level or department each month so it's a smaller event each time.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Ask for the story
Invite staff to jot down a line about their dish on the label, like whose recipe it is or why they picked it.
Leader Tip #2
Label every dish
Include allergens or main ingredients on each label so staff can serve themselves with confidence.
Leader Tip #3
Include non-classroom staff
Make sure custodial, office, and cafeteria staff see the sign-up sheet too. They're often left off building-wide emails.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
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