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5 min
Mascot Pass
A weekly recognition tradition that keeps appreciation moving all year long.
Alissa Christensen
Pass your school mascot from one staff member to another each week as a fun, visible way to celebrate your team. Each recipient shares a shout-out before passing it on, creating a chain of recognition that keeps going all year.
Why try it
A culture of appreciation grows when recognition becomes part of the everyday. The Mascot Pass encourages staff to notice and celebrate one another's efforts, creating more opportunities for people to feel valued and connected to the team.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Pick your mascot
Choose or purchase a stuffed version of your school mascot. If your school does not have a specific mascot, any meaningful or fun symbol works.
2
Launch the tradition
Introduce the Mascot Pass at a staff meeting. Keep it simple: explain that the mascot will be passed each week to recognize a colleague, and that the recipient will choose who gets it next.
3
Pass with purpose
Each week, the current holder passes the mascot to a colleague and shares a brief reason why. Announce it at a staff meeting, during morning announcements, or in a school newsletter.
4
Capture the moment
Snap a photo of the handoff and share it on social media or in your school newsletter. Reading the recognition during announcements gives students a chance to celebrate staff, too.
5
Keep the tracker going
Use the Mascot Pass Tracker printable to record each recipient and the reason they were recognized. This helps ensure no one gets overlooked and gives you a record of the year's appreciation moments.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Monthly mascot
Instead of weekly, pass the mascot once a month for a bigger, more visible celebration. Works well in schools where weekly coordination is hard to sustain.
Team mascot
Let grade-level or department teams pass the mascot within their group. This works well in larger schools where staff may not interact across all teams regularly.
Student nomination
Occasionally let students nominate a staff member to receive the mascot. This deepens the connection between students and staff and gives kids a meaningful role in school culture.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Start with yourself
Model the tradition by being the first to pass it, and share a specific, genuine reason. This sets the tone for what good recognition looks like.
Leader Tip #2
Name the tradition
Give your Mascot Pass a school-spirited name tied to your mascot (like "Panther Pride Pass" or "Eagle Excellence"). A specific name makes it more memorable and shareable.
Leader Tip #3
Add a small extra
Pairing the mascot with a snack, handwritten note, or small gift card adds a personal touch without adding much prep.
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
Shoutouts
A teacher recognition program that runs itself.
Give teachers an opportunity to recognize their colleagues and collect them in your dashboard automatically. Easily print and share these encouraging words with your team.
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