Taco + Nacho Bar
Let staff build their own lunch and connect over food.
30–45 min
Soup Potluck
A cozy, low-prep way to bring your team together and show appreciation.
Alissa Christensen
A themed staff potluck built around one simple idea: everyone brings a pot of soup. Staff sign up ahead of time so you end up with a variety of soups instead of five of the same slow cooker chili.
Why try it
Bring a little extra warmth to your next staff gathering with a cozy soup potluck. A simple theme takes the guesswork out of what to bring and encourages staff to swap recipes, share family favorites, and connect over a comforting meal. Using a shared sign-up sheet helps create a variety of soups and sides, making the table as welcoming as the conversations around it.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Things you'll need
Printed sign-up sheet
Slow cookers or warming trays
Bowls, spoons, and napkins
Small labels or cards for staff to name their soup
A table to display 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 everone 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 soup they're bringing.
3
Check for variety
Review the sheet as sign-ups come in. If several staff sign up for the same type of soup, reach out and suggest a swap.
4
Set up and serve
On the day of, set out slow cookers or warming trays with labels for each soup, along with bowls, spoons, and napkins nearby.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Chili cook-off
Swap soup for chili and let staff vote on their favorite by secret ballot.
Bread and toppings bar
Ask a few staff to bring bread, crackers, or toppings like cheese and croutons instead of soup, so there's something for everyone to add.
Rotate the theme monthly
Use soup as one theme and rotate through others throughout the year, like tacos, breakfast foods, or salads, so the potluck stays fresh.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Provide the warming equipment
Keep a few slow cookers on hand for staff who want to participate but don't own one.
Leader Tip #2
Label everything
Ask staff to jot down their soup name and any allergens on a small card next to their dish.
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
Loading...
Similar resources
