Taco + Nacho Bar
Let staff build their own lunch and connect over food.
30–45 min
Sweet + Salty Potluck
A staff potluck idea that is quick and easy for people to engage with.
Alissa Christensen
A staff potluck built around one simple theme: everyone brings something sweet or something salty. Staff sign up ahead of time so you end up with a balanced spread, no repeat bags of chips, no five trays of brownies.
Why try it
Give staff an easy way to contribute to a shared spread without overthinking what to bring. A simple sweet-or-salty theme makes signing up quick and easy while creating plenty of variety for everyone to enjoy. Using a shared sign-up sheet also helps prevent duplicates, making it easier to build a fun, balanced spread together.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Things you'll need
Printed sign-up sheet
A table or cart to display items
A sign or banner announcing the potluck
Small labels or cards for staff to name their dish
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 has a clear picture of what's coming before the big day.
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 whether they're bringing something sweet or something salty.
3
Track the balance
Check the sheet as sign-ups come in. If one column is filling up faster than the other, ask a few more staff directly to even things out.
4
Set up and enjoy
On the day of, set out sweet items on one side of the table and salty items on the other, so staff can see the full spread at a glance.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Theme it seasonally
Tie the sweet-and-salty theme to a season or holiday, like a fall potluck or a Valentine's treat swap.
Add a taste test
Set out small numbered cards next to each dish and let staff vote for their favorite sweet and favorite salty item.
Grade-level or department rotation
Instead of a building-wide sign-up, rotate the potluck by grade level or department each month so it's a smaller, more manageable event each time.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Post it early
Put the sign-up sheet out a full week ahead so staff have time to plan what they're bringing.
Leader Tip #2
Ask a few people directly
If sign-ups are slow, ask specific staff members to bring something. A direct ask usually gets a faster answer than a general reminder.
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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