Moments Create Momentum: Simple things, that aren’t little things, build school culture.
WRITTEN BY: JASON JEDAMSKI, IGNITE2UNITEMoments Create Momentum: Simple things, that aren’t little things, build school culture.
School culture isn’t just about pep rallies, spirit weeks, or assemblies. Sure, those things are great, but the real foundation of a strong school culture is built in the tiny, everyday moments—the ones that often go unnoticed but leave a lasting impact. It’s the simple things, that aren’t little things, that can build or break school culture.
Think about it: A teacher greeting students by name as they walk in. A student picking up a dropped book for a classmate. A principal pausing to ask how a student’s soccer game went. A lunchroom worker sharing a smile while handing out trays. These simple things, that aren’t little things, shape the way students and staff feel about their school—whether it’s a place where they belong, where they’re valued, and where they want to be.
So, how can we be more intentional about creating a positive school culture through these simple things? Here are a few simple moments, that aren’t little moments, that build school culture. The best part? They don’t cost any money, and just a little bit of time!
Start with Greetings
A warm “Good morning!” at the door sets the tone for the day. Whether it’s teachers at their classroom doors or student leaders welcoming peers, these greetings create an immediate sense of connection.
Try this: Challenge staff and students to greet at least three people by name each morning. It’s a small habit that makes a big difference.
Recognize the Small Wins
Did a student help a classmate? Did a teacher make a lesson extra engaging? Noticing and acknowledging these little victories helps reinforce the behaviors that create a positive environment.
Try this: Start a “Caught Being Kind” board where students and staff can post quick shout-outs for small acts of kindness they see each day.
Make Eye Contact and Smile
Sounds simple, right? But in the rush of the school day, it’s easy to forget. A quick smile or a nod in the hallway can be a powerful way to build an atmosphere of respect and warmth.
Try this: Encourage everyone—staff and students alike—to put away phones while walking through the hallways and engage with those around them instead.
Listen—Really Listen
When students (or colleagues) share something with you, pause and give them your full attention. It tells them they matter and that their voice is heard.
Try this: Dedicate at least one minute of every class period to an open-ended check-in question, like “What’s something good that happened today?”
Lead by Example
Students take their cues from the adults in the building. When teachers, staff, and administrators model kindness, respect, and positivity, students are more likely to follow suit.
Try this: Be intentional about showing gratitude—whether it’s thanking a custodian for keeping the school clean or telling a student you appreciate their effort.
Create a Culture of Encouragement
A simple “You’ve got this!” or “I believe in you” can go a long way in helping students feel supported.
Try this: Have each staff member keep a stack of sticky notes to leave uplifting messages on student desks or lockers. Better yet, encourage students to do the same for each other.
Celebrate Progress, Not Just Perfection
School culture thrives when students and staff feel valued for their growth, not just their achievements.
Try this: Start a “Growth Jar” in each classroom where students can drop notes about something they learned or improved on that week.
The beauty of school culture is that it’s not built in one big event—it’s created every day by the simple things, that aren’t little things, that shape school culture over time. By being intentional with the simple things, we can create an environment where every student and staff member feels seen, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves.
So today, as you walk through your school, take a moment to notice the tiny interactions happening around you. Better yet, be the one to start them.
Because in the end, it’s the simple things that matter the most.
JASON JEDAMSKI
I partner with schools and organizations to improve organizational performance by igniting people to unite toward the organization’s goals using a human-centered approach. I know, that last statement sounds very fancy. You want to know who I am, what experience I have, and how I can help you. Let’s fill in those gaps.
I am a husband, father, educator, mentor, and former coach whose purpose is to help people live a better life than what they would have if they had never met me. The vehicle I use to live that purpose is education, consulting, and speaking.
Like most people with over 20 years experience in their field, I have evolved a lot by learning from experience, other people, and reflection. The people that have shaped me the most are my awesome parents, legendary student-activities director from Tulsa Union High School Denise Vaniadis, and school culture speaker and consultant Phil Boyte.
I have been fortunate to engineer culture change with several groups and schools but the most significant was moving the student culture from surviving to thriving at Broken Arrow (OK) High School.
In 2013, I accepted the challenge of igniting student culture at Broken Arrow High School by serving the Broken Arrow School district as the Director of Student Life and Activities.
During my first year as activities director at Broken Arrow, a school that had over 3,500 students enrolled in grades 10-12, we only had 100 students attend our homecoming dance, our last home football game had 28 students in the stands, and we had one leadership class of 25 students. Fast forward to 2017, BAHS had 255 students in leadership, we had established numerous traditions and activities, and we won Varsity Brand’s Most Spirited High School in America contest which included a $25,000 prize.
The student culture turnaround I ignited at Broken Arrow led to consulting, facilitation, and speaking opportunities. In 2018, I left Broken Arrow Public Schools to work as a full-time facilitator, consultant, and speaker for Phil Boyte at Learning for Living, Inc. My time at Learning for Learning revealed to me that the same system I used to ignite culture at Broken Arrow is universal and works for schools and organizations.
In 2021, I recognized it was time to start Ignite2Unite. I look forward to partnering with you so your school or organization can thrive.
Learn more: https://www.ignite2unite.com/