It’s a Monday night and the School Board meeting starts as it usually does: the Pledge, approval of minutes, and then on to the agenda. Shortly into the evening, the “student report to the Board” comes up which is when the Board hears from student leaders about upcoming events, reminders and the energy of student life.
But this time, the routine takes a turn. After sharing the usual calendar highlights, a student pauses …. smiles … and with the energy of a pep rally MC announces:
“Everyone knows students can earn a varsity letter for things like sports, band, clubs or academics, right? Well … we thought, why should students have all the fun? This year, we’re opening up a brand-new challenge just for our Board of Education: the Board Varsity Letter. Yep, you heard that right! You get the chance to earn your very own letter, Highlander-style.
Here’s how it works: Instead of touchdowns or marching band competitions, you’ll earn points by joining in on the life of our school. Think things like shadowing a student for a few classes, playing a game in gym class, checking out a performance, or even being a guest speaker. The more you jump in, the closer you get to that big varsity ‘H.’
We love having our board liaisons visit once or twice a year, but now the whole board can join in and really experience what it’s like to be a Highlander. So, game on! Who’s ready to step up and earn your spot on the Board Varsity Team?”
The room laughs, Board members grin, and just like that, the competition is ON!
Why the Board Varsity Letter?
The idea grew out of a simple question: How can I help our Board of Education connect more deeply with our students? As principals and leaders, we know the powerful impact board members have on shaping policy, funding and the future of our schools. Yet for many, the day-to-day life inside classrooms and hallways can feel distant.
A varsity letter, however, is anything but distant. For decades, it has symbolized dedication, achievement and pride. By opening that opportunity to board members, we’re inviting them into the rhythms of school life, not just as decision-makers, but as participants.
How It Works
Board members can earn points through a wide range of activities that mirror the experiences of our students. The categories align with our district’s three priorities: academic rigor, belonging and valuable experiences.
Examples include:
- Academic Rigor: Shadow a student in an AP class, take part in a lab activity, or even try their hand at an assessment.
- Belonging: Eat lunch with students, sit in on a restorative circle, attend a club meeting or join a Hope Squad activity.
- Valuable Experiences: Cheer on the marching band at halftime, attend a robotics competition, play volleyball in PE or accompany a field trip.
Each experience earns points. Once board members collect enough, they receive a Highlander varsity letter just like the students they serve.
Why It Matters
This initiative goes far beyond fun and novelty. It’s about relationships, which to me, is what matters most in our profession. When students see board members sitting next to them in math class or joining them in the lunchroom, those leaders become more than names on a ballot or faces at graduation; they become part of the Highlander story.
Teachers, too, gain the chance to showcase their classrooms in real time. Instead of reports and presentations, board members witness the learning, laughter and challenges that fill our days. That perspective adds depth and humanity to the decisions made in the boardroom.
And for the board itself, it’s a chance to ground their work in lived experience. It’s a new way of saying that our district priorities (belonging, rigor and valuable experiences) aren’t just for students, they’re for everyone who leads alongside them.