Although the Mira Costa Associated Student Body’s progress regarding increased school spirit has been commendable over the past few years, especially this past homecoming week, Costa as a whole along with the help of ASB should focus more on encouraging the senior class, further publicizing the school spirit events, and bettering coordination with faculty in order to boost pride for the underclassmen.
According to ASB advisor Lisa Claypoole, the biggest challenge ASB faces while attempting to increase Costa pride is the reluctant culture of the school, which stems from the attitudes of upperclassmen and staff. Last year’s winter formal was hugely successful in terms of turnout compared to previous years, and Claypoole believes this spike in attendance was due to the seniors’ willingness to participate.
If seniors are more motivated to take part in the variety of events, underclassmen would follow suit, thus increasing school spirit. Seniors should take the initiative to create a supportive, spirited atmosphere.
Staff must also work cohesively to boost morale between groups on campus. Claypoole believes that the Costa organizational rivalries are often fostered by relayed faculty opinions and are a major cause of the lack of unity. Faculty must be aware of the divisions are created through overt judgement; however, ASB must also realize that it can foster spirit through these rivalries by hosting friendly competitions, like the ASB versus La Vista games.
ASB should have themed costume days occur sporadically in addition to the concentrated chunks, like Spirit Week.
ASB should also hold various themed costume days that target specific grade levels. For example, seniors could dress up like grandparents while freshman dress like babies or a class colors day for each grade. This has the potential to create a positive, competitive spirit between the classes.
According to Costa Principal Dr. Ben Dale, a small step to boost school spirit can begin with teachers and staff wearing green and gold on Fridays. Although there are some teachers who encourage students to dress up and participate themselves, it is important that a large majority of Costa’s staff is supportive of these efforts.
ASB should also better publicize themed dress-up days. According to ASB Commissioner of Campus Morale Kit Chavers, social media has taken a large role in advocating school spirit days, but there is still a large gap in communication. In the past, ASB has given away free prom tickets for impressive promposals posted on social media. Because hashtags like “whathappensatsaddies” have proven to be successful, ASB should continue its use of social media to inform students for the majority of their events, not just the large ones.
ASB has seen an increase in campus pride over the last few years. This year, the organization was able to sell roughly 800 stamepde shirts, over four times as many sold in previous years. With the aforementioned recommendations, ASB and the Costa population at large can continue this upward trend by addressing the lack of awareness of events and contentious nature of different activities.
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