As I began writing this article I kept hearing the old Beach Boys song in my head "Be True To Your School". OK, so I am telling something about my age, but the song still rings true. School banners are a great way to show off your school. When you have the yearly open house at the beginning of the school year it is nice to see the school banner hung out front for all to see. New students and parents can admire it, while returning families can feel the rush of pride that comes with being an alumni.

Why do we need school banners?

School banners serve many purposes and are designed in a number of ways. The school banners that have the name of the school and a picture of the mascot can be used for special events held after hours at the school, or can be transported with a group if they are participating in an event where they are representing the school. Our local marching band had a school banner that specified their schools name as well as the name of the band. It served as a gathering place for the spectators that were supporting the band as well as a source of pride for the teachers and students participating. School banners can also be used to provide motivational or inspirational messages. There are any number of motivational messages that can be put on a banner along with the school name and mascot. Putting them up around the school can help to reinforce positive ideas.

Should students be involved in designing their school banners?

That is something that only your school can decide but there have been a number of schools that have given students the opportunity to express themselves on school banners. The art department allowed the students to create drawings of the mascot, or of something about the school that they felt was significant. Students also submitted ideas for motivational or inspiring messages to be put on the school banners.

The student body as well as the faculty cast their votes for the graphics as well as the wording. The top 5 of each were made into school banners that were hung at various points around the school. Many of the students said that they felt they got more out of it by being a part of the decision making. They felt that by being involved the school banners represented the students themselves instead of what the faculty thought the banners should say.
The feedback from the students continues to be positive. The students that have since left the school still feel a great deal of pride in their school and some have become involved as volunteers because of it. The new students become part of the process as new school banners are designed. And the previous banners are on display for everyone to enjoy. School banners are relatively inexpensive. Therefore the school is able to continue this tradition each year. Funds are raised and the community finds itself involved on many levels. Pride in the school translates into pride in the community, and continues to build a strong positive environment for students and adults alike. And all of this created by a few school banners!