“When our middle school building turned 15 years old, our PTO board thought it was an excellent time to celebrate as ‘teenagers.’ Parents were greeted by a special message on the parking lot marquee; our music teacher led choirs in ‘Happy Birthday’ over the intercom system; we presented a paper cake with 15 candles to the principal (which remained in the lobby for the rest of the month); art club members, led by our art teacher, made a banner that all students could sign (which was hung later in the cafeteria); and we invited our mayor to deliver a proclamation to student council representatives. As a special treat, we decorated the lunch tables with balloons of the school's colors. Before the day was over, everyone was in a festive mood, and we received positive feedback from parents about the special energy created.”