Boost Staff Morale With “GOOSED” Fridays (Get Out Of School Early Day)
The latest viral trend sweeping across schools? Teachers are getting "GOOSED" (Get Out Of School Early Day) and it's boosting staff morale. Here's how to do it, along with a free printable certificate!
Staff recognition doesn’t have to be complicated. And sometimes, a silly idea, like getting GOOSED (Get Out Of School Early Day), is just what your staff needs!
The viral "GOOSED" (Get Out Of School Early Day) trend turns a simple “thank you” for staff into something everyone at school talks about. It's a fun, lighthearted way to boost morale while recognizing staff members who go above and beyond for students. And, teachers and staff love it, because who doesn’t love getting a jump start on their weekend? (Pro tip: make sure you have a sub lined up already so that they don't have to worry about coverage.)
How GOOSED (Get Out Of School Early Day) Works:
- Pick your “goose”! School admin chooses a teacher or staff member who’s made a noticeable impact—whether it’s supporting students or simply bringing joy and positivity to the day.
- On Friday, one lucky teacher gets "GOOSED" and is surprised with a "Get Out of School Early Day" pass at lunch time, while colleagues and students cheer them on.
- If you're feeling fun (of course you are, you're a FUN school principal...that's why you're reading this!), wear a goose costume while you surprise the lucky teacher to make the moment even more fun and memorable for students. Check out this goose onesie costume on Amazon
- Present the GOOSED certificate (you can customize our free GOOSED. Canva template) to the lucky staff member. Make it even more memorable by adding a mini plastic goose figurine, or send your teacher home with an honorable "golden goose" lawn ornament for the weekend (you can even buy themed costumes for your school's goose, like this golden necklace and sunglasses)!
- Keep it going. Rotate the GOOSED. honor weekly or monthly so that every staff member has a chance to be recognized.
Once a few staff members are GOOSED., the excitement spreads—and everyone starts looking forward to Fridays (as if they already didn't 😉!).
Free GOOSED (Get Out of School Early Day) Certificate
🎉 More ideas for school principals, from boosting staff and student morale to working effectively with the PTO
