9 Ways Principals Can Get Students Engaged From Day 1

By Cathy Sork

As principals, we understand that the first weeks of school are foundational. Beyond routines and logistics, we are laying the groundwork for the culture and climate that will define the entire year. One of the most powerful ways to ensure students are set up for success is by creating a deep sense of belonging from the moment they walk through the school doors.

Research consistently shows that a student’s sense of belonging is a strong predictor of school engagement, attendance, behavior, and even academic success. When students feel seen, heard, and valued, they are more likely to participate, take risks, and invest in their school community.

Ideas to Intentionally Engage Students

With that in mind, here are some practical ideas to intentionally engage students at the beginning of the school year. These strategies are not only about managing the start of the year but also about making students feel like essential members and leaders of a shared community.

1. Buddies for Big Impact: Pairing older and younger grades creates a win-win situation. Older students get the opportunity to be mentors and leaders, while younger students feel guided, supported, and connected. Buddy classrooms can collaborate to teach school routines, give school tours, help with tech sign-in practice, and even coach playground games. These partnerships promote leadership, empathy, and cross-grade friendships that strengthen the school community.
2. Kick Off with Student Voice: Empower students by asking about their interests, strengths, and ideas. Use quick surveys or class discussions. You can also try an interactive bulletin board with a question like, “What was the most exciting thing you did this summer?” and give students space to share. When students see their voices reflected in the environment, they feel more connected.
3. Students as Behavior Scouts: If your school uses a schoolwide behavior reward system, add a twist by letting students be the “scouts.” Assign roles where students observe and acknowledge peers demonstrating expected behaviors in the hallway, lunchroom, or playground. This not only reinforces positive behavior but also encourages students to notice and celebrate each other.
4. Create a Name Mural: There’s power in seeing your name on the wall. Kick off the year with a community art project—a mural or hallway display that includes every student’s name or identity statement. Whether through handprints, drawings, puzzle pieces or written messages, this activity reinforces the message that every individual matters in your school family.
5. Student-Driven Routines and Roles: Invite students to take on meaningful roles in school routines. They can read morning announcements, run slide shows, emcee assemblies, or even serve as hallway greeters. Giving students a role in the daily life of the school builds ownership and pride. These jobs can rotate so that everyone gets a turn, making inclusion and engagement the standard.
6. Scavenger Hunt to Learn the School: Start the year with a schoolwide scavenger hunt to help students become familiar with key locations like the gym, library, and health room. Staff (including you!) can serve as checkpoints where students collect stamps or stickers. It’s a fun and effective way to make the school feel welcoming and familiar.
7. Acts of Kindness Bingo: Give students a bingo card filled with kind actions like “Invite someone new to play,” “Say thank you to an adult,” or “Hold the door for someone.” This encourages students to take initiative in creating a caring and inclusive school culture.
8. Student Leadership Sign-Ups: Make leadership accessible to all students by offering a variety of sign-up opportunities: front door greeters, assembly tech crew, recycling helpers, recess coaches, library assistants, and school tour guides. Rotate these roles throughout the year to maximize participation. You can also host “Principal’s Council” sessions focused on specific topics like recess, lunchroom culture, or learning environments. These one-time or ongoing groups allow students to share input directly with school leadership.
9. Entry Music Sets the Tone: Start the day with music. Invite students who play instruments to perform at the school entrance during arrival, or rotate a student-curated playlist. It creates a joyful, welcoming tone and highlights talents outside the classroom.

The Principal’s Role

As leaders, our actions set the tone. When we prioritize student engagement and belonging from the start, we build a school culture where students feel known and needed. Every handshake at the door, every chance for student voice, every leadership opportunity we offer tells our students: This is your school, and we’re glad you’re here.

Starting strong doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means creating space for all students to be part of the journey. Let’s lead schools where every child belongs, every voice matters, and every day brings an opportunity to connect and grow.

Cathy Sork is principal of Dorothy Fox Elementary in Camas, Washington.

https://www.naesp.org/resource/9-ways-principals-can-get-students-engaged-from-day-1/