This award recognizes a school that intentionally launches the school year by creating a welcoming, engaging, and inclusive culture for students and staff.
It celebrates schools that thoughtfully plan a meaningful fall kickoff, unite their community around a shared vision or theme, and build momentum that extends well beyond the first weeks of school.
Strong applications will demonstrate authentic collaboration between students and adults, intentional planning, and evidence that the kickoff is part of a larger effort to foster a positive school culture throughout the year.
This award looks to:
- Create an engaging and meaningful kickoff that establishes a positive tone for the school year.
- Use a purposeful theme, vision, or message that helps unite the school community.
- Demonstrate intentional planning and meaningful collaboration between students and adults.
- Show how the kickoff supports an inclusive, welcoming, and positive school culture throughout the year.
- Provide evidence of the impact the kickoff has on students, staff, and the overall school community.
Questions? Contact AWSL Director, James Layman (james@awsleaders.org)
Applications are due: Friday, September 25, 2026!