Episode Summary

In this episode, I talk about homecoming week and why teachers joining in the fun and showing school spirit truly matters. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share how participation helps build connection, belonging, and positive school culture that supports learning all year long.

I share gratitude for the changing colors of autumn, watching my two oldest children prepare for their homecoming dance, and seeing my oldest son wrap up his fall baseball season. These moments remind me how important it is to slow down, be present, and appreciate meaningful experiences as they happen.

I connect these experiences to teaching by explaining how homecoming participation allows teachers to step into students’ world instead of observing from the outside. Dressing up, cheering, and celebrating alongside students models joy, strengthens relationships, and shows kids that school can be a place of shared excitement and pride.

I close by encouraging educators to see homecoming week as more than a disruption to learning. When teachers participate, they help create the culture they want to see. Connection fuels learning, and small acts of participation can leave a lasting impact on students.

Show Notes

• Gratitude for the changing colors of autumn and the reminder to slow down and notice beauty.

• Gratitude for watching children prepare for their homecoming dance and celebrating proud parent moments.

• Gratitude for watching a son finish his fall baseball season and being present in meaningful moments.

• Explanation of how teacher participation during homecoming builds student connection.

• Discussion of how joining spirit days models joy and belonging for students.

• Reflection on how small acts of participation strengthen positive school culture.

• Personal story about participating in a homecoming parade with fifth graders.

• Reminder that connection fuels learning and lasts beyond homecoming week.

Key Takeaways

• Teacher participation during homecoming builds stronger connections with students.

• Modeling joy and belonging helps students feel seen and valued.

• Small acts of school spirit can have a big impact on school culture.

• Being present during celebrations strengthens trust and relationships.

• When teachers join in, connection fuels learning throughout the year.