During the week of December 6 through 10, staff members at Marietta Public Schools participated in their annual Reindeer Games, in which paper reindeer cutouts are hidden throughout buildings on campus. On the reindeer are printed instructions that must be completed and documented. Once that step is completed, the staff member receives a reward of some kind.
“People who work in public schools, particularly teachers, are under a lot of stress at the best of times,” said Superintendent Brandi Naylor, “and the past couple of years have been trying ones for all of our staff members. Reindeer games give us a chance improve morale across campus and have a little fun in the process.”
Examples of instructions printed on the reindeer cutouts are things like thank your custodian, show appreciation to a colleague, and hug a cafeteria worker, among many, many others. Reindeers were hidden a handful at a time and were found tucked into door wreaths, tacked onto bulletin boards, and in other, even more out-of-the-way places.
“The Reindeer Games allow those who find a reindeer the opportunity to honor someone else who has made a positive impact in their lives,” Elementary Principal Dana McMillin stated. “Encouraging one another makes everyone happier.”
A recent study found that since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers – whose job was already tough – were more likely to report feeling stressed and burned out than other state and government sector jobs. Eighty-four percent of teachers surveyed said that teaching is harder and more stressful than it was before the pandemic.
Reindeer Games isn’t a permanent fix for the school’s pandemic woes, but it does provide an avenue for staff members to encourage and appreciate one another.
“It’s a great way for our staff to have some light-hearted and pretty competitive fun,” said Primary Principal Ann Rutledge, “while also building camaraderie during this stressful and busy time of the year.”
A great example of a reindeer games task completed and completed well is a post composed by middle and high school vocal music and art teacher Courteney Starsick Anderson about her next-door colleague, band director Eric Gallaway:
“Eric Gallaway, I want you to know how much it means to me to have your friendship and be able to work with you, and to sometimes lean on you. I appreciate all of your help with sound and anything else that comes up in our Fine Arts building. I appreciate your listening ear and how I can always come to you if I ever need anything. Thank you! Thank you for being a good mentor, co-worker and friend.”