The second semester will be starting off with some pep because spirit week begins the first day of the second semester.

“It is an easy, low commitment way to get involved and show your school spirit,” said Director of Student Activities and the Student Success Center, Nichole Boyd.

Spirit week is a tradition that leads up to pep rallies, which also increase school spirit.

“It is a themed week that promotes school spirit where everybody can get involved and get excited about the activities, the pep rally, and the sports contest,” said Boyd.  “Whether it be the homecoming football game, the winter basketball game against New Trier, or the spring pep rally that celebrates clubs and activities in addition to spring sports, there is something for everyone.”

This year, the themes are Tie-Dye Tuesday, Pajama Wednesday, Ugly Sweater Thursday, and Orange and Blue Friday.

“I think Pajama Day is the best part of spirit week because, why would wearing pajamas to school ever be a bad idea?” said Claire Wootton, sophomore.

Student council picks the theme the previous school year through a vote.

“Student Council brainstorms ideas, put them on a wall, research ideas, and hash it out in the spring for the next year,” added Boyd.

The spirit days are printed on the school calendar to inform students well in advanced how they can show school spirit.

“The Student Activities Dept. is an office of two people, and I really wish that school spirit wasn’t solely the responsibility of the Student Activities Dept. and the Athletic Dept.,” said Boyd.

School spirit is not limited to only Spirit Week. Every Friday is traditionally an Orange and Blue Spirit Day.

“It is a tradition for staff to wear orange and blue on Fridays,” added Boyd.  “Fridays are the one day where we get to dress down and the staff loves to get involved.”

“The fall pep rally is the most heavily attended and I would love to see more students at the winter and spring pep rallies,” said Boyd.