UTRUST
APPRECIATION PROGRAM
The Utrust Appreciation Program consists of two parts: Appreciation Days and Culture Quests. Through eight Appreciation Days and nine simple Culture Quests, students and staff recognize the people who serve them, express gratitude, and contribute to a more positive school environment. These activities are not distractions from teaching and learning. They help create the respectful, encouraging culture in which teaching and learning are more likely to thrive.
The Utrust Appreciation Program is not as an additional activity, but a practical way to strengthen the culture that makes every other school priority easier to accomplish.
“Educating the mind without educating the
heart is no education at all.”
Aristotle
UTRUST
APPRECIATION DAYS
The Utrust Appreciation Days aims to cultivate in students the essential skill of recognizing and expressing appreciation to school staff for things they do for them each day. The program enhances morale, fosters better relationships, boosts attendance and performance and encourages collaboration, ultimately, enriching the overall educational experience for everyone involved.
This program is led by a student leadership team (A-Team) to facilitate celebration of staff members on eight different appreciation days.
Key Dates
- 6/15 Themes Announced
- 7/1 Packets Available
- 7/15 Culture Grants Open
- 7/15 Appreciation Grants Open
- 8/31 Culture Grants Due
- 8/31 Appreciation Grants Due
- 11/1 Mini Grants Open
- 11/14 Member Dinner
8 Appreciation Days
- Bus Driver Day – September
- Custodian Day – October
- Superintendent Day – November
- Food Service Day – January
- Principal Day – February
- Special Area Teacher Day – March
- Support Staff Day – April
- Teacher Day – May
UTRUST
Culture Quests
Creating a culture of appreciation requires intentional effort from the entire school community. When everyone understands their responsibility and actively participates in changing the culture, the result is a school where mutual support and pride are evident among staff, students, parents, and the broader community.
“Participation grew as students saw that their involvement mattered. The steady emphasis on encouragement helped create stronger connections across our campus. It made school spirit feel authentic rather than forced.”
Riverside High School
WHAT ARE CULTURE QUESTS?
Overview of Culture Quests
Cultures Questss seeks to foster a nurturing, family-like atmosphere characterized by friendship, inclusion, cooperation, kindness, respect, and mutual appreciation within each school.
Goals of Culture Quests
Culture Quests aim to build on Utrust Appreciation Days by participation in monthly culture building throughout the school year by:
- Challenging students to express gratitude to staff, peers, and parents
- Urging staff to appreciate students and colleagues
- Encouraging parents to appreciate the efforts of their children and school staff
- Inviting community organizations to acknowledge and value students and school staff
4 Pillars of The Culture Quests
- Staff Involvement. Staff members participate in the Monthly Culture Quests.
- Student Involvement. Students participate in the Monthy Culture Quests.
- Community Involvement. Selected community organizations are invited to support and participate in culture building activities for the school community.
- Parent Involvement. Parents are urged to model appreciation and encourage their child to be inclusive and appreciative and to recognize that every person has value.
“The Culture Quests helped students see that their actions shape the atmosphere of our school. As involvement grew, so did ownership. That sense of responsibility changed how people interacted day to day.”
South Greene High School
REQUIREMENTS
Staff Involvement
Staff members participate in the Monthly Culture Quests.
Student Involvement
Students participate in the Monthly Culture Quests.
Community Involvement
Selected community organizations are invited to support and participate in culture building activities for the school community.
Parent Involvement
Parents are urged to model appreciation and encourage their child to be inclusive and appreciative and to recognize that every person has value.
Other Requirements
Participate in the Utrust Appreciation Days
Applied for an Appreciation Day Grant
Have a G-Force & Adviser
Participate in all monthly Culture Quests.
The school completes a brief survey at the end of each semester regarding the success of the program.
Principal, School Coordinator, A-Team Advisers and G-Force Advisers must complete certification through Utrust University.
Post at least 1 photo and a summary of the Culture Quests each month on the Utrust Awards & Eligibility App.
Funds are used for a purpose that fosters a culture of appreciation.
HOW TO GET STARTED
1
STEP 1: Apply for a Utrust Appreciation Day Grant between July 15-August 31 after completing all required courses in Utrust University.Apply Here!
2
STEP 2: Complete the Culture Grant application between July 15 and August 31 after completing all required courses in Utrust University for both the Appreciation Program and Culture Initiative. Apply Here!