Sticky Note Check-In
An easy way to ask your staff how they’re doing.
10–15 min
Four Square Responses
A simple way to ask your staff how they’re doing.
Alissa Christensen
A simple, interactive feedback activity where staff respond to questions by placing stickers or sticky notes on the answer that best represents their experience. It's a quick way to gather honest feedback, spark reflection, and identify trends across your team.
Why try it
Four Square Responses make it easy for every staff member to share their perspective without needing to speak up in a meeting. The visual results help leaders quickly identify patterns, celebrate strengths, and uncover opportunities for growth. Because responses can be anonymous, staff are often more comfortable sharing honest feedback.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Set up the activity
Print and display the included Four Square Response posters around the room. Provide each staff member with stickers, dot markers, or sticky notes to use as their responses.
2
Collect responses
Invite staff to walk around the room and place their sticker or sticky note in the section that best represents their thoughts, experiences, or opinions for each poster.
3
Review the results
Once everyone has responded, take a few minutes to observe the patterns. Which answers received the most responses? What strengths, celebrations, or opportunities for growth stand out?
4
Share takeaways
After the activity, summarize key observations and discuss any next steps. Let staff know what you learned and how their feedback will help guide future decisions.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Utilize the staff meeting
Use the activity as a quick engagement strategy during a staff meeting, professional learning session, or leadership retreat.
Build a feedback gallery
Post the questions in a hallway, lounge, or workroom and leave them up for several days so staff can participate whenever they have time.
Generate team discussions
After reviewing the results, have grade-level teams or departments discuss the patterns they notice and brainstorm possible solutions, next steps, or celebrations together.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Keep it anonymous
Anonymous responses often lead to more honest feedback and higher participation.
Leader Tip #2
Focus the conversation
Choose questions that connect to a current goal, challenge, celebration, or area of growth for your team.
Leader Tip #3
Close the loop
Share what you noticed and how you'll use the feedback. Staff are more likely to participate again when they see their input matters.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
Alpaca Pulse Check-In
Turn insights into action
With just three simple questions, Alpaca's Pulse Check-In helps school leaders listen to their teams and act where support is needed most.
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