TGIF Reflection
A simple end-of-week reflection that helps staff reflect on positive moments.
5–10 min
Sticky Note Check-In
An easy way to ask your staff how they’re doing.
Alissa Christensen
A quick and easy way to gather staff feedback, celebrate successes, and uncover opportunities for support. In just a few minutes, you'll hear more voices, spot patterns, and strengthen trust across your team.
Why try it
Sometimes the best feedback comes from the simplest questions. Sticky Note Check-Ins create a low-pressure way for every staff member to share ideas, concerns, celebrations, and reflections. The activity is easy to facilitate, encourages participation from everyone, and helps leaders identify themes they may otherwise miss.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Things you'll need
Sticky notes
Pens or markers
Chart paper, whiteboard, bulletin board, or wall space
Instructions
1
Choose a printable
Select one of the included Sticky Note Check-In printables that best fits your goal. Whether you're looking to gather feedback, celebrate successes, check in on staff well-being, or spark reflection, each printable includes a ready-to-use prompt designed to make participation quick and easy.
2
Collect responses
Give each staff member a sticky note and a few minutes to respond. Staff can place notes under the posted prompt, add them to a bulletin board, or submit them anonymously in a basket or envelope.
3
Review the themes
After the activity, look for common patterns, celebrations, questions, and areas where staff may need additional support. Consider grouping similar responses together to make themes easier to identify.
4
Share what you learned
Close the feedback loop by sharing key takeaways with your team and identifying one or two actions you'll take based on the feedback. Even small follow-through builds trust and shows staff their voices matter.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Culture check
Use a prompt that helps staff reflect on school culture and discuss common themes as a team.
Color-coded responses
Use different colored sticky notes for celebrations, concerns, ideas, or questions to quickly organize feedback.
Ongoing board
Keep a Sticky Note Check-In board available throughout the year where staff can continuously share ideas, celebrations, and needs.
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
Start positive
Begin with a celebration or reflection prompt before moving into feedback-focused questions.
Leader Tip #3
Follow through
Share themes and next steps so staff know their feedback was heard and valued.
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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