On Tuesday, January 20, Sage Elementary School transformed into a full-scale circus as students and staff celebrated Rock Your School, a nationwide initiative designed to reimagine learning through creativity, engagement, and joy.
The day began with a grand entrance fit for the big top. Principal Jessica Harris, serving as the school’s “ringmaster,” led a lively parade around the school grounds—riding a scooter and followed by teachers and staff dressed as clowns, mimes, and circus concession workers. Some rode bikes, others carried balloons, all helping to set the tone for a day where learning would look—and feel—different.
Once inside “the ring,” under the “big top,” students were officially welcomed to the circus and reminded of the day’s central message: don’t be afraid to try. Throughout the day, students were encouraged to take risks, show what they know, and engage deeply with learning in ways that felt exciting and memorable.
Sage Elementary’s Rock Your School experience is inspired by Get Your Teach On, a professional development community for Pre-K–12 educators that emphasizes research-based instructional strategies, creativity, and student engagement. According to the organization, Rock Your School encourages educators to create meaningful learning experiences by doing something different—big or small—to celebrate students and learning.
“This is our third year hosting Rock Your School,” said Harris. “The first two years, each classroom chose its own transformation—camping, dinosaurs, Toy Story—while the office stuck with a rock theme. This year, I wanted to create even more magic with a school-wide theme, and every single staff member was on board.”
Harris, who has attended multiple Get Your Teach On conferences with Sage Elementary staff since 2020, said the experience has had a lasting impact on teaching practices at the school.
“At the conference, teachers see in-person classroom transformations and how engagement can reach its highest peak,” Harris said. “They encourage you to take something you may not be thrilled about teaching and transform it. When you do that, both you and your students love learning—and that’s the goal: building a true love for learning.”
Every hallway and classroom at Sage Elementary reflected the circus theme, with decorations, props, and immersive learning environments carefully designed by staff. While the visuals were impressive, Harris emphasized that the focus remained on instruction.
The experience was made possible through Sage Elementary’s school fundraising efforts, including their annual color run, which supports enrichment activities for students throughout the year.
“Learning was still happening all day—it was just enhanced and made magical. Our students now look forward to this day every year, and that excitement carries into their learning.”
Sage Elementary’s Rock Your School celebration highlights how creativity, collaboration, and intentional instructional design can turn an ordinary school day into an unforgettable learning experience.
