Pin Oak Middle School has become a creative canvas as teachers unleash their a-door-able decorations, aiming for the top spot in the annual contest

Beyond the contest, door decorating serves a deeper purpose. It’s a tradition that showcases teachers’ personality, creativity and spreads holiday cheer.

For Ms. Frisch, the Spanish teacher at Pin Oak, the process of decorating her door is a way to express her enthusiasm for the holiday season. Her door features a nutcracker saying ‘Nuts about learning Espanol’ and Frisch says, in a nutshell, “it gets to the point.“

Ms. Castillo, who teaches art, sees the door decorating contest as an opportunity to bring happiness to the school environment. Ms. Castillo loves these types of activities, knowing they help bring a positive school experience.

“I think it makes people feel more joyful and festive and it creates a positive culture in the school,” Castillo said.

Decorating doors impacts Frisch’s mindset during the holiday season. It makes her happier and ready to celebrate the holidays.The festive decorations lift her spirits and help her embrace the holiday season.

“It boosts the mood to celebrate. It brings a smile to my face and in my heart,” Frisch said.

The holiday-themed doors don’t just uplift teachers—they can also enhance students’ morale. According to an article by Integrative Psych titled “Unlocking the Psychological Secrets of Early vs. Late Christmas Decorating: A Comprehensive Guide,” festivals greatly impact mental health in positive ways. The article states, “They offer opportunities for social connection, fostering a sense of community and belonging that can enhance well-being. Celebrations often bring joy, excitement, and a break from routine, which can uplift mood and reduce stress.”

Students, such as 6th grader Paula Nino, also feel the positive effects of this tradition. Paula used to be unsure about Ms.Ichara ,the 6th grade A house science teacher, feeling as though Ichara was intimidating .But now she’s felt a change of heart.

“Seeing that Mrs. Ichara decorated her door made me realize that Ms. Ichara is kinder than she first seemed,” Nino said.

7th grader Savannah Law said, “Whenever teachers have their doors decorated, it lets me know that the teacher participates in school events and can apply their creativity in the classroom,” These reflections highlight how this festive practice brings everyone closer together.

Castillo thinks that the contest brings her and her students together in a fun guessing game.

“I wanted it to be a surprise when it was gonna be, I did the decorating behind the scenes when they weren’t around. And so I put out just parts of it at a time and then they kind of had fun guessing what it was gonna be.” Castillo says.”They kept coming up with different things like, I think it’s gonna be a chocolate, I think it’s gonna be about the hot cocoa theme, that was fun. It was like every day they were seeing a new piece of it.”

As the contest wraps up at Pin Oak Middle School, the halls are lined with colorful and fun door decorations created by some students and teachers. With the decorations now complete and gift cards awarded, the contest comes to a close as Pin Oak transitions into winter break.