Hi Tomsgal! I don't know how much help I can be with the spirit part, but the fundraising is pretty easy. At your level, you just have to have better prizes! The standard pizza and ice cream party just doesn't do as much on the Jr. High level...lol... How about writing to DisneyLand/DisneyWorld or a Six Flags park (or any big theme park close enough for a day trip) and asking for them to donate 2 "Family of 4" admission passes? Your local movie house might be willing to work with you on a "year of free movie passes" or something. Have the students suggest prizes that they would like. Instead of rewarding classes, you reward students. You will probably need about 10 prize places (First, Second, Third, etc.) to make it motivate everyone.
I am on the PTO of a middle school and we are having a hard time coming up with things that catch these kids attention. I would like a way to motivate them to take pride in their school, etc. Fundraising has not been great either. I am beginning to think it is just me!!! Any help would be greatly appreciated.