I like those ideas, especially the fire one, with what me being a pyromancer and all, but nonetheless, I like them all, keep up the good work my friend. 8)
I agree that a school-specific animation like you describe would add a lot of character to the game. Good suggestions!
Right now just having them appear out of literally nothing has two problems:
1) When the summon fails, because a fourth person stepped into the circle, it will tell everyone what happened, without you having to do so :) :) 2) It IS just boring how it is now.