We renamed our appreciation event in May to Teachers and Staff Appreciation. The staff is invited to the luncheon just like the teachers. Many of the staff get little goodies from the PTA board members, and of course the teachers are handled by the homeroom parents. We do make sure that there are a few extra goodies items available, with a cuttle note to give to anyone that didn't get a gift item.
It doesn't have to be big, or expensive, just make sure it expresses appreciation and all will be happy.
We're K-5 and we do a something for everyone (nurses, custodians, secretaries, cooks, administration, bus drivers, teachers aids and teachers) during American Education Week, which is Nov 17-23 this year. Teacher Appreciation Week in May is JUST for the teachers.
Our elementary school(700 students) has about 60 staff members and this includes all support people. We have a luncheon during the spring conference week. The teachers love this as this week is quite busy and at least 1 of these days, conferences start at 12:30. This is the day we choose for the luncheon so the teachers do not have to rush out or bring lunch. Also, the custodians are present, as this is a half day of school and they can enjoy lunch, too. Our budget is $150.00 and we purchase subs from the deli with trays of condiments. We send home a note prior, to ask for any donations from parents like paper products, salads, desserts, and drinks. We usually have that special parent that makes all the teachers a personalized "Appreciation" card. This gives the parents who are unable to donate their time an opportunity to help out. We have found that it is a must to have the recipes for all those great salads, etc. available. Any left over paper products or cans of pop are used for the spring carnival.
I agree with everyone that everyone does need appreciation from the teachers to the custodians. They work just as hard to get ready for PTO activities. When we do Teacher appreciation we include everyone total of about 70. During the year I usually give a small token of appreciation to each dept. A homemade pies, gels, hand lotions, small plants, cards, homemade goodies (this is my personal money). Perishable foods go to the custodial staff (evening) we have about 5. When goodies are left in the lounge we make sure that everyone knows (office) that they are for everyone. During adm.asst.week we take care of them as well.
We're a small school so we have "Staff" appreciations instead of just teacher appreciations. We have four lunches a year. We also give the van drivers special Christmas baskets. Because of our living situation our drivers are above and beyond just bus drivers...so they are extremely special to us. Like IMP, I personally do special things for various staff members to make them feel appreciated. For me, it's the principal's secretary. Because she's the most visible person, she tends to be used way too much. About every couple of weeks I come with chocolates or bath gel or some little thing. You can see in her face it makes a difference and she has never hesitated to help me out. After our carnival, we gave all the leftover perishables to our maintenance staff. Don't get me wrong, the teachers are very important, but it's the little people behind the scenes who make the school work!
