I posted this same idea under "student death" thread.
Have families donate a book to your school's library in honor of the deceased teacher.
Work with your librarians and get a "wish list" of what is needed in your school library, then contact a local book store to see if they will maintain a list.
If parents do not want to shop, they can call the book store directly with a credit card.
Ask if the school librarians would put a book plate (a sticker inside the book) commemorating the reason for the book donation.
"this book was donated in memory of School Teacher [insert name] - 2002".
Don't forget to report on how many books were donated in your school newsletter.
I know this is a very hard issue for the children. At our school in the course of my son's 6 yrs of school. They have lost 4 teachers & 9-11. The PTO started a brick walk and garden when the first two teachers passed away. Since then there have been more pass away and a ingraved large brick is added for the teacher. This can also be a money maker for the school. The students at our school have opted to buy bricks and have their name or family name put on them. The last teacher that passed the teachers bought a lilac tree/bush. I guess it was her favorite and had it planted at the school.
It's a great tribute to the teacher and helps the kids deal with it. God Bless You!
Plant a tree or bush in their memory. The next big project your group does, attach a small plaque or placard dedicating it to the memory of the teacher (i.e. dedicate the new computer lab, nature trail or playground to the memory the teacher).
I like the tree/bush idea because it can be done time after time, for teachers, staff, students, alumni, etc. And it puts no greater importance on any one person (I know it's tacky to put it this way but, Mr. Johnson died and got a computer lab named after him while when Mr. Smith passed, he got the new lunch trays dedicated to him... well, you know what I mean). You can put a small metal plaque at the foot of each tree/bush. Be sure that whatever tree/bush you pick, that it can survive the summer vacation with minimal care.
Over the Christmas Vacation our Special Education Teacher was killed in a car accident. As the PTO we are wanting to encourage the Staff and students. School starts on Monday and we would really like to do something special. Any ideas????
