Last year our PTC planned events for everyday during TAW. We referred to it as "Staff Appreciation Week" so that we included all staff members.
Monday-In the staff lounge we had an assortment of coffees, teas, cocoas, sweeteners, creamers, and homemade goodies volunteers sent in. In everyone's mailbox they also received a "survival kit" with a card attached thanking them for the wonderful work they do.
Tuesday-Each teacher received a gift bag with hand lotion, calculator, magnet, lifesaver (imprinted with you're appreciated), a button (imprinted with the same), other small items, and a coupon for free muffin and coffee at a local business. All other Staff received the same coupon in their mailboxes along with the "I'm Appreciated" button.
Wednesday-Every staff member received a homemade chocolate lollipop with a poem attached. “Working with children is a rewarding, but challenging feat. And everyday, that challenge you do meet. You are patient, kind, and sweet, And for that, you deserve a special treat.†During morning announcements we read the names of winners of our raffle and they prizes they had won. (All prizes were donated by local businesses and parents and valued between $20 and $25) We have about 65 staff and were able to award 38 prizes with the raffle.
Thursday-A local greenhouse donated a plant for each staff member that we displayed at the entrance to the school for arrival in the morning. We attached this poem with cardstock and a Popsicle stick. “May this flower remind you of just how many seedlings you have nourished and helped to blossom.â€
Friday-We held a staff breakfast before school. All items were donated by parents; we had juice, homemade breads, muffins, Danish, fresh fruit, etc. We placed tablecloths on the tables and had nice centerpieces that we later gave away as prizes. We had a huge basket full of free books leftover from Book Fair events. Teachers were allowed to help themselves to whatever they wanted out of the basket.
We also hung a poster we purchased thanking every staff for their commitment and hard work, we made a huge banner saying something to the effect of our staff being the best “hands down†that the kids had traced their hands on (and written their names inside) the week before, our fundraising representative donated mini candy bars for us to place in the staff lounge, so we refilled a basket everyday, and parents that wanted to brought something homemade each day of the week to place in the lounge as well. (I for one made chocolate spoons [img]smile.gif[/img] Which were a huge hit!)
This year we are looking for all new ideas and I have found it helpful to searches online. I type in “Teacher Appreciation Ideas†and find tons of ideas.
All this was done for approx 65 staff members, our school has about 360 students. We had a committee of about 5 or 6 from the PTC and it was a lot of work, but tons of fun, and so well received!!!!
