Okay, at the risk of sounding cynical, have you ever gotten flack for spending PTO money to thank....ourselves?? I know it probably doesn't add up to much, especially when you think of all the manhours the volunteers contribute, but I'm sure there would be someone out there who would gripe if we "took money away from the kids" to thank the parents. Your thoughts?

In appreciation for our "end of year" success, I was able to afford to give my Board Members (all 22 of them) a small wooden plaque engraved with their individual names. The website www.thankscompany.com is also a great place to find inexpensive items and staff appreciation items. You should also check out www.positivepromotions.com I too found it difficult to take the "pat on the back" when our success was a TEAM EFFORT!
So no one got left out
PTO President

I was very fortunate to work with a women who showed me how far a little thank you can go. She was my vice one year and secretary another. She knew I worked very hard and recognized that, ever so quietly. She would show up where I work with a milkshake from McDonalds, stick a chocolate candy bar in the school mailbox, write thank you notes and always, always praise me in some way when we would see each other. By far and away the most sincere, caring individual I have ever met and even though I am not the type who expects appreciation, (boy would I be starved. HAHA) she always made me feel like I was making a difference. I will always be grateful for the impact she has had on me, and I am such a better "thankful" person for knowing her. You cannot say thank you enough!

Without sounding too negative, the previous president was rather critical of the members and the staff. She was also rather controlling as well. In September when the board sat down to work on the budget, I let them know that most of the line items were flexible and could be reshaped as needed which we did. I had people tell me they appreciated the collaboration. I try to let the chairpeople do their jobs and only help or give advise when asked. When I see someone doing something great or positive I acknowledge it at the next meeting. I have also sent thank you notes to all the chairpeople. In April for volunteer apprecaiton I gave everyone in attendance a little bubble bath, read a volunteer poem and expressed my appreciation. In the May meeting I expressed appreciation to the leaders-chairperople, fellow officers, principal and teacher liaison. When the teachers turned out in droves for the literacy night, I wrote a thank you note, which was read at the next staff meeting. I also re-established a teacher liaison. She comes to all the PTA meetings and reports back to the staff meeting all the highlights. Hopefully I have shown respect and appreciation to all these wonderful people. I also have tried to show that this is not"my" PTA or "my" budget, it is the members, and also our purpose is to benefit the kids. Although most of the teachers still do not come to the meetings, they are supportive of us. I have had them say thank you to me and congratulations on being elected for another term.

The sites you posted are great! Thanks! What were some of the things you did this past year to boost morale?

OK, I know that volunteer appreciation week is over with, but I found some really cool sites on volunteer recognitions. I plan to use the "spirit kit" ideas in the fall for next year's chairpersons. Please check out www.ianr.unl.edu/ianr/4h/volun/packet.htm also check out www.energizeinc.com go to recognition I have really tried hard to honor the many volunteers at our school this year, and it has paid off. Morale is very high among the teachers and parents.