We are a new PTO, less than 6 months old. Our school has traditionally celebrated Teacher Appreciation Day on May 15 which is the Mexican/Latino day (we are almost 100% hispanic community), however the luncheon held is open to all staff. Parents coordinate this by donating dishes and creating a "buffet" of homemade meals. This year we are celebrating the official National Teacher Appreciation Week/Day for the first time. Through our school newsletter we have asked parents to send in small gifts during that week (homemade meal/special dessert, small bouquet of flowers, small ($5) gift card ex: Starbucks). For the official Teacher Appreciation Day on May 6th, our PTO decided to host a catered breakfast, something with an extra special touch. Teachers have been given envelope sealed invitations to this. This will be a total surprise as this has never been done in the past. We felt they deserve a little more in light of the more and more demanding job they have and is a way to reach out to them to build a stronger relationship (lacking at our school). The staff bulletin will post this announcement and worded in a way that other staff members will know it is only for teachers. The luncheon annually held on May 15 will continue, but it will be from parents and will continute to be open to all staff. It is true teachers do go above and beyond and it is true school could not function without the other staff member contributions. I am thinking of doing a Staff only breakfast or luncheon in the fall for the new school year, this way both groups get their own special day. But since Teacher's Appreciation Day is next week, theirs will come first.
I have to agree with the boards here-- We call ours staff appreciation as well-- and include almost everyone- It does get costly though-- we are looking at cutting this back a bit, but still showing them how much we care about them.
Good luck!
gifford;90204 wrote: This is a repost, so if you responded to this subject previously know that I did not receive your response, so please feel free to re answer my question......
Our PTO is going to soon celebrate teacher appreciation week and have strong feelings it is just that....National Teachers Appreciation Week. Not staff appreceation week which is what many staffers and even our principal think it should be. We are not elitist, but recognize the extra hours and dedication teachers put in for the betterment of all students. My question is how do we pull this off without looking like we are elitist to the rest of the staff (Aides, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, janitors, librarian, ect....secretaries, nurse,...the ground hogs who live on campus.......)who punch their mental time card and are out the door at 3:00 and don't give another thought to the kids. Our teachers go way above and beyond and we want to recognize that on THEIR day (week). It seems to us it waters down their celebration don't you think? How can we do this just for the teachers??
I personaly can not believe you think other staff should not be recognized. Other staff does not clock out at 3. At my school the secretaries are here way before and after most teachers. The cooks are here at the crack of dawn if not before. All bus drivers are her before dawn and drive until all teachers have gone home. The teachers that do stay late are paid for it. I by no means wish to put teachers down but ask you to look into what exactly all the support staff does and the hours they put in.
Out here in Denver it is Staff Appreciation Week because that is what our Principal AND teachers wanted. Our paras and classified staff do just as much if not more. We even include the "lunch ladies" and janitors! They love it! I know it's Teacher Appreciation Week on the calendar but how can you not thank EVERYONE that touches your child's life? (Especially the ones that feed, clean-up,and comfort your little one when sick.) Food for thought. As far as cost, we have 300 dollars in our budget and have been able to keep it simple but really nice for everyone.
In regards to teacher appreciaton week. In our school it has turned to staff appreciation. We do everyone in the elementary (were we are based) middle and high school, cafeteria, bus drivers, etc. What we have done the last few years is to buy the monthly calendars in book style that can be carried to meetings etc. We have gotten great response from everyone. Especially teachers as this helps them in planning their year.
I agree with the above responses. All staff should be included. At our school, the principal insists on any staff member from kitchen-janitors, aides, bus drivers etc...Yes you have some staff that is punching a time clock and some teachers waiting for retirement. You need to look at the whole picture.
