This is my first year as Parents' Group President and what I have choosen to do for our staff is to get a small basket and do a survival kit for them. The kit idea came from someone on the WONDERFUL and HELPFUL site.
A stick of GUM to remind you to STICK with it!
A SMARTIE to help you on those days when you SMARTIES don't feel so
smart!!!
A STARBURST to give you a burst of energy on the days you don't have
any!!!
A HERSEY HUG because sometimes you just need one.
A HERSEY KISS to remind you that you are loved.
A SNICKERS because sometimes you just have to laugh.
An extra ‘EYEBALL’ because sometimes you need one in the back of your
head.
An extra PAYDAY because everyone could use an extra one of those.
A TOOTSIE ROLL l to remind you not to bite off more than you can chew.
A $100 GRAND because you deserve it.
A LIFE SAVER because you truly are.
A MILKY WAY because you are one of the brightest stars in the galaxy.
An ALMOND JOY because sometimes you feel like a nut.
A MOUNDS because sometimes you don’t.
A few REESES PIECES because sometimes you just need a little peace.
A PROMISE that you can break.
A BABY RUTH because sometimes you just want to run home.
A MARS because you’re out of this world.
A bit of confetti tossed in too, just to help remind you to have fun!
A TEACHER'S SURVIVAL KIT
Band-Aid- to heal hurt feelings, your and theirs.
Rubber Band- so you'll always stay flexible.
Marbles- to replace the ones you've lost.
Mint- to remind you that you are worth a "mint".
Penny- so you'll never be broke.
Paperclip- to hold your busy life together.
Cotton (ball)- for when you can't hear yourself think.
Crayon- to color your day bright and cheerful.
Jewel (sequin, etc.)- to remind you that you are as valuable as any
precious stone!
Teacher's Survival Kit (another version)
A COTTON BALL for when you can't hear yourself think,
A ROPE, in case you get to the end of yours,
A PUZZLE PIECE to remind you that you are an important piece in the
journey of each child's life,
A RUBBER BAND to stretch yourself beyond your limits
A SWEET AND SOUR CANDY to remind you that every child is different
A TOOTSIE ROLL to remind you to roll with the punches
A MINT to remind you that your job is worth a "mint" and
A BALLOON for when you need to blow up.
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note: be creative, mix and match a few from the kits that are in these different forms - you are only limited by your own limits - so have fun!
how much planning goes into a back to school night? Do you sell school supplies during the event? Has anyone tried? how much, if any, do you charge people?
AT our school we bring in muffins and pastries, coffie and juice. We have our parent volunteer come in and help the teacher and staff set up the classroom's. We do this for two reason, the first is to let's the staff know that we are there to support them....(so they will also be there to support us) the second reason is to get to know new staff member to make them feel welcome and to show them the team work the parents and teachers try to have at our school
We hold a Back to School BBQ and it's usually at least a week after school begins. Our PTO group serves brisket, salad and drinks and we ask each family to bring a dessert. We hold it at the school and the entire school community is invited. During this, we have a PTO Membership table set up. We sell our PE uniforms. We also have tables set up with information about various groups, merchants, etc in the area. We have an area where the directory information is set up so parents can check the info before we do our final print. And so on. We started this last year and it was a HUGE HIT! A great way for families to meet other families and for the PTO to get some exposure!
Our Family Resource Center and others hold a "Back to School Bash" for the whole county. The schools, local businesses, and area organizations set up informative booths. Most people give away folders, pencils, keychains, helium ballons. Last year I won a Mary Kay facial. The schools have everything needed for registering new students. The FRC gets donations for give aways. Anything from back packs to crayons and t-shirts. The health deptartment is there to give immunizations, concessions are sold, and the 4-H club has pony rides and a small petting farm. My kids love it. Yesterday was our last day of school and they are already wanting to know when this event is going to be.
At our school we have an open house a couple of weeks before school starts. Our principal spans it out some. K-1 one day, 2-3 the next, and 4-5 the next. It goes much smoother this way. She wanted like this so she would have more time to talk to the parents and answer questions. The PTO serves refreshments. Last year I held sign ups for PTO and our volunteer program. It made our first meeting a little and less confusing since everyone wasn't trying to pay their dues at once.
Does anyone have any back to school ideas that you would like to share? Like doing things for the teachers, staff, students, and parents. I would like some ideas. Thanks
