Name on the sign in front of the school orin the local paper... also maybe a free massage from the local massage therapist..

For a specific volunteer that has gone above and beyond, check with your school district and see if they hold a monthly "volunteer of the month". Ours does and one simply nominates an outstanding volunteer and the "paperwork" goes before a committee who decides among all those nominated. The chosen one gets a huge amount of recognition.

I also think having a "volunteer of the month" at your school is a great idea. Highlight someone each month. You just might get more of those "going above and beyond" step out and do more.

And lastly, absolutely...every volunteer needs to be recognized if they've done one thing or a hundred things. Our school staff (principal and office staff) has a huge volunteer recognition event at the end of each school year. Every single person who volunteered throughout the year is invited. There is a reception with food donated by the staff (teachers, etc.), we are presented with certificates and a gift. I believe this should come from the school because it is for them that we are volunteering.

I second buckso. Many people might be overlooked. Better to do a lunch or brkfst or coffee and recongize ALL volunteers with the invite, even if they chose not to attend. That way theres no chance of favoritism being perceived, rightly or wrongly so, which would further the clique image many seem to be trying to get rid of.

I like the idea, but my fear would be that not everybody who does a lot of work is visable. Would that start to create hard feelings with some who works hard but might get overlooked?

Some folks here do a "volunteer of the month spotlight" and that gets a lot of nice recognition out there. We do a Bobcat Sound Off in our newsletter to recognize those folks that have gone above and beyond (you can view the newsletters at brentpto.com).
We also receive a volunteer breakfast in the springtime from the teachers and I personally hand out a gift that I've purchased to the folks that I know have made a great impact. Sets me back 100 bucks but it is worth it!!! d

We have a parent that has been an outstanding volunteer. he has spent TONS of hours helping us. Does anyone have any good suggestions for recoginizing volunteers that go above and beyond.