Essential Ingredients

Teamwork is crucial for the success of your school. Your staff members probably have some thoughts on what a team needs. Request that they submit “Recipes For An Outstanding Team.” For example, a recipe might incorporate a cup of patience, a tablespoon of reliability and a pinch of humor. Another recipe might mention three cups of energy, two teaspoons of flexibility and a dash of thoughtfulness. Thank each of your employees for his or her contributions to the team with a “Together We Create A Better Tomorrow” 3-Piece Stationery Set.

Gotcha!

Sometimes a little deception can be a good thing. Announce to your teachers that a mandatory training session is being held. But instead of organizing a training session, plan a recognition event. Schedule it for the Friday before Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week as to not arouse suspicion. Get the room ready with the items in the Celebration Pack. When the teachers enter, yell “Surprise!” (Perhaps recruit some volunteers to do this with you.) Hand each guest a “Teachers: Shaping Minds, Touching Hearts” Briefcase Bag.

Sensational Substitutes

Hire a performer who can put the guests of your appreciation dinner in stitches–a comedian. Try to find someone who has a wholesome performance consisting of material about his or her humorous experiences with children. Consider planning the meal just for your school district’s substitute teachers. While these valued people are gathered, give out “Substitute Teachers: There When You Need Us” Dot Gripper Tumblers and “Substitute Teachers: There When You Need Us” Deluxe Lunch Bags along with heartfelt gratitude.

Shining Role Models

Light up your Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week activity. Begin by purchasing votive candles in glass holders, one per employee who will be attending. Use a computer to type up and print out labels that read, “You light the way to our children’s futures.” Stick the labels on the glass holders. Line the walkway or hallway leading to your event with the candles. Light them right before everyone arrives. During the event, distribute either “You’re An Essential Part Of Our School” Key Ring Lights With Gift Boxes or. In addition, invite everyone to take home a candle afterwards.

Randomly Chosen

Call upon local businesses to help you with your gift giving. Decide on an appropriate amount of money and ask the businesses to donate gift cards, all at that same amount. Gather as many cards as you have teachers. Specially mark one with a sticker. Place the cards in a “Teachers: Shaping Minds, Touching Hearts” Mini Tote Bag. At your event, let people reach in the bag and grab a gift card. Allow trading later in case a vegetarian gets a gift card to a steak restaurant, for example. Award the tote bag to the teacher who grabbed the marked card.

Goodies Galore

Assemble a collection of baskets, most likely available at thrift stores. Line the baskets with fabric. Arrange for parent volunteers to bake or buy goodies. Fill the baskets with the goodies, and place one on each secretarial staff member’s desk. Also place baskets on the principal’s, assistant principal’s, and nurse’s desks. Refill the baskets with more goodies throughout your appreciation week. These could include “Thanks For Your Commit-‘mint’ To Our School” Treat Packs and “Thanks For Keeping The Students On The Path To Success” Trail Mix Snack Packs.

Rockin’ Recognition

Produce a thank you that will be music to your staff’s ears. For each staff member, paint a CD to resemble a platinum disk. Label it with “To a #1 hit like you” and place a magnet on the back. Then print certificates that state, “The staff is #1 on our charts at (school name).” Play rock music at your appreciation event. When you hand out the CD magnets and certificates, give “Our Teachers & Staff Rock” Guitar-Shaped Stress Relievers and “Our Teachers & Staff Rock” FM Scan Radios .