Teacher Idea Guide

Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week

2011-12-08T10:23:00.001-08:00

Assign a different color to each day of Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, and ask your employees to wear clothes that follow this color code. Daily, hold a prize drawing for the people who are dressed in the right color. Have the prizes match each day’s color. For example, choose red for Monday and give away “We Build The Future One Child At A Time” Red Multi Pocket Tote Bags. Pick blue for Tuesday and give away Stainless Steel Water Bottle With Carabiner.

Appreciation luncheon

2011-12-08T10:20:00.001-08:00

Add elegance to your appreciation luncheon. Hire a professional pianist to play for the event. Put a “We Build The Future One Child At A Time” Flashlight, Key Ring & Pen Gift Set at each place setting. Set out a vase of roses from which everyone can choose a blossom. Then serve your teachers and staff sparkling cider and cheese as they mingle at the start of the luncheon.

2011-12-08T10:18:00.001-08:00

Arrange a special outing for your teachers and staff. Plan it for either after school or in the evening. Consider taking them bowling or to a baseball game. Use a school bus to transport everyone so people can socialize on the way there. At the event, distribute We Build The Future One Child At A Time Cell Phone Pouch/Wallet as their gift.

Everyone is paying attention

2011-12-08T10:16:00.001-08:00

Use a “What do you see?” contest to test how much everyone is paying attention to details.
Take close-up photos of various objects around your school and post them on a bulletin board.
Have your teachers and staff members write down what they think the objects are. Award “We Build The Future One Child At A Time” Desktop Caddy to the people with the most correct answers.

Teachers grow real bouquets

2011-12-08T10:07:00.001-08:00

Create “hand bouquets” for your appreciation luncheon. Have students each trace one of their hands on construction paper and write their names on them. Cut out the hands and staple each one to a green pipe cleaner. Fill vases with them and use as centerpieces. Help your teachers grow real bouquets by presenting them with “Thanks For Planting The Seeds Of Knowledge” Plant-AShape Bookmarks.

Tasteful jokes and funny work-related stories

2011-12-08T09:59:00.001-08:00

Begin each day of Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week with a little humor. Research teaching jokes on the Internet, and distribute one to your teachers every morning. Encourage them to share their own tasteful jokes and funny work-related stories. Offer a gift to those who do, such as a “Thanks For Helping Our School Gel” Pen.

Reward a teacher or staff member

2011-12-08T09:45:00.001-08:00

Choose a character trait to focus on each day of Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week. For
example, on Monday seek out cheerfulness, on Tuesday be on the lookout for commitment to excellence, and so forth. Don’t announce what you’ve chosen ahead of time. Use the items from the Mailbox Gift-A-Day Pack to reward a teacher or staff member at the end of each day for showing the daily character trait.

Celebrate Children’s Book Week

2011-05-05T08:17:00.000-07:00

Children's Book Week is the national celebration of books and reading for youth. Since 1919, Children's Book Week has been celebrated countrywide with author & illustrator appearances, parties, storytelling, and other book-related events in schools, libraries, bookstores, clubs -- anywhere where kids and books connect.
Here are 10 simple ways to help find books that children will want to read:

1. Involve your child/student in the process – ask about books they already like, then find similar ones.
2. Talk to other students/children/piers to see what books they enjoy. Also suggest your favorites from childhood
3. Research popular books for each child’s age group. Ask a librarian or teacher if you need assistance.
4. Help children find books related to their interests or hobbies.
5. Try books with silly titles or fun illustrations, especially for younger children, such as Captain Underpants or Where the Wild Things Are.
6. Recommend stories with fast-paced plots that keep children’s attention, such as mysteries and scary stories.
7. Look for books about famous people your children admire.
8. For a reluctant reader, choose books a level or two below the child’s grade to make reading easier.
9. Have your children read the book before or after watching its movie version.
10. Tie reading to fun family activities. For example, if you’re going to the zoo, suggest books about animals you might see.

Bike Safety Tips For Kids

2011-04-28T09:04:00.000-07:00

Biking is a great activity for kids; which is both fun and healthy. Unfortunately biking can also be dangerous without proper training and gear. The Nemours Foundation states that about 300,000 kids end up in emergency rooms each year due to bike accidents and according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration more children ages 5 to 14 visit the emergency room for injuries due to bike riding than any other sport. To reduce these accidents it is important that you teach kids the importance of bicycle safety. Here is a list of some essential bike safety rules that you should discuss with children before they hop on their bike.

1. Always wear a helmet. The helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment for bike riders. Make sure the helmet fits properly; it should feel snugly on your head and rest securely on your forehead. The straps should always be fastened.

2. Check your bike before you ride. Make sure everything is working properly, check brakes, chains, tires, seat, ect.

3. Make sure the bike is the right size for you; if you don’t feel comfortable on the bike you shouldn’t be riding it.

4. Make Sure you wear the proper clothing, loose pants can get caught in the chain or wheel.

5. When riding in a group always ride single file especially on roads.

6. Always ride on the right side of the road whenever possible.

7. Always be alert to your surroundings watch for cars pulling out of alleys and driveways.

8. Use a basket to carry things, but make sure not to overload it

9. Don’t give rides to friends, especially on the handlebars.

10. Ride slowly through gravel and sand or even get off your bike and walk through hard to ride areas.

11. Don’t ride after dark.

12. Walk your bike in the crosswalk at busy intersections.

13. Know the proper signals for stopping and turning.

14. Follow all traffic signs. Bikes have to follow the same rules as cars.

Positive Promotions’ 2010 Teacher Of The Year Winners

2011-03-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

East Region First Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

Leslie Roser at Flintstone Elementary in Flintstone, Maryland

Under the leadership of fourth-grade language arts and math teacher Leslie Roser, the school implemented four days of hands-on science activities. Leslie also serves as chair for the School Improvement Plan, holds group lunches with her students, uses her planning time to assist children, and shares knowledge with staff members. Principal Sharon Morgan, who nominated her, said, “All children in Leslie’s classroom know they have a teacher, counselor, confidante and friend for life.”

Midwest Region First Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

Kay Hall at Paintsville Junior/Senior High School in Paintsville, Kentucky

As a chorus teacher, Kay Hall enriches arts education. As a humanities and media teacher, Kay records all school events, and sent footage of a basketball game to a student’s father serving in Afghanistan. Her students have won media competition awards. As a senior class and student council sponsor, she organizes trips, assemblies and fundraisers. She mentors new teachers. “You call Kay if you need something,” said nominator Jami Ward, library media specialist. “No words describe what she means to this school.”

West Region First Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

Cecilia Zeidman at Playa Del Rey Elementary in Culver City, California

Third-grade teacher Cecilia Zeidman has taught at the elementary school for 25 years. She plans lessons with students’ abilities in mind and implemented a plan to accommodate a diabetic student. Cecilia updates her website weekly and mails a newsletter to parents and students. She organizes fundraisers, coordinates Playa del Rey’s Box Tops for Educational Projects and oversees performances and festivals. “Teachers and parents can count on Ms. Zeidman for assistance and support,” said her nominator, Mary Pierce, former principal at the school.

South Region First Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

Lindy Poling at Millbrook High School in Raleigh, North Carolina

Lindy Poling’s students rarely forget their social studies classes. In her Lessons Of Vietnam (LOV) class, Lindy helps them understand war, death, politics, patriotism and values and takes them to visit the Vietnam Wall in Washington. Lindy has authored books about the LOV program and received numerous awards. She is in charge of the Community In The Classroom speaker program, which brings individuals, including a Nazi prisoner and a State Department official, to talk about their experience of historical events. “Lindy’s passion for social studies, history and her students is clear,” said her nominator, Teresa Cronin.

East Region Second Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

William Gammetto at Charlton Elementary School in Charlton, Massachusetts

Seeing the need for education that encompassed the capabilities of autistic students, William Gammetto created an Applied Behavior Analysis Classroom for preschool through first-grade special education students. He designed programs, trained assistants and worked with staff to help students integrate. “Children make great strides,” said William’s nominator, Principal Lori Pacheco. “One student did a special routine at the school’s kindergarten show. The boy’s parents were so amazed that they were brought to tears,” Lori said.

Midwest Region Second Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

Bonnie Goldenberg at Kilmer Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois

For several years, Bonnie Goldenberg’s fourth-grade students have earned the highest scores on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test. Bonnie tutors students, communicates with parents, and applies for grants and purchases supplies with her funds. She also assists with the All School Talent Show and social events for teachers. “Ms. Goldenberg sets the bar,” said her nominator, Principal Miguel Trujillo. “(She) reaches out to establish a community of learners.”

West Region Second Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

Marla Utley at Capistrano Valley Christian Schools in San Juan Capistrano, California

Marla Utley teaches students that they can achieve anything if they’re willing to put forth the effort. This high school biology teacher has a gift for connecting with international students–about 25 percent of the school population. But all students at the school have benefited from Marla’s efforts. She worked to incorporate a technology plan that enhanced student learning and taught other teachers to implement it. “She is a true example of what a teacher should be,” said Principal Dr. Terry Gaunt, Marla’s nominator. National organizations have selected Marla to participate in workshops.

South Region Second Place Teacher & Staff Appreciation Contest

Deanna Dominguez at Edinburg High School in Edinburg, Texas

Volleyball coach and special education teacher Deanna Dominguez’s attention to detail improves students’ ability to retain information. She does homebound instruction, going to students’ homes if they have medical reasons that prevent them from attending school. As a coach, Deanna has her players participate in Adopt An Angel and the KIDS Learning Center Halloween Festival. She also fundraises for scholarships and created, with her volleyball team, a night to honor the teachers who inspired them. Her nominator, former Edinburg educational diagnostician Elizabeth Garza, said Deanna’s leadership causes others around her to work at a higher level.

Congratulations to all of our winners! To find out more about this contest or to nominate someone for the "2011 Teacher Of The Year" click here. Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week is just around the corner check out some great gift ideas at Positive Promotions!

Grand Prize 2010 Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week Contest Winner

2011-03-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

Farley Elementary School in Huntsville, Alabama, told its teachers and staff, “You Make A World Of Difference.” The school used puppets representing children of various nationalities, international flags, and lapel pins from Positive Promotions to help represent the theme. Children and adults were encouraged to dress in regional costumes from different areas of the United States as well as from around the world on the Wednesday of Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week. Huntsville restaurants provided various ethnic dishes for an appreciation luncheon. The printed program for the luncheon resembled a passport. Each guest received a “boarding pass” to write his or her name on and enter a drawing for door prizes. The school also gave out more than $4,000 in gift certificates donated by local businesses. Each day of the week, students brought in gifts for their teachers: flowers on Monday, fruit on Tuesday, etc.

Second Prize 2010 Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week Contest Winners

2011-03-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

In Boardman, Oregon, Riverside Junior/Senior High School told its classified staff “You’re A Treasure” with pirate- and island-themed activities. The school held two meals with specially named food; the invitations were printed on paper aged by dipping it in tea, then drying it, and rolled into scrolls. A team of teachers decorated the staff lounge with palm trees, tropical flowers, and images of lizards. Each staffer’s photo was placed on a paper cutout of a pirate and assigned a pirate name. Students wrote up notes of appreciation that were delivered in envelopes reading “Well, ‘isle’ be thankful you’re part of our staff!” The staff received chocolate coins, luau rubber ducks, palm tree trophies, leis, neon sunglasses and Positive Promotions starfish tumblers.

Third Prize 2010 Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week Contest Winner

2011-03-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

The Jefferson Social Club hosted the festivities at Jefferson Elementary School in Gary, Indiana. To show that teachers and staff members are the apples of their eyes, a bulletin board displayed paper apples, each with someone’s name. Apple-themed items appeared throughout the week: apple fritters, apple lapel pins, apple picture frames, apple-scented hand soap and lotion, apple certificates, and apple-shaped jumbo paper clips. Teachers also received Positive Promotions academic monthly desk planners. Every day, a poem of appreciation was read by a student during morning announcements. The highlight of the week was a Jacademy Awards luncheon (a spoof of the Academy Awards). Honors went out in comical categories, such as Most Like Dr. Phil.

Honorable Mention

2011-03-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

In Baltimore, Maryland, Perry Hall Elementary School went “cruisin’ towards summer.” Each day of the week was based on a different port of call and featured a corresponding basket of prizes. Staff members were eligible for the basket drawings by correctly answering a daily trivia question. Positive Promotions lunch bags, coin purses, spa kits, 3-section plates, and diffuser sets were spread throughout the baskets. Decorations, food, and gifts made faculty and staff feel like they had sailed to Alaska, the Panama Canal, Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.

Mystery Solved

2011-03-21T06:52:00.002-07:00

Give the title “It’s No Mystery–Teachers Make A Difference” to your recognition week. Find out if your community has a mystery dinner theatre. If so, ask the actors to do a production at your school; if not, invite your area’s CSI team to do a presentation. In addition, recruit volunteers to visit dressed as detectives, such as Sherlock Holmes, Columbo and Kojak. Have them hand out a list of quiz questions about mystery and detective TV shows. Give a “One Person Can Make A Difference” Notecard & Pen Set to each person who participates. Award a “One Person Can Make A Difference” Insulated Cooler Bag to the highest scorer(s).

Tasty Selection

2011-03-21T06:52:00.001-07:00

Arrange for personalized potatoes this Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week. Set up a baked potato bar in your cafeteria with a variety of toppings, such as low-fat sour cream and cheddar cheese, chives, broccoli, and chili. You might even try shredded BBQ chicken and beef. Give everyone “Exceptional Staff, Extraordinary School” 3-Section Plates to put the potatoes on. Serve drinks in Stainless Steel Message Water Bottles.

Surprise Seating

2011-03-21T06:51:00.002-07:00

Spread your gift giving over several days. Well ahead of time, send out letters to area businesses, asking them to donate gift cards. The night before the Monday of Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, tape gift cards to the undersides of some teachers’ chairs. Also send an email telling people to look under their seats every morning. Each night, attach cards to different chairs. Make sure that all of your teachers have received one by the end of the week. During lunchtime on Friday, place 2011-2012 Academic Monthly Desk Planners and “Working Together To Make A Difference” Desk Caddies on every desk.

Perfect Fit

2011-03-21T06:51:00.001-07:00

Create a friendly atmosphere by sponsoring a team-building activity. Obtain a puzzle that has approximately as many pieces as you have teachers and staff members. Bring everyone together. Let each person pick a piece. Then ask them to walk around the room and find people who have pieces that attach to theirs. Encourage participants to learn new things about their co-workers by asking thoughtful questions. After the puzzle is assembled, reward everyone
with “You’re An Essential Part Of Our School” Silver Puzzle Key Tags and “You’re An Essential Part Of Our School” Sticky Pad Portfolios.

Photo Challenge

2011-03-21T06:43:00.001-07:00

Here’s a Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week activity which encourages your teachers to interact with non-teaching staff. Start by taking individual digital pictures of non-teaching staff members, such as janitors and bus drivers. Print the pictures out on paper, then evenly distribute them among your teachers. Tell these “contestants” that to receive a prize, they must physically find the people pictured and get them to autograph their photos. Give “Exceptional Staff, Extraordinary School” Tri-Fold Frame Clocks & Caddies to the staff members who had been photographed.

Putting It In Writing

2011-03-21T06:42:00.002-07:00

Enlist the help of student council members. Have them supervise a table at which students can stop to write appreciation notes for their teachers. Put the notes in a box, then use them in a drawing for gifts. The more notes someone has addressed to him or her...the more chances to win. Consider “100 Years From Now” Avalon Tote Bags and “100 Years From Now” Large Padfolios With Matching Pens as prizes. Later, let your teachers read the notes.

Showcasing Talent

2011-03-21T06:42:00.001-07:00

Hold an art/hobby exhibition. Ask all the teachers and staff in your school to submit drawings, photographs, needlework or other arts and crafts. Display the items in the library, in the office, or in the auditorium. Give an “Exceptional Staff, Extraordinary School” Deluxe Sling Backpack or an “Exceptional Staff, Extraordinary School” Venture Reversible Tote to each person who has contributed. Honor these exhibitors at a cookies-and-punch reception.

We Heart Secretaries

2011-03-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

Show some love for your school’s secretaries. On pink or red paper, photocopy outlines of hearts containing the words “We love you.” Distribute sheets of these shapes to classes. Request that teachers and students each sign a heart and cut it out. In the office, display the hearts and also set out baskets of heart-shaped candy. Thank your hardworking employees with “School Secretaries: The Heart Of Our School” Purse Holders and Portfolios With Matching Pens.

Royal Celebration

2011-03-21T06:40:00.000-07:00

Make your teachers feel like royalty! Invite non-teaching staff members to vote for a faculty king and queen. Also let them choose princes and princesses in various lighthearted categories, such as prince of recess and princess of cafeteria duty. Once you know who won, rent correct-sized medieval outfits from a costume shop. Invite all of your teachers to a buffet meal fit for a king. Have your “royal court” arrive in the costumes; make sure to take plenty of photos. Provide the monarchs with thrones to sit on. Thank everyone in attendance by handing out “Exceptional Staff, Extraordinary School” Jotters With Sticky Flags and Sip ‘N’ Go Tumblers & Straws.

Racing ‘Round The World

2011-03-21T06:39:00.000-07:00

Inject some extra fun into your appreciation week with your own version of the popular TV show Amazing Race. Come up with five challenges for your teachers and staff to tackle. For example, have them set plastic cups on top of each other in the shape of a pyramid, then fill the cups with water from a pitcher without the cups falling over. Conduct a challenge a day, always in a different location in your school. Name each of these locations as if it were a country that participants were traveling to, like in the show. Award a prize, such as an “Exceptional Staff, Extraordinary School” Trunk Organizer or an “Exceptional Staff, Extraordinary School” Compact Umbrella, each day to the person who completes the challenge fastest.

East Region First Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

2011-02-24T08:02:00.001-08:00

Leslie Roser
Flintstone Elementary,
Flintstone, Maryland

Under the leadership of fourth-grade language arts and math teacher Leslie Roser, the school implemented four days of hands-on science activities. Leslie also serves as chair for the School Improvement Plan, holds group lunches with her students, uses her planning time to assist children, and shares knowledge with staff members. Principal Sharon Morgan, who nominated her, said, “All children in Leslie’s classroom know they have a teacher, counselor, confidante and friend for life.”

East Region Second Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

2011-02-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

William Gammetto
Charlton Elementary School, Charlton, Massachusetts

Seeing the need for education that encompassed the capabilities of
autistic students, William Gammetto created an Applied Behavior Analysis Classroom for preschool through first-grade special education students. He designed programs, trained assistants and worked with staff to help students integrate. “Children make great strides,” said William’s nominator, Principal Lori Pacheco. “One student did a special routine at the school’s kindergarten show. The boy’s parents were so amazed that they were brought to tears,” Lori said.

Midwest Region First Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

2011-02-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

Kay Hall
Paintsville Junior/Senior High School, Paintsville, Kentucky

As chorus teacher, Kay Hall enriches arts education. As a humanities and media teacher, Kay records all school events, and sent footage of a basketball game to a student’s father serving in Afghanistan. Her students have won media competition awards. As a senior class and student council sponsor, she organizes trips, assemblies and fundraisers. She mentors new teachers. “You call Kay if you need something,” said nominator Jami Ward, library media specialist. “No words describe what she means to this school.”

Midwest Region Second Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

2011-02-24T07:56:00.000-08:00

Bonnie Goldenberg
Kilmer Elementary School, Chicago, Illinois

For several years, Bonnie Goldenberg’s fourth-grade students have earned the highest scores on the Illinois Standards Achievement Test. Bonnie tutors students, communicates with parents, applies for grants and purchases supplies with her funds. She also assists with the All School Talent Show and social events for teachers. “Ms. Goldenberg sets the bar,” said her nominator, Principal Miguel Trujillo. “(She) reaches out to establish a community of learners.”

West Region First Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

2011-02-24T07:53:00.001-08:00

Cecilia Zeidman
Playa del Rey Elementary, Culver City, California

Third-grade teacher Cecilia Zeidman has taught at the elementary school for 25 years. She plans lessons with students’ abilities in mind and implemented a plan to accommodate a diabetic student. Cecilia updates her website weekly and mails a newsletter to parents and students. She organizes fundraisers, coordinates Playa del Rey’s Box Tops For Education Project and oversees performances and festivals. “Teachers and parents can count on Ms. Zeidman for assistance and support,” said her nominator, Mary Pierce, former principal at the school.

West Region Second PlaceTeacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

2011-02-24T07:50:00.001-08:00

Marla Utley
Capistrano Valley Christian Schools,
San Juan Capistrano, California

Marla Utley teaches students that they can achieve anything if they’re willing to put forth the effort. This high school biology teacher has a gift for connecting with international students–about 25 percent of the school population. But all students at the school have benefited from Marla’s efforts. She worked to incorporate a technology plan that enhanced student learning and taught other teachers to implement it. “She is a true example of what a teacher should be,” said Principal Dr. Terry Gaunt, Marla’s nominator. National organizations have selected Marla to participate in workshops.

South Region First Place Teacher and Staff Appreciation Contest

2011-02-24T07:46:00.000-08:00

Lindy Poling
Millbrook High School, Raleigh, North Carolina

Lindy Poling’s students rarely forget their social studies classes. In her Lessons Of Vietnam (LOV) class, Lindy helps them understand war, death, politics, patriotism and values and takes them to visit the Vietnam Wall in Washington. Lindy has authored books about the LOV program and received numerous awards. She is in charge of the Community In The Classroom speaker program, which brings individuals, including a Nazi prisoner and a State Department official, to talk about their experience of historical events. “Lindy’s passion for social studies, history and her
students is clear,” said her nominator, Teresa Cronin.

South Region Second Place Teacher & Staff Appreciation Contest

2011-02-24T07:41:00.000-08:00

Deanna Dominguez
Edinburg High School, Edinburg, Texas

Volleyball coach and special education teacher Deanna Dominguez’s attention to detail improves students’ ability to retain information. She does homebound instruction, going to students’ homes if they have medical reasons that prevent them from attending school. As a coach, Deanna has her players participate in Adopt An Angel and the KIDS Learning Center Halloween Festival. She also fundraises for scholarships and created, with her volleyball team, a night to honor the teachers who inspired them. Her nominator, former Edinburg educational diagnostician Elizabeth Garza, said Deanna’s leadership causes others around her to work at a higher level.

Moving Mementos

2011-02-24T06:27:00.001-08:00

Begin early to create touching keepsakes for your teachers. Write a list of questions to ask students about their teachers. For example: What does Mrs. Smith do when she’s not at school? How many years has Mrs. Smith been teaching? What was the best thing you learned from Mrs. Smith this year? Encourage students to guess when they don’t know, which will cause some humorous answers. Compile the answers into booklets, one for each teacher. Come up with a title, such as “Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Mrs. Smith.” Distribute the booklets along with “One Person Can Make A Difference” Sticky Notecube & Pen Sets or “One Person Can Make A Difference” Deluxe Die-Cut Bookmark & Pen Sets.

Big Hair Rules

2011-02-24T06:26:00.002-08:00

Let your school know that the 80’s rock, and so do your teachers and staff! Use an 80’s theme for your appreciation week. Display posters, buttons and albums from that decade. Play part of an 80’s rock song on your morning announcements daily. Ask your employees to submit photos of themselves taken in the 80’s; put them together into a slideshow. Then thank photo contributors with “Our Teachers & Staff Rock” Lapel Pins. Also pick a day to encourage everyone to come dressed in 80’s outfits and hairstyles. Type up an 80’s trivia question sheet to hand out; give an “Our Teachers & Staff Rock” Paperweight to everyone who turns this quiz back in.

Something Sweet

2011-02-24T06:26:00.001-08:00

Currently, cupcakes are hot, hot, hot! Cupcake specialty shops are popping up everywhere and television features cupcake competition shows. For Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, print out images of cupcakes. Attach a teacher’s name and photo to each one, then hang them on a bulletin board with the words “We Have The Sweetest Teachers.” Ask your parent volunteers to submit ideas for new cupcake flavors. Let your teachers vote on them and give your cafeteria staff the challenge of actually baking the three top flavors. Invite the teachers and cafeteria staff to a cupcake feast, at which they each get an “Exceptional Staff, Extraordinary School” Deluxe Lunch Bag and a pen from the Dapper Pen Assortment Pack.

Spirit Filled

2011-02-24T06:25:00.004-08:00

This year, hold a high-energy appreciation event. Start with the Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week Celebration Pack (see page 8). Decorate your school’s gymnasium with our celebration pack, which includes balloons, banner and pennants. Give students the stickers to wear. Choose some of the students to line up in the gym with pompoms. Seat the rest of the youngsters in the stands. Then help them all learn a cheer, such as “Who’s got the best staff in the West? KHS, KHS!” Lead your honored guests into the gym, past the pompom-waving students. After everyone performs the cheer a few times, give a rousing speech. Like at a pep rally, toss out gifts, such as “Working Together To Make A Difference” Hershey’s Kisses Mini Gift Totes, to your “crowd” of teachers and staff.

Policies & Procedures For $500

2011-02-24T06:25:00.003-08:00

Quiz your staff with a Jeopardy-style game. Write down questions with answers about your school, school district, and school board. Arrange the answers into categories and give each one a dollar value. Have the employees compete three at a time. Remind them that on Jeopardy the players respond in the form of questions. For example, “School Milestones” could be the category, “1977” would be the answer and “What year was our school built?” would be the correct response. Reward the highest scorer of each round with an “Our Staff Goes Above, Our Students Go Beyond” Deluxe Sticky Pad Portfolio With Highlighters & Pen. Show appreciation to all contestants by giving each of them a “Behind Every Great School Is A Great Staff” 3-Piece Stationery Set.

Going Green

2011-02-24T06:25:00.001-08:00

Remember the Earth when you plan a Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week banquet. Save paper by sending emailed invitations instead of printed ones and in them tell your guests, “You Have Made A World Of Difference.” For tablecloths, use brown paper that is recyclable. Feature as centerpieces trees, shrubs and other greenery still in pots that eventually can be planted in the ground. Further carry out your theme by putting a “Thanks For Making A World Of Difference” Recycled Metal Globe Key Tag at each place setting. Send everyone home with Non-Woven Shopper Totes.

Wall Of Thanks

2011-02-24T06:24:00.000-08:00

Think “big” this Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week. Obtain a giant roll of butcher paper and place it in your library. When classes come in for library time, have students write phrases of praise for their teachers graffiti-style on the paper. After the whole school has had a chance to contribute, find a wall (inside or outside) that’s large enough to display this project in its entirety. After you unveil the creation to your teachers, present them with “You’re Appreciated” Frames and “100 Years From Now" Full-Color Clipboards.

Trading Presents

2011-02-24T06:23:00.000-08:00

Add some good-natured fun to gift giving. First, place an “Exceptional Staff, Extraordinary School” Manicure Kit, an “Exceptional Staff, Extraordinary School” Mini Carryall and other items in boxes of various sizes. Wrap the boxes. Have your teachers and staff draw numbers. Let Number 1 select and unwrap a gift first. Give Number 2 the option of taking that gift or selecting a new one. (Anyone whose gift is taken gets to choose another box to open.) Number 3 can take a gift from 1 or 2 or pick a wrapped one, and so forth.

Appreciation Tools

2011-02-24T06:22:00.000-08:00

Build a unique display that expresses what your school feels. Attach images of tools (found with a Google image search) to a sheet of paper. Make photocopies. Send a copy home with each child. Include a note asking parents to write thank-you messages to their children’s teachers on the tool-adorned paper and return the sheets to the school. In a glass case, feature the handwritten messages and real tools. Use “Teachers Build A Brighter Future” as the headline. Further show gratitude to your teachers by presenting them with “Education Is A Tool For Life” 6-In-1 Multi Tools or “It Takes A Team To Educate A Child” 4-In-1 Multi-Function Tools.

All Lit Up

2011-02-24T06:21:00.000-08:00

Shine a spotlight on your teachers and staff with a “You Light Up Our School” luncheon. Print the slogan on the event programs. Create spotlight beams out of yellow paper to hang on the walls. During the meal, play the song “You Light Up My Life.” Pass out “Exceptional Staff, Extraordinary School” Metal Flashlights to all your lunch guests. As everyone eats, hold drawings for “Our Teachers & Staff Are Beyond Measure” Key Ring, Tape Measure & Lights.

“Acting Out” At School

2011-02-24T06:20:00.000-08:00

Challenge your staff members to create and act out skits. Each skit should relate to life in your school. Have employees form teams for this activity. Provide everyone with “Great Job, You’re On A Roll” Tootsie® Roll Packs as motivation. Allow the audience and the performers to cast votes for the best skit. Award an “Exceptional Staff, Extraordinary School” Mini Organizer With Pen to each member of the winning team.

Essential Ingredients

2009-02-09T12:37:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-02-09T12:36:00.002-08:00

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

2009-02-09T12:36:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-09T12:35:00.002-08:00

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

2009-02-09T12:35:00.001-08:00

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

2009-02-09T12:34:00.002-08:00

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

2009-02-09T12:34:00.001-08:00

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 .

Best Of The Bushel

2009-02-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

Start a new tradition this Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week by creating Red Apple Awards. Divide your teachers by grade level and separate non-teaching staff into categories, such as cafeteria, administrative, etc. Let students vote for who they think is the most deserving of an award in each grade level and category. Hold an assembly in which you announce the winners, presenting them with “Great Staff, Great School” Apple Key Tags. Give an Apple Candle And Basket to everyone who received at least one vote.

Renewing The Room

2009-02-09T12:32:00.002-08:00

Evaluate your school’s staff lounge. Are there any improvements that could be made? For example, is the microwave old and on its last legs? If you don’t know where to begin because there are so many things, survey the employees to see what is a priority. Hold a fundraiser to pay for the desired improvements. After you’ve accomplished your goals, take group photos of the people who use the lounge. Place the photos in “100 Years From Now” Wooden Frames and Appreciation Message Frames. Add a final touch to the lounge by hanging the framed photos in there.

Head To Toe Thanks

2009-02-09T12:32:00.001-08:00

Utilize the theme “Hats Off To Bus Drivers” to bring recognition to a sometimes overlooked group. Design a banner out of bulletin board paper that states the theme, and attach plastic hats from a party store. Make construction paper cutouts of hats to write drivers’ names on, then display outside the school office. Ask students to wear hats on a designated day to honor their drivers. Then thank these devoted workers by giving them “School Bus Drivers Specialize In Safe Deliveries” Duffel Bags or “School Bus Drivers Specialize In Safe Deliveries” T-Shirts.

Greeted With A Gift

2009-02-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

On the Sunday evening before the Monday of Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week, prepare a cute and sweet surprise for your teachers. Using helium, inflate three Celebration Balloons per teacher. Attach a string onto each balloon. Tie the sets of balloons to the doorknobs of all the classrooms. Also hang a Hershey’s Kisses® Tote on each doorknob with the balloons.

Sincere Advertising

2009-02-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

Create a booklet that will be a keepsake. Title the project “A World Of Thanks.” Through your PTO, sell ad space to parents and students for $1.00 per line of text. Encourage them to write personal words of gratitude in their ads. Suggest that they not only place ads for teachers but also non-teaching staff who have made an impact. Use the money collected to pay the costs of printing the booklet. Distribute the “A World Of Thanks” booklets with “Teachers Change The World One Child At A Time” and “Together We Create A Better Tomorrow” Lapel Pins, which have designs featuring the world.