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.

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.

Head To Toe Thanks

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.