It is important to remember that staff appreciation and recognition includes
all staff members, not just the teaching staff - administrators, aides,
custodians, secretaries, cafeteria workers, counselors, bus drivers,
librarians, and volunteers.
Curriculum Spotlight - Select one curriculum area each month and have
department members design a bulletin board display. Student and staff work may
be displayed.
Apple Day - Students deliver a polished apple with a note attached to
each teacher.
Business Cards - Have business cards imprinted with the school
information and logo and the name of each staff member personalized on 100.
Present these at the beginning to each person on the staff.
National Hot Lunch Week - Cooks are called out of the kitchen during
lunch and given a wearable with the school logo, a rose, and a thank you card.
Hallowe'en Party - Sponsor a Hallowe'en Night party for children of
staff members . Provide refreshments, grab bags, games, a haunted house, and
judging of costumes.
Bus Drivers - In English class have students write a composition about
their bus drivers. Choose the best and compose a newsletter to be distributed
in thanks. Present each driver a certificate at a special continental
breakfast.
Cafeteria Workers - To help students remember workers names present
them with imprinted aprons.
College or University - Faculty wear their university colors and the
student council puts a sign on each person's desk indicating where they
attended university.
Advisors & Coaches Lunch - Set a table aside in the cafeteria and
each quarter host the faculty advisors and coaches.
Flower Day - Student council gives each staff member a carnation. The
card attached should be personalized for each teacher.
Community BBQ - A special event sponsored by the Teachers Association
and the local Chamber of Commerce honoring new staff members. All District
employees are invited with special emphasis on new staff. Include all schools
in the community; public and private and higher education staff.
Sweet Tooth Day - Student council supplies donuts for the faculty room.
A poster displaying a thank you message should decorate the room.
Thank You Card Day - Each student selects their favorite teacher. The
student makes a poster displaying the various positive aspects of the teacher
selected. Posters are placed around the campus. All the staff members should
be recognized at the same time.
Letters of Appreciation - A card of appreciation should be sent to each
staff member each time they are involved in a student activity of the classroom.
Birthday & Holiday Cards - Cards should be delivered or sent to each
staff member and they should always be personalized for that specific person.
The student writing the card should sign their own name on behalf of the
students at the school.
Bud Vases - Purchase inexpensive bud vases and have the vase and a
single flower on the staff member's desk on Monday. Always include a
personalized note. "This bud's for you!"
Certificate - Create a staff appreciation certificate and present at a
staff awards assembly.
Decoration - Decorate the teacher lounge for each special occasion.
Clean Windshield - One afternoon go out into the teachers parking lot
and clean each windshield. Be sure to leave a note thanking them for their
involvement, and sign the note.
Coupon Book - Develop a staff appreciation coupon book to introduce
student leaders, goals for the year, and special coupon bargains good at the
Student Store.
Meals - Have a staff breakfast or luncheon. Could be catered or have
students prepare the food. Popular is a continental breakfast with fresh
fruit. Be sure to decorate the tables and the room. Consider music for
atmosphere.
Christmas Stocking - Purchase a stocking for each staff member. Fill
the stocking with school spirit items.
Secret Pal - A positive event for a staff appreciation week. Each
student selects and presents his/her teacher with gifts, cards, etc. This can
also be extended over a period of the school year. Student should reveal
him/herself before the end of the year.
Recognition at Sports Event - Introduction at the sports event and the
rally. Special seating. Might include a pre or post event party.
Care Package - Have small overnight bags imprinted with the school logo
and fill them with school supplies - box of tissues, bottle of liquid paper, or
a note pad.
Bumper Strips - Have bumper stickers made with ``I'm proud to work at
___________ School.''
Room Service - Students take a cart of fresh coffee , donuts, fruit,
juice to staff members throughout the school.
1st Payday - For all new teachers on their first payday, put a PAYDAY
candy bar in their mail boxes with a note thanking them for being at your
school.
Mugs - Have coffee mugs imprinted with the school logo, or a special
staff message and present them to all the teachers at the beginning of the
year. Make enough extras for subs during the year.
Name Tags - Purchase plastic engraved name tags from a local engraving
store. Some can even imprint or engrave the school mascot.
Room Help - Student council members return a week or so before school
begins and arrange to help teachers get their rooms ready.
Ice Cream Social - During a faculty meeting have a sundae party.
Council supplies the ice cream, toppings, etc. as a thank you. Can be a good
teacher appreciation week activity.
