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TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

National Teacher Appreciation Week is the FIRST FULL WEEK OF MAY.

However, we can have our appreciation week anytime we wish.  It's our choice.  We have hosted the week in the last week of APRIL so that it can overlap with FAMILY READ, making it a great success for parents to be able to come to the classroom and recognize their teachers.

The 2014 Schedule ...

WEEK BEFORE
- Create all the signups for the following week at SIGNUP GENIUS
- Send home flyer
- Hang banner at drop off line (on Friday)

"MAKEOVER" MONDAY
- PTO hosted lunch (donated by Sweet Tomatoes)
- PARENTS decorate doors (important to advertise this the week before!)

"TREAT" TUESDAY
- PTO hosted chair massages (donated by parent)
- PARENTS dessert bar potluck

"WISHLIST" WEDNESDAY
- STUDENT COUNCIL hosts a morning coffee
- PARENTS bring in a donation item for their classroom (2014 it was writing instruments - pencils, pens, markers, etc)

"THANKYOU" THURSDAY
- PTO hosts a morning coffee
- PARENTS bring a flower and/or thoughtful note for their teacher

"FOOD" FRIDAY
- PTO gives staff gifts
- PARENTS lunch potluck

TEACHER APPRECIATION DURING YEAR

SOME IDEAS

• Free SPIRIT SHIRT at the beginning of the year for every staff member
• 1/2 DAY POTLUCKS (1 a month) with different themes
• Chair Massages after report card time
• Go at lunchtime (2 hr max) to have kids sign posters/signs about why they love their teachers.
• Have a "Wishlist Day" from parents and replenish an item.
• Host a "FREE DAY" at a local restaurant/ice cream shop (our teachers LOVE Yogurtland! 
• CHECK OUT SOME IDEAS HERE:
  http://www.pinterest.com/chandlerjandk/pta-teacher-appreciation-ideas/
  

CLASSROOM PARENTS

Every classroom needs a class parent (or two).  Each teacher has a different need, some want you to do the parties, some would like you to communicate with the parents, etc.  The PTO needs you to be our "go to" for communication with your classroom parents. The teachers can't send out the "HEY IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!" email. :)  Please consider signing up, your teacher NEEDS your help!

Top 10 List for Room Moms

1.  Collect information.  At the beginning of the year have parents fill out a sheet on which parties or events they can help with.  Then you know what parents to contact for each event.  Saves on time.

2.  Make parties simple.  
Children love something different happening in their classroom.  There is no need for fancy decorations and tons of food.  The kids won't notice.  Also they do not need the treat bags filled with toys and candy.  Save the time and money.  Most parents throw out the items when they get home.... be honest you know you do too!

3.  Limit Party Food.  The kids really don't need 25 different dishes, it just goes to waste.  Not every parent needs to bring in a dish, rotate the responsibility.

4.  Share the Jobs.  Spread the responsiblities all around.  Don't ask the same parents to always make the food or bring in the more expenisve items.  If they make a dish for one event, then next time they can bring in something easy like the napkins.
This fruit turkey has been a hit for years - great job Charlene!

5.  Teacher = Great Resource.  Your teacher is a great resource for ideas and age appropriate games for your party.  They know what has worked or does not work from the past.

6.  Whole Class Participation.  I like to keep the entire class together during all activities.  They can do the craft or decorate a cookie at their seat/table.  Everyone enjoys being together!

7.  All About the Teacher.  Want to know what to get your teacher for the holidays or teacher appreciation?  Have her fill out an "All About Me" sheet (attached here), with her favorites.  This gives parents great ideas!

8.  Adopt a Teacher.  Have the class adopt another teacher who usually does not have a classroom and would love the extra special treatment (P.E., music, computer lab, librarian).

9.  Consult with Your Teacher.  Make sure your teacher likes all of your plans for parties (games and food).  Also see if she wants to be in charge of the party or have you run everything. 

10.  Teacher Appreciation Week.  Send home a copy of the teacher's "All About Me" sheet.  Encourage families to choose some of her favorite things to share with her everyday (favorite drink, candy, a note from the child, a picture from your child, flowers, room supply items, gift cards, a book for the classroom, or create your own).  A variety of items allows the parents to choose based on their family's budget.