Staff Appreciation
$1,000,000 Bills (submitted by Barb Goll-DeWitte, Ellensburg High School)
With the help of the Advanced Graphic Design students, scan in a very real looking $1,000,000 bill. Electronically change as many areas as possible to make it clear and personal, i.e. "United States of America" to "Ellensburg High School," etc. Can replace the face on the bill with the teacher's picture and put their name in under the photo. Print them out (actual bill size) and make a huge poster to hang in the office that says "Thanks a Million!" with all of the bills placed in an arrangement that spells out "EHS." Each teacher received a copy of their $1,000,000 bill in their mail box. Many teachers still display the bill on their bulletin boards.
Apple Tree of Quotes (submitted by Barb Goll-DeWitte, Ellensburg High School)
Students collect three quotes (positive ones) for every employee. Make a large apple tree out of construction paper (10' high), hang up in the office or central area, with large heading over the top that reads: "Thank You! You are the apple of our eye." Hanging on the tree (taped on) are hand-cut out (or dye cut if you have them) red apples with the staff name on the leaf and the 3 quotes printed on the apple. A copy of the apple with quotes was also placed in that person's school mail box.
Baby Picture Contest
Get teacher baby photos and put up in a secured display. Make it a contest for students to guess who is is who.
Back Scratcher (submitted by Tammy Caldwell, Marysville M.S.)
Buy wooden back scratchers for staff. Attach a note that says "Thanks for the helping hand!"
Banana Splits (submitted by Lana Yenne, Yelm M.S.)
Put a banana in the box of all staff members with an attached note which says "Don't Split After School, bring this banana to room _____!" Have the fixings for Banana Splits after school.
Fairy Godmother Granting Wishes
Have a student dressed in a "Fairy godmother" outfit complete with halo and wand ask each member to make a wish such as cleaning, recording papers, etc. Form a crew to grant the wishes.
Feed the Cooks (submitted by Josh Meek, Puyallup High School)
During National School Lunch week, have a luncheon for the school cooks. At this appreciation luncheon, the leadership students gave our cooking staff a small gift of appreciation and served them lunch. The success came from hosting the luncheon in a high profile location where other students saw the event taking place.
Full Plate (submitted by Goodman Middle School)
Decorate a small paper plate with a small lotion bottle taped to the middle with felt marker hearts, stars, or flowers, etc. Around the rim of the paper plate: We know you have a lot on your plate, and you're working your fingers to the bone, So please this lotion--As a token of our appreciation.
Heart Attack (submitted by Cathy Sork, Ft. Vancouver H.S.)
Cover the teacher's lounge with paper hearts. Can write messages on hearts, also.
Homemade Cards (submitted by Jennifer Hoglund , Gaiser M.S.)
For classified staff appreciation week, the students made homemade, stamped cards with the help of volunteer stamp crafters. It makes for a very personal touch to show appreciation and the students include a personal message to each staff member in their card. Kitchen staff and custodians are included.
Inspirational Notes (submitted by Jerry Price, Ridgeline Middle School)
Leadership students put inspirational quotes or notes highlighting what makes a certain teacher special to them in their teacher boxes.
Key Contributor (submitted by K.C., La Conner Middle School)
Buy simple gold skeleton keys (or get keys donated from a local lock smith). Create a certificate and give to parents, staff, and community members that do something specific to advance the school mission.
Letters of Appreciation (submitted by Sandy Rossmaier, Rainer High School)
Each Friday have the keyboard or Communication Technology teacher assign each student to write a thank you letter to a school employee. The employee is one the student chooses for whatever reason. The school employee could be a bus driver, custodian, librarian, educational assistant, secretary, groundskeeper, a cafeteria worker, and so on. Creates a huge amount of pride in the faculty and staff and if given enough time you will be surprised how everyone eventually receives a letter.
Message In a Bottle (submitted by Goodman Middle School)
Recycle those plastic vending machine throw-a-way beverage containers and truth them into memorable thank-you! Collect, rinse, and remove label. Write an inspirational verse or quote on a piece of paper. Roll into a scroll and tuck inside the bottle. Attach a self-adhesive sticker to the outside of the bottle and write "Message in a Bottle." Tie on a steamer of ribbons for a special touch. Use self-adhesive stickers to decorate.
Mug a Teacher
Paint up personalized coffee mugs for each teacher. Include favorite sayings or some special picture. Have a group wearing black run in the class delivering mugs.
Muffin Bags (submitted by Cindy Bettis, Hudtloff Middle School)
As a thank you, we put a fresh, huge blueberry muffins and a fancy paper napkin in a lunch-sized paper bag. Fold the top of the bag over the top, hole punch and thread through a ribbon. Can add personalized thank you notes or decorate bags.
Pizza Party (submitted by Caity Karapostoles, Sequim Middle School)
The staff brings in various pizza toppings and the following morning, ASB officers put together pizzas, bake them and serve them to the entire staff. Use the kitchen ovens to bake them. We also serve salad, drinks, and desserts. The school schedules only one lunch that day so all 70+ staff members have a chance to spend a bit of time socializing together.
Polished Apples (submitted by Margie Cummings, Ridgefield H.S.) Students polish apples and place them on a silver platter with a silver cover. The students come into the teacher's classroom dressed up, carrying the tray, and serve each teacher an apple.
Post Cards (submitted by John Bittinger, Everett H.S.)
Once a week, each student in class writes a post card to a staff member. Write them about their teaching, support of activities, extra effort, etc. Only one student for a teacher in a given week. Post cards are delivered to teacher mailboxes.
Queen-or-King-For-A-Day (submitted by Goodman Middle School)
Roll out the red carpet for staff and give them the royal treatment they deserve. Create a golden crown that is brimming with favorite treats such as cookies, candy, tea or hot chocolate bags, or other treasures that are fit for a king or queen. Take an 8-inch round paper plate, gold is best, but any color will work, poster board or construction paper, tacky or hot glue, and scissors. Cut out a long strip of paper, jagged on the top edge that makes a crown pattern when the two ends are brought together. The paper plate and the crown should be the same size. Align and then glue the crown shape to the rim of the paper plate. Glue front and back-ends of the crown together to create a crown container. Glitter a large, fancy Q or K on the front of the crown. Decorate and fill the inside with crinkle-cut paper and desired treat items.
Recognition Ideas (submitted by Kim Peterson, Lincoln, M.S.)
We do a car wash and put a poem on the seat of their car--the poem has them look under their gas pedal--were they find a certificate for a free latte that we have donated from a local coffee house---A HUGE HIT!! We also write a story about our staff on a huge piece of poster paper, using candy bars as part of the story. Then we end our week with a breakfast prepare by the leadership student in our kitchen lab--the students send an invitation to all the staff.
Recognition Themes (submitted by Kim Peterson, Lincoln, M.S.)
Our leadership class does staff appreciation each semester. We usually think of a theme, make a poster, write a poem, and/or provide a small treat. Some examples:
"Chip, Chip, Hooray--Our staff is the best" --serve bags of chips
"They never dip down below our expectations"---serve dips
"Our staff is RED HOT"---serve chips and salsa
OUR Staff FLOATS ABOVE THE REST---serve root beer float
"WE'RE NUTS about our staff"---serve peanuts
Recognize Substitutes (submitted by Susan Jackson, Evergreen Junior High)
Have pre-made baskets with mints (or other kid idea) for all subs and volunteers coming into the building to help out the school. Have them in a decorative basket for people to take one.
Room Service for Staff
Students take cart of fresh coffee, donuts, and orange juice to staff members throughout the school.
Say Hello!
Designate a "Say Hello" Theme day. Teach students to say hello in different languages. Can also designate a "Hello Hall" where it becomes school culture to always say hello when someone walks through that hallway and meets someone else.
Secret Pals (submitted by Patty Brandt, Forks H.S.)
My leadership class chooses a staff member and becomes their secret pal for the semester. They do little things for their secret pal throughout the semester. At the end of the term, we host a lunch and reveal our secret pals. The staff absolutely love this program. They display their posters and cards made by students and often make things to give to the students. This program really helps to keep the staff moral up!
"Souper" Staff
(submitted by Debra Kaiser, Goodman Middle School) Attach a note that reads "Our staff is "Souper" to a can of soup. Personalize the name tag.
Staff Parking Sign (submitted by Goodman Middle School)
Reserve a parking space close to the building. Make and then laminate a parking lot sign. Randomly select a staff member who gets the parking space for the week. Announcement selected staff on the morning announcements on Friday prior to them having the space for the next week. Be creative.
Sweet Talk (submitted by Cathy Sork, Ft. Vancouver H.S.)
Use candy and other treats to help share a thank you/encouragement message to teachers including:
• Kudos ® to You!
• You are worth 100 Grand ®!
• Thanks for all the laughs and Snickers ®
• You are Out of this World! (Mars ® or Milky Way ®)
• You Deserve a Sweet Escape ® for All You Do!
• Thanks for the Mounds ® of Work You Do!
• Hope your vacation is Carefree ® (Gum)
• You are M&M!!! (Marvelous and Magnificant)
• Students and Teacher Working Together Makes a Sweet Symphony ®!
• Thanks for putting up with us Ding Dongs ®!
• You are O'FISH'ally Awesome!(Gold Fish ® crackers)
• We Love You!!! XOXO (Hershey's Hugs and Kisses ®)
• You Deserve an Extra Payday ®!
• Thanks for always being willing to do EXTRA ®! (Gum)
• You are a JOY! (Almond Joy ®)
• We are NUTS about you
• You were "mint" to be a teacher
• Snack bag of chips with note "You're all that and a bag of chips!"
• Have a poppin' good weekend (popcorn)
• Thanks for pudding up with us. (Snack pudding)
• Have a Cracker Jack® of a summer!
Teachers Pet (submitted by Cathy Sork, Ft. Vancouver H.S.)
Collect photos of the personal pets of staff members. Can display them in a case or school newspaper or turn it into a contest where students try to match the pet to the teacher.
Teachers Rock (submitted by Cathy Sork, Ft. Vancouver H.S.)
Students paint rocks that can be used as paper weights or door stoppers. Attach a note, "You Rock!"
Teacher Appreciation Contest (submitted by Shannon Rasmussen, Kilo Junior High)
Divide your students into five groups. Each group is responsible for coming up with a staff appreciation activity for one day of Teacher Appreciation Week. We also make this a contest, as creativity soars! Past ideas have included: staff scavenger hunts, signs for boxes, $0.49 McDonald cheeseburgers, catered breakfast, car window-washing (with expression "You can see clearly how much we appreciate you"), candy signs ("You are a Big Hunk" for our male staff), etc.
Thank You Cards (submitted by Jerry Price, Ridgeline Middle School)
Our leadership students send cards signed by the class to teachers who participate in school activities. Teachers appreciate the recognition. Can also consider emailing cards to teachers from free internet card companies.
Welcome New Staff (submitted by M. Eileff, Frontier Junior High)
Welcome all new staff on the first morning of school with a cup of tea and muffin that is delivered by the leadership class students. Staff love this and it can be repeated throughout the year.
Window Washing (submitted by Cathy Sork, Fort Vancouver High School)
Carefully, wash the car windshields in the staff parking lot. Leave a note that says "Thanks for making everything so clear."
Year of Staff Appreciation All Year
Honor birthdays, anniversaries, decorate teacher lounge each month
1. September: Survivial Kits (notepads, pencils, red pens, post-its, aspirins, gum, etc.), sign names for teacher classrooms, decorated teacher door stops
2. October: Carve pumpkins to decor teachers lounge, Ghost lollipops using tootsie roll pops, leenex and yarn (Have a boo-tiful weekend! or Thanks for being Spooktacular!) November: "Turkey of the Week" given to staff with good sense of humor
3. December: Free gift wrapping services for staff, organize photos for teacher's families & pets, personalized ornaments, candy cane reindeers (pipe cleaner antlers, red pom-poms for the nose"
4. January: Exam blues reliever, staff buddy program to team build quieter staff, hot chocolate and cide in the teacher's lounge, tie note to confetti poppers that reads "Let's start the year with a bang!"
5. February: Hershey kiss flowers, Happy Valentine's cookies decorated by staff, Dime-ond Pin, Red Hot candies
6. March: Hold luncheon of sub sandwiches (There is no SUBstitute for you!)
7. April: Free car wash for all staff, Origami boxes filled with candies,
8. May: Early bird staff breakfast, staff drawing for free Saturday student yard crews, package of seed (Thanks for helping us to grow and learn.)
With the help of the Advanced Graphic Design students, scan in a very real looking $1,000,000 bill. Electronically change as many areas as possible to make it clear and personal, i.e. "United States of America" to "Ellensburg High School," etc. Can replace the face on the bill with the teacher's picture and put their name in under the photo. Print them out (actual bill size) and make a huge poster to hang in the office that says "Thanks a Million!" with all of the bills placed in an arrangement that spells out "EHS." Each teacher received a copy of their $1,000,000 bill in their mail box. Many teachers still display the bill on their bulletin boards.
Apple Tree of Quotes (submitted by Barb Goll-DeWitte, Ellensburg High School)
Students collect three quotes (positive ones) for every employee. Make a large apple tree out of construction paper (10' high), hang up in the office or central area, with large heading over the top that reads: "Thank You! You are the apple of our eye." Hanging on the tree (taped on) are hand-cut out (or dye cut if you have them) red apples with the staff name on the leaf and the 3 quotes printed on the apple. A copy of the apple with quotes was also placed in that person's school mail box.
Baby Picture Contest
Get teacher baby photos and put up in a secured display. Make it a contest for students to guess who is is who.
Back Scratcher (submitted by Tammy Caldwell, Marysville M.S.)
Buy wooden back scratchers for staff. Attach a note that says "Thanks for the helping hand!"
Banana Splits (submitted by Lana Yenne, Yelm M.S.)
Put a banana in the box of all staff members with an attached note which says "Don't Split After School, bring this banana to room _____!" Have the fixings for Banana Splits after school.
Fairy Godmother Granting Wishes
Have a student dressed in a "Fairy godmother" outfit complete with halo and wand ask each member to make a wish such as cleaning, recording papers, etc. Form a crew to grant the wishes.
Feed the Cooks (submitted by Josh Meek, Puyallup High School)
During National School Lunch week, have a luncheon for the school cooks. At this appreciation luncheon, the leadership students gave our cooking staff a small gift of appreciation and served them lunch. The success came from hosting the luncheon in a high profile location where other students saw the event taking place.
Full Plate (submitted by Goodman Middle School)
Decorate a small paper plate with a small lotion bottle taped to the middle with felt marker hearts, stars, or flowers, etc. Around the rim of the paper plate: We know you have a lot on your plate, and you're working your fingers to the bone, So please this lotion--As a token of our appreciation.
Heart Attack (submitted by Cathy Sork, Ft. Vancouver H.S.)
Cover the teacher's lounge with paper hearts. Can write messages on hearts, also.
Homemade Cards (submitted by Jennifer Hoglund , Gaiser M.S.)
For classified staff appreciation week, the students made homemade, stamped cards with the help of volunteer stamp crafters. It makes for a very personal touch to show appreciation and the students include a personal message to each staff member in their card. Kitchen staff and custodians are included.
Inspirational Notes (submitted by Jerry Price, Ridgeline Middle School)
Leadership students put inspirational quotes or notes highlighting what makes a certain teacher special to them in their teacher boxes.
Key Contributor (submitted by K.C., La Conner Middle School)
Buy simple gold skeleton keys (or get keys donated from a local lock smith). Create a certificate and give to parents, staff, and community members that do something specific to advance the school mission.
Letters of Appreciation (submitted by Sandy Rossmaier, Rainer High School)
Each Friday have the keyboard or Communication Technology teacher assign each student to write a thank you letter to a school employee. The employee is one the student chooses for whatever reason. The school employee could be a bus driver, custodian, librarian, educational assistant, secretary, groundskeeper, a cafeteria worker, and so on. Creates a huge amount of pride in the faculty and staff and if given enough time you will be surprised how everyone eventually receives a letter.
Message In a Bottle (submitted by Goodman Middle School)
Recycle those plastic vending machine throw-a-way beverage containers and truth them into memorable thank-you! Collect, rinse, and remove label. Write an inspirational verse or quote on a piece of paper. Roll into a scroll and tuck inside the bottle. Attach a self-adhesive sticker to the outside of the bottle and write "Message in a Bottle." Tie on a steamer of ribbons for a special touch. Use self-adhesive stickers to decorate.
Mug a Teacher
Paint up personalized coffee mugs for each teacher. Include favorite sayings or some special picture. Have a group wearing black run in the class delivering mugs.
Muffin Bags (submitted by Cindy Bettis, Hudtloff Middle School)
As a thank you, we put a fresh, huge blueberry muffins and a fancy paper napkin in a lunch-sized paper bag. Fold the top of the bag over the top, hole punch and thread through a ribbon. Can add personalized thank you notes or decorate bags.
Pizza Party (submitted by Caity Karapostoles, Sequim Middle School)
The staff brings in various pizza toppings and the following morning, ASB officers put together pizzas, bake them and serve them to the entire staff. Use the kitchen ovens to bake them. We also serve salad, drinks, and desserts. The school schedules only one lunch that day so all 70+ staff members have a chance to spend a bit of time socializing together.
Polished Apples (submitted by Margie Cummings, Ridgefield H.S.) Students polish apples and place them on a silver platter with a silver cover. The students come into the teacher's classroom dressed up, carrying the tray, and serve each teacher an apple.
Post Cards (submitted by John Bittinger, Everett H.S.)
Once a week, each student in class writes a post card to a staff member. Write them about their teaching, support of activities, extra effort, etc. Only one student for a teacher in a given week. Post cards are delivered to teacher mailboxes.
Queen-or-King-For-A-Day (submitted by Goodman Middle School)
Roll out the red carpet for staff and give them the royal treatment they deserve. Create a golden crown that is brimming with favorite treats such as cookies, candy, tea or hot chocolate bags, or other treasures that are fit for a king or queen. Take an 8-inch round paper plate, gold is best, but any color will work, poster board or construction paper, tacky or hot glue, and scissors. Cut out a long strip of paper, jagged on the top edge that makes a crown pattern when the two ends are brought together. The paper plate and the crown should be the same size. Align and then glue the crown shape to the rim of the paper plate. Glue front and back-ends of the crown together to create a crown container. Glitter a large, fancy Q or K on the front of the crown. Decorate and fill the inside with crinkle-cut paper and desired treat items.
Recognition Ideas (submitted by Kim Peterson, Lincoln, M.S.)
We do a car wash and put a poem on the seat of their car--the poem has them look under their gas pedal--were they find a certificate for a free latte that we have donated from a local coffee house---A HUGE HIT!! We also write a story about our staff on a huge piece of poster paper, using candy bars as part of the story. Then we end our week with a breakfast prepare by the leadership student in our kitchen lab--the students send an invitation to all the staff.
Recognition Themes (submitted by Kim Peterson, Lincoln, M.S.)
Our leadership class does staff appreciation each semester. We usually think of a theme, make a poster, write a poem, and/or provide a small treat. Some examples:
"Chip, Chip, Hooray--Our staff is the best" --serve bags of chips
"They never dip down below our expectations"---serve dips
"Our staff is RED HOT"---serve chips and salsa
OUR Staff FLOATS ABOVE THE REST---serve root beer float
"WE'RE NUTS about our staff"---serve peanuts
Recognize Substitutes (submitted by Susan Jackson, Evergreen Junior High)
Have pre-made baskets with mints (or other kid idea) for all subs and volunteers coming into the building to help out the school. Have them in a decorative basket for people to take one.
Room Service for Staff
Students take cart of fresh coffee, donuts, and orange juice to staff members throughout the school.
Say Hello!
Designate a "Say Hello" Theme day. Teach students to say hello in different languages. Can also designate a "Hello Hall" where it becomes school culture to always say hello when someone walks through that hallway and meets someone else.
Secret Pals (submitted by Patty Brandt, Forks H.S.)
My leadership class chooses a staff member and becomes their secret pal for the semester. They do little things for their secret pal throughout the semester. At the end of the term, we host a lunch and reveal our secret pals. The staff absolutely love this program. They display their posters and cards made by students and often make things to give to the students. This program really helps to keep the staff moral up!
"Souper" Staff
(submitted by Debra Kaiser, Goodman Middle School) Attach a note that reads "Our staff is "Souper" to a can of soup. Personalize the name tag.
Staff Parking Sign (submitted by Goodman Middle School)
Reserve a parking space close to the building. Make and then laminate a parking lot sign. Randomly select a staff member who gets the parking space for the week. Announcement selected staff on the morning announcements on Friday prior to them having the space for the next week. Be creative.
Sweet Talk (submitted by Cathy Sork, Ft. Vancouver H.S.)
Use candy and other treats to help share a thank you/encouragement message to teachers including:
• Kudos ® to You!
• You are worth 100 Grand ®!
• Thanks for all the laughs and Snickers ®
• You are Out of this World! (Mars ® or Milky Way ®)
• You Deserve a Sweet Escape ® for All You Do!
• Thanks for the Mounds ® of Work You Do!
• Hope your vacation is Carefree ® (Gum)
• You are M&M!!! (Marvelous and Magnificant)
• Students and Teacher Working Together Makes a Sweet Symphony ®!
• Thanks for putting up with us Ding Dongs ®!
• You are O'FISH'ally Awesome!(Gold Fish ® crackers)
• We Love You!!! XOXO (Hershey's Hugs and Kisses ®)
• You Deserve an Extra Payday ®!
• Thanks for always being willing to do EXTRA ®! (Gum)
• You are a JOY! (Almond Joy ®)
• We are NUTS about you
• You were "mint" to be a teacher
• Snack bag of chips with note "You're all that and a bag of chips!"
• Have a poppin' good weekend (popcorn)
• Thanks for pudding up with us. (Snack pudding)
• Have a Cracker Jack® of a summer!
Teachers Pet (submitted by Cathy Sork, Ft. Vancouver H.S.)
Collect photos of the personal pets of staff members. Can display them in a case or school newspaper or turn it into a contest where students try to match the pet to the teacher.
Teachers Rock (submitted by Cathy Sork, Ft. Vancouver H.S.)
Students paint rocks that can be used as paper weights or door stoppers. Attach a note, "You Rock!"
Teacher Appreciation Contest (submitted by Shannon Rasmussen, Kilo Junior High)
Divide your students into five groups. Each group is responsible for coming up with a staff appreciation activity for one day of Teacher Appreciation Week. We also make this a contest, as creativity soars! Past ideas have included: staff scavenger hunts, signs for boxes, $0.49 McDonald cheeseburgers, catered breakfast, car window-washing (with expression "You can see clearly how much we appreciate you"), candy signs ("You are a Big Hunk" for our male staff), etc.
Thank You Cards (submitted by Jerry Price, Ridgeline Middle School)
Our leadership students send cards signed by the class to teachers who participate in school activities. Teachers appreciate the recognition. Can also consider emailing cards to teachers from free internet card companies.
Welcome New Staff (submitted by M. Eileff, Frontier Junior High)
Welcome all new staff on the first morning of school with a cup of tea and muffin that is delivered by the leadership class students. Staff love this and it can be repeated throughout the year.
Window Washing (submitted by Cathy Sork, Fort Vancouver High School)
Carefully, wash the car windshields in the staff parking lot. Leave a note that says "Thanks for making everything so clear."
Year of Staff Appreciation All Year
Honor birthdays, anniversaries, decorate teacher lounge each month
1. September: Survivial Kits (notepads, pencils, red pens, post-its, aspirins, gum, etc.), sign names for teacher classrooms, decorated teacher door stops
2. October: Carve pumpkins to decor teachers lounge, Ghost lollipops using tootsie roll pops, leenex and yarn (Have a boo-tiful weekend! or Thanks for being Spooktacular!) November: "Turkey of the Week" given to staff with good sense of humor
3. December: Free gift wrapping services for staff, organize photos for teacher's families & pets, personalized ornaments, candy cane reindeers (pipe cleaner antlers, red pom-poms for the nose"
4. January: Exam blues reliever, staff buddy program to team build quieter staff, hot chocolate and cide in the teacher's lounge, tie note to confetti poppers that reads "Let's start the year with a bang!"
5. February: Hershey kiss flowers, Happy Valentine's cookies decorated by staff, Dime-ond Pin, Red Hot candies
6. March: Hold luncheon of sub sandwiches (There is no SUBstitute for you!)
7. April: Free car wash for all staff, Origami boxes filled with candies,
8. May: Early bird staff breakfast, staff drawing for free Saturday student yard crews, package of seed (Thanks for helping us to grow and learn.)