Teacher Appreciation During The Pandemic
By Nicole McCabe
Teacher/Staff appreciation week is almost upon us. Whether you’re a PTO or a booster club, most groups celebrate our educators during national teacher appreciation week. The first full week of May is traditionally teacher appreciation week, with that Tuesday being Teacher appreciation day. Some groups celebrate the entire staff and others, just the teachers during that week. Personally, I enjoyed treating all of the staff equally. Specials, resource, and support staff are unsung heroes in my opinion. The pandemic sure has changed the way groups can facilitate any event, and teacher appreciation week is no different. Limited access to campus, social distancing and food handling, amongst other things make it a bit complicated. In “normal” years most groups go big with food, whether it is a pot luck style meal or having a meal catered. That likely isn’t possible this year.
You may want to consider polling teachers and staff to see what they would prefer this year. Food, snacks, gift cards, maybe even just adjust and approve the budget to add $10, $15 or $20 to their teacher reimbursements. This year is definitely not the average year. Here are some other ideas ideas that may help:
- Have a gift card drive/sign up for parents to donate to the cause.
- If you would like to create a snack bag, do the same. Try asking for a selection of different soda cans, bottled water, candy bar or chips. And put together treat bags for them.
- Reach out to local restaurants to see if they can donate individually packed meals or give a discount.
- If you are looking for cute ideas, Pinterest is where it is at.
However and whatever you choose to do, have fun with it!
