There is something bothersome to me about Teacher Appreciation week. It’s not that I don’t love the teachers and staff at my kids’ school because I am honestly so incredibly grateful for all they do day in and day out. I think what “gets” to me is this feeling that I am tied to do certain things on certain days in order to show my appreciation.
Yet, here I am PTA Vice President and I just sent out an email outlining what we are going to do this year for Teacher Appreciation week.
You know those moments where you are “that mom”? Yeah, I just had one of those moments.
I cringed a bit sending the email out knowing it would cause some eye rolling. But I also know the reality is that we have to do it. The teachers and staff deserve a week where they feel extra appreciated by the students and parents. {Actually, they deserve a medal most days if you ask me.}
Here’s the thing: Teacher Appreciation Week starts on May 7.
Here is what our PTA crew came up with for this year.
Monday Unique card or picture illustrating what you like best about your teacher
Tuesday Restaurant or other gift card – $5, $10, $15, or $20, all contribute to a handful of plenty
Wednesday Oven baked treat, sweet or unsweet
Thursday Choose your favorite bible verse, write it down, and share!
Friday Knicknacks, kiwis, K-cups, or kale, random gifts of gratitude leave a happiness trail
While the topic does cause me a twinge of panic and irritation with adding one more thing to my plate, I am also excited for it. My suggestion to all moms and dads out there is this: don’t procrastinate. Every year, without fail, I am scrambling the evening before or the morning of to find something to bring to the teachers. Last year I literally woke my six year old and made him draw a picture for his teacher because I realized at 9 pm that was what was needed for the following day.
Encourage your child to take the lead. If your child is old enough, which I think starts at about age 7, encourage them to take the lead on some of the things they will do. They can draw a picture or write a thank you note. They probably can’t go buy a $5 Starbucks card. But more power to you and your kid if they are independent enough to do that!
This year, my goal is to have everything ready days before. How amazing does that sound? We’ll see if it becomes a reality but since I know the “themes” of the day I am really hoping I can reach my goal.
If you need ideas for teacher gifts, you have come to the right place:
- We Asked Teachers What They Really Want for Teacher Appreciation Week. Here’s What They Said.
- Teacher Christmas Gift Ideas
- End-of-Year Teacher Gifts
What does your school do for this week? Do you cringe getting the email or maybe you are the person sending the email? We’d love to hear from you!
