We Heart Teachers

This week, May 2-8, is Teacher Appreciation Week!  In addition to being a professional party planner, I'm mom to three school-age girls and this year, I'm a PTA President.  Our parent-teacher community is very engaged and supportive so this is a big week for us.  Each day, on behalf of the children, the parents do something special for the teachers and staff.  For example, on Wednesday, we'll host a catered luncheon.  Teachers and staff will attend while parent volunteers watch their class and answer phones.  Below is a photo of the invitation I quickly put together last Thursday based on the coordinator's party design - a casual picnic with red and white checked linens and yellow flowers in bud vases.

If you want to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, it's not too late to come up with a thoughtful thank you gift from your child.  Here are a few quick and inexpensive ideas:

A collection of these items in a gift basket (idea from here):
Sponge - to soak up the overflow when your brain is too full
Candle - to light a small mind
Modeling Clay - for being a great model
Smarties Candy - to help stay smart
Highlighter Pen - for being a big highlight of my life
Glue - for holding everything together
Bubbles - to keep a bubbly personality
Cup - when yours is overflowing
Marbles - to replace those lost from time to time
Crayon - to color your day
Hanger - to hang in there -- summer vacation is almost here!

Each day, fill a bowl with these items (idea from here):
On Monday, Lifesavers with the sign "You are lifesaver to our kids! Thank you for all your hard work"
On Tuesday, Sunflower Seeds with the sign "You plant the seeds of knowledge in our children"
On Wednesday, Dum Dum suckers with the sign "Because of you our kids are not Dum Dums!"
On Thursday, Hersheys Hugs and Kisses candy with the sign "Hugs and Kisses for everything you do"
On Friday, Carefree gum with the sign "You deserve a "Carefree" weekend!"

Super cute (and free) Imprintables (and clever gift ideas) available from here

And my favorite - a ruler with a little note that says "Teachers Rule"