:confused: I have to plan a parent recognition dinner for our school. We probably have 350-400 parents. I know everyone won't show up but I need some ideas. It is to be catered. I know you can't please everyone but I need something most people will eat and inexpensive. I'm going to ask the teachers to nominate a parent from each class but I know we don't have that much participation in class rooms. Any suggestions to get started? I also have a student dinner and trip going on too. My time is stretched out.
Our principal and I sat down and planned events for volunteer week and staff apprec. week.
WE are inviting the whole school to join the PTO for a "volunteer Breakfast" at 9am in our schools library. Just coffee donuts, bagels and very simple. I am handing out a volunteer poem and that is that. Very simple to say thank you.
Good luck.'
We hold a parent honor night to recognize volunteers and community partners. It's called the G.E.M. Awards. G.E.M. stands for Go the Extra Mile and it recognizes anybody who has gone out of their way to do anything for our students, faculty, and staff. The faculty and staff are given nomination forms ~1 month before the event and they should list up to 10 people or organizations to be recognized. We recognize everyone who is nominated, feeling that any contribution is worthy. The parent with the most nominations is named Parent of the Year. The community partner or business with the most nominations is named Partner of the Year. All nominees receive a certificate of recognition (printed from home) and funds permitting a token gift. The "of the Year" people receive plaques and gifts. Total budget has never exceeded $250 and we have ~50-60 nominees each year.
We do ours in April. It's actually next week. Whatever seems to fit around the school's schedule because the end of the year seems to be overloaded with activities and field trips as well as testing.
The irony of commitment is that it’s deeply liberating-in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life. --Anne Morris
Our staff holds a volunteer breakfast in June, they have childcare so volunteers can bring their kids and not have to worry. It usually starts at 7:30 and goes until 9:00. They all bring something, it is really nice. As far as our group I play up the April meeting for volunteer week, I usually make little goodies for each one, decorate the table with flowers, etc. make it a celebration...oh yeah I always say my words of wisdom
"When you stop learning you stop growing."
