In our newsletter, we have a column dedicated to recognizing people for taking on things, some are charis of committees others are those silent contributors who work tirelessly without a lot of hoopla. For example, we had a Dad come in during the summer and sand down and restain all of our classroom doors. Not very many people knew about it, but we recognized him in our newsletter. I would develop a name for the column that reflects your school:
For example we are the "Eagles" so we call people "Golden Eagles".
Or simply, Kudos to....
People sem to appreciate the little bit of recognition.
When I come across this, and that is rarely at our school, I try do include something with the note. I have used a mini 100 grand bar and volunteers like you are worth $100,000. We had school rulers and sent them with notes that said "you rule" and just other little things. I am cheap so I try to buy stuff on sale or use things that are leftover from other events.
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
Let's face it, the person writing thank-you notes will see the same names over and over again. I'm trying to change my wording and running out of ideas. You can only say "thank you for helping with....." so many times before it's redundant. Any new wording ideas?