Our Appreciation efforts currently include:
1) Little thank you's throughout the year... for example, in September we gave each of them a package of Madison Commit "mints". Soon, we'll be replenishing all of the office supplies in the copy room.
2) A monthly birthday cake in the staff lounge.
3) Potluck dinners the night of evening conferences, twice during the year.
4) A themed lunch during teacher appreciation week... last year, we turned the lounge into a fifties diner. This year, we'll be doing a red carpet, Oscar-theme.
5) One big gift... last year, we purchased 2 microwaves for all of the teachers. No idea what we'll do this year.
Hope this helps!
Kelley
Madison PTO
Mount Vernon, WA

For Christmas I will probably order them small gifts compliments of the PTO. We have a $200.00 budget for that (we are a small school).

At the begining of the year we paid for the staff members some laynards (I don't know if I ever spell that right).

At the elementary volunteers would often bring in sweets and cakes for the teachers. 1 volunteer imparticular when she had time on her hands. She loves to bake and everyone was very appreciative. During Teacher Apprec Week we would have a potluck. They loved that. Volunteers would bring stuff in for the staff. We also ordered small gifts for everyone.

I try to keep the workroom with supplies. At the elementary I'd often buy out of pocket. At this school there is no way. It is in it's second year and many things were needed. The first day I went there wasn't anything in there I needed such as a stapler, scissors, tape, paper clips, pens, etc.! I also got some white out and post its. We can now call it a workroom. Since the PTO has to use that stuff alot I feel kinda obligated to purchase it.

At the elementary I started doing supply baskets for those who had the most attendance during the meeting. I do that at this school too. That is about the only supplies we purchase for the teachers but they do get money each year. The teachers at this school pretty much opt out of it. The 5th grade teachers want theirs to go toward the new playground and the 6th grade teachers could care less if there was a PTO or not. They do not want to do anything to help our organization. Perhaps if we could pamper them a little more they may be more enthusiastic. First we need enough money to do that.

What does your PTO do for your teachers? Do you have breakfast for them or lunches throughout the year that is over and beyond your staff apperication or conference meals?

Do any of you sell muffins or any bakery to them in the morning as a fundriasier? Do any of you make coffee for them every day and supply the supplies or do anything along those lines???

Are there PTO members that do this out of their own money or does PTO pay for it?