One year,when our budget was low, we gave our teachers each a black sharpie pen and a package of sticky-tack wrapped with a short note and some ribbon. Those were 2 items recommended to us by some teachers. Another year, when we chose to spend more money, we filled plastic bins with an assortment of classroom supplies like kleenex, pencils, sharpies, tape, hand sanitizer, etc. This is addition to $100 annual reimbursement credit we give them. The gifts were just a way to say "welcome back" in a tangible way since they can't get their $100 from us until they turn in receipts (per the IRS).
We went to Walmart and talk to them and they have a free small back to school pack for teachers. It has a pen, marker, kleenex, Germ-x, etc...
Also, we are going around to local businesses asking for donations. For example, a florist is giving us several bunches of flowers to break out and put into each room. Another store is giving a few cases of cold soft drinks to give the teachers while they are setting up their classrooms. We have high hopes for even more donations. They got lots of donations last year.
I came across a great idea for a Teacher's Back to School Survival Kit. Include the following items in a fun decorative bag with the attached explanation:
Crayon: To color your day
Mounds: For the mounds of stuff you teach
Peanuts: To get a little nutty
Band-Aid: For when things get a little rough
Marbles: To replace those you might lose from time to time (or To replace the ones you have lost)
Sponge: To soak up the overflow when your brain is too full
Puzzle piece: Without you, things wouldn't be complete
Lifesaver: For when you've had one of those days
Hugs & Kisses: To make everything worthwhile (or to remind you someone cares)
Bath salt: To take you away when you've had a bad day
Cup: For when yours is full
Eraser: To make all your mistakes disappear
Penny: For good luck
Rubber band: to help you stretch beyond your limits without breaking
String: To tie everything together when it falls apart
We used positive promotions.com. They have tons of idea for the whole year. Try the sale or clearance section. We bought mini photo albums with a nice poem on them for 69cents each!
Also, they have tons of poems you could re-type for your our notes if you didn't want to buy.
Each teacher has a budget to use throughout the year on whatever they need-- it's about 200.00 each--
We also gave out planners at the beginning of the year last yeat and the teachers and staff seemed to like that- I love the idea of a bottle water with a healthy snack to start their new school year off right-- possibly a lottery ticket for a lucky start to a good year.
We also have discovered that our staff likes $$. So we too give them a monetary donation the first day of school at their catered lunch. Very much appreciated by all!
