Why I’m NOT going to participate in Teacher Appreciation Week anymore!
Two weeks ago was Teacher Appreciation Week at my son’s school. Every year I have a bit of a knee jerk reaction to this week. Is it because I don’t appreciate my sons’ teachers and administrators? Definitely not true! I appreciate them more than I can ever show. It’s a joke in our house that if I homeschooled, we probably wouldn’t have children. We all need that time away. And, my kids are so headstrong, that they learn much better from talented educators that don’t tuck them in bed at night.
So, why you ask do I have a knee jerk reaction? Let me explain.
Two weeks ago I spent less than 20 minutes whipping up some really cute vases using recycled jars painted with Farmhouse Paint. Wait…What is this paint?
Well, it’s “paint formerly know as chalk paint” (don’t even get me on the soap box about everyone else not being able to call it chalk paint anymore because a particular company has trademarked the name. I mean, that’s like saying that no one can call it latex paint anymore because Brand X trademarked it. Sorry, I get riled up easily.)
Anyway, back to my story, I made these adorable little vases by saving up a bunch of recycled jars.
Then I painted them with two coats of Farmhouse Paint. I’m in love with this paint. The colors are vibrant and you don’t need to wax after painting. Just a light sanding with fine grit sandpaper and it give you the same soft sheen as waxing would.
After the paint has dried I sand some areas (especially on any writing).
Finally, I added some fresh cut flowers from my yard and tied a string around the neck with a personal message.
These little vases were adorable. They were cute and they seriously took me less than half an hour to put together (20 minutes to paint and a few more minutes cutting flowers in the yard.)
When I arrived at school, I began distributing the flowers. First the principal’s office — her desk was filled with more flowers vases than a florist’s counter. And the overflow was on her conference table.
The assistant principal’s desk had the same overcrowded vase problem.
I made my way around to my sons’ classrooms. Tins of cookies and more vases littered their desks. I was sad. Although I knew they appreciated the kind gifts, it must be overwhelming to get everything on one day or one week of the school year.
After the week is over and the cookies are gone, what is there? Nothing. Desks filled with papers to grade of course. But, no gifts; no notes of appreciation; no flowers…nothing. That appreciation day is long forgotten.
That’s why I’m doing something different next year. Heck, I might even do some appreciating at the end of this school year!
Where are the gifts and flowers during the first week of school when the kids are scared, tired, disappointed, weepy for their Mom and Dad? Where are the gifts when the principal and other administrators have to deal with outraged parents because the school bus didn’t come on time to pick up their child? Or worse yet, what about the day after a weeknight Halloween? I know the children pour into their seats sleep-deprived and burned out after a high sugar evening. Heaven help me this year when Halloween falls on a Friday night. I might check into a hotel for two nights.
Anyway, I’m vowing to appreciate the staff and teachers at my sons’ school on any old ordinary day from now on. I’m sure that a small recycled jar turned into a sweet little vase of flowers will surely brighten the day of one tired educator. I may even slip a little gift card underneath. I know in our state, teachers are not paid nearly enough and we are facing a crisis as teachers leave schools searching for better paying jobs.
To all the teachers, school staff and administrators out there. I APPRECIATE you more than you will ever realize! Please forgive me if I don’t bring you a gift during Teacher Appreciation Week. I’ll surprise you some other time. 😉
What do you say? Why not whip up a little painted vase to appreciate your child’s teacher on Monday. Or the last week of school? Or just on one ordinary not celebration day. Am I crazy? Doesn’t this make sense to you?
P.s. Did you like the chippy paint board backdrop I used? It’s not real wood, it is actually a vinyl backdrop made by my good friend Leen the Graphics Queen. It rolls up and stores neatly away. She should be selling them soon.
I have the most beautiful peonies in my yard (courtesy of the previous homeowner) but this year they were not yet blooming on TA week. So my son and I delivered flowers to his teachers/therapists/office staff the following week. We used clear glass jars I had saved, but I love the idea of painting them.
Why? It was a fabulous post, a wonderful gift, and I’m always so impressed by all that you do for us at the U!
Personally, I loved receiving my floral treat from you and the boys. Thanks for brightening my day (and my desk)!
Rachel, thank you for all that you do!!! I hope you can use the vase again…or I might just have to surprise you with some fresh flowers ;-). P.s. I’m a little embarrassed that you saw this post now. :-O
I will say, once your kids are at high school level you can begin to send them in on Teacher Appreciation week. If it weren’t for the PTA, the teachers would get nothing. 🙁 At least the PTA does breakfasts and lunches for them. Everyone likes to be fed!
Love the vases!! Feel the same way as you about the chalk paint! It’s been around forever. Can’t believe they got a trademark on it!
Jenny, thanks for the input. Thank goodness for the PTA!
Beautiful gift idea! As a teacher myself, I appreciate the gifts anytime of year!
Angi, thank you for being a teacher! I hope you are well appreciated!
As a retired teacher, I can tell you that any gesture of appreciation at any time is wonderful!
Susan, thanks for chiming in ;-).
Whenever I have fresh flowers in my garden, I always send a bunch with my daughter for her teacher. She reports back to me when the flowers start to fade so we can send a new bunch. we do this all year round. I am so grateful for the teachers who have so much patience with the kids and teach them. It doesnt cost me a lot, and It sure brings a smile on the teachers face.
Elizabeth, what a sweet gesture. And you are so right. It’s the thought that counts, not how much you spend.
My daughter is majoring in elementary education and getting her certification in Academically Gifted education. She really wants to come back to Raleigh and teach at the elementary school she attended but she’s already started looking at schools in Virginia because the pay is better. I think it is a shame that teachers are treated the way they are in NC. I can’t count how many times I sent packs of copy paper, tissues, post-it notes, notebook paper, etc. just to help out. So kudos to you for thinking about honoring these valuable people all year long. I might just have to drop off some supplies sometime.
Susie, I can completely understand your daughter’s dilemma. As a fellow Raleighite, I’m curious what school she went to ;-). AND, I really do hope things change SOON!
Chalk paint, not chalkboard paint.. they are different things. 🙂
I always bring my gift a week before TAW.. just to beat the crowds (and of course, so it is posted to my blog in time 😉 )
And I am 100% with you on the “Paint formerly known as chalk paint” Just like I’m going to call a q-tip a q-tip and a kleenex a kleenex.
Kim, you are a kindred spirit. 😉
What a nice gesture! I love the color of those vase’ too. Are you serious?! Some company trademarked the name “chalkboard paint”? That is to me, insane! ugh! Haha, don’t get me started either! I hope your having a great Friday!
Leslie, actually the trademark is on “Chalk Paint”. You can see more information here: http://bit.ly/RjORta
My family is all educators. Do you want to show appreciation? Volunteer in their classroom. Give a gift card. Do a nice goodie basket (but leave out the sweets)… coffee/tea, pasta-sauce, etc.
But don’t do craftsy things with apples, their Mrs/Mr Name, mugs, Christmas ornament, etc. They probably have hundreds… literally. And just like everyone else, they have to store them or trash them.
Teri, those are excellent ideas! Thanks for your comment!
that’s a good attitude! why pour it on in a single week/day when everyone else is doing it?
also, i didn’t know about that whole chalk trademark thing. ew. :\
Paige,
Thanks. And yes, you can read about their trademark here: http://bit.ly/RjORta
As a teacher, I think being appreciated is great no matter when you choose to do it. Teacher appreciation gifts lessen immensely the older students become. In middle school, we’re lucky to get one gift from a student during teacher appreciation week and I know my HS teacher friends don’t usually get gifts either. It is always nice just to hear…”good job,” it doesn’t have to be gifts. I think your gifts were wonderful and I know I would have been very thankful to receive one.
T.J. This is so good to know. I pledge to appreciate my sons’ middle and high school teachers as well. I can imagine that it’s a tough job that rarely gets the appreciation they deserve!
Nice blog! Can’t help chiming in with my appreciation also, especially for the two teachers in our family and for the six teachers nurturing my grandchildren every day!
Thanks for your comment. I appreciate you too ;-).