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Teacher Appreciation Week May 3-9

By Brittany Guerin, Publisher East Bergen Macaroni Kid April 29, 2020

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week and while I value the effort and support my children's teachers provide, I think we are all feeling even more appreciative right about now.  Unfortunately, since schools are closed most planned celebrations for Teacher Appreciation Week must be modified significantly or put on hold indefinitely.  But that doesn't mean that there aren't other ways we can show our gratitude for our teachers.  Here are a few suggestions:

Feeling creative?  Reach out to the other parents in class  for a picture of each student which you can make into a collage with a thoughtful note from the class.  This can be printed and mailed or even emailed directly to your teacher for her to print herself.  Another creative idea I love is to request a video from each student - it can be short and centered around a question or theme such as "What I love most about my teacher" or "One thing I learned from my teacher this year".  You can then edit these clips together and even add music and graphics if you like.  With money being tight for many families right now, these gifts can take off some of the pressure, or are also nice to combine along with a gift card.

Like the rest of us, your teacher is probably feeling like they are preparing 15 meals a day along with teaching virtually.  For this reason, gift cards (or even e-gift cards) to a local restaurant that is still open and offering delivery or take out make a great gift.  Or if your teacher loves doughnuts, cupcakes,  or other goodies get them a gift card to indulge in their favorite treat.  

There are many "quarantine themed" teacher gifts available as well.  These gifts take some time to print generally, but try reaching out to a local print shop for options.  T-shirts and mugs are some of the options available.

How are you planning to celebrate your teachers this year?  We'd love to hear your ideas!