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August 12, 2020

6 Ways to Safely Go Back to School

Back. To. School.

Most years, these words typically have mixed emotions across the board—teachers might jokingly groan, parents are excited to send kids back to class, and the kids themselves aren’t so happy. This year, back to school has more emotions than ever before.

To help teachers and schools prepare for an uncertain 2020-2021 school year we have a few ideas for you to use to keep your students, teachers, and staff safe. Plus, they’re perfect for any school— from elementary school to middle school to high school.

Stock up on Masks and other safety supplies for the 2020-2021 school year.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

1. Stock up on health and safety supplies.

In addition to the typical bandages and ointments, Masks, Sanitizer, and hand wipes are must-haves for every classroom for the upcoming school year. Having these supplies in every office and classroom will go a long way toward easing teachers’ and parents’ worries. And some Masks and Sanitizer options can be customized to match your school name and/or mascot.

Anti-microbial Pens eliminate pen sharing and the transfer of germs.

2. Stock up on antimicrobial pens.

Pens are another must-have for any elementary, middle, or high school. Anti-microbial Pens eliminate pen sharing and the transfer of germs. Having these special pens around (or Anti-microbial Lanyards) is just one more way to make your school a little safer for everyone.

Post Sanitizer Stations through your school for the new school year to keep everyone safe and healthy.

3. Set up Sanitizer Stations in common areas of your school. 

Sanitizing stations can be as informal or elaborate as you want. You can set up a Sanitizer Pump on a hallway table or shelf and post a sign above the sanitizer, or purchase a special Sanitizer Station. Set up Sanitizer Stations in various common areas of your school, like entrances, cafeteria, gymnasium, by locker rooms, and offices.

Welcome teachers and staff back to school with a VIP Gift Set.

4. Raise teacher morale with a Gift Set for each of them.

With all of the uncertainties teachers are facing, it’s the perfect time let them know how grateful you are for everything they do. Welcome teachers back to school with a Gift Set that is full of fun and functional gifts that will be used on a daily basis. 

Use Yard Signs and Banners to give all your school teachers and staff warm welcome back.

5. Brighten up your school and grounds with Signs and Banners.

It’s more important than ever to raise everyone’s spirits and keep morale up. There’s no better way to do that than with a colorful “Welcome Back” Yard Sign, poster, decals, and Banners. Whether they are displayed on your school’s front lawn, by school entrances or sidewalks, or inside on walls, bulletin boards, doors, or windows give everybody a warm welcome.

Floor Decals encourage visitors at your school to maintain social distancing practices.

6. Post decals on walls and/or floors to encourage social distancing and hand washing.

Floor Decals are easy ways to create a one-way flow of traffic through school hallways. They are also essential for offices; they can be spaced 6′ apart to encourage visitors to maintain social distance in your school. Wall Decals are also must-have supplies. Secure a hand washing decal in every school bathroom.

In addition to the six above ideas, you can maintain a safe and healthy school environment with extra cleaning and disinfecting supplies. Use these supplies every day and try to schedule a deep cleaning once a week. No matter which ideas you choose to use in your elementary school, middle school, or high school, everyone will be a little safer for it.

May 2, 2016

Award Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Week

teacher appreciation awards

Revered, brilliant mathematician Albert Einstein said, “It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.”

Teacher Appreciation Week is an important part of the school year–it’s when students, parents, and administrators recognize the hard work and dedication of educators. This year, have some fun during Teacher Appreciation Week with some award ideas for acknowledging the efforts of your educational staff. Awards don’t have to be fancy trophies. An elegant certificate is a thoughtful gesture on Teacher Appreciation Week that makes an impactful statement.

Attendance Certificate Paper

Perfect Attendance Award

A Perfect Attendance Award is a classic recognition award in any school. A teacher who receives this awards shows up for class in rain, sleet, or snow. The award recipient sets an example for students and fellow teachers, making his/her way into school regardless of the weather or any nasty illnesses circulating in the hallways.

Coolest Classroom Award

This award recognizes the teacher who transformed his/her classroom into an inspirational haven for learning and creativity. Taking the time and dedicating energy to turning a plain room filled with desks into an educational escape is an effort that should absolutely be celebrated.

No-Nonsense Nurturer Award

This teacher is known for his/her tough love approach to teaching. At first, this person might seem gruff or uncaring but on closer inspection, it becomes quite clear that this educator is dedicated to nurturing students and encouraging them to achieve at their highest level.

Luxury Certificate Paper

Walking Wikipedia Award

Ms. Smith teaches biology but everyone knows they can go to her with questions on a wide variety of topics and receive a thorough explanation. This particular teacher dedicates him/herself to educating people whenever s/he is presented with the opportunity to do so.

Top First-Year Teacher

Teaching can sometimes be treacherous and grueling, and surviving the first year of it is truly an accomplishment. Acknowledge the first year triumphs of this newbie teacher with an award they’ll cherish for decades to come.

School Spirit Award

This award goes to any teacher who attends every school play, supports each fundraiser, and cheers from the sidelines of every game. This teacher represents the heart and soul of your school. Both in and out of the classroom, this person goes above and beyond to set the example for school spirit and that should be rewarded.

Humanitarian Award

You would use the words “kind” and “generous” to describe this teacher because s/he is always there to lend a helping hand to another person, whether it’s a student, parent, colleague, or otherwise. This teacher puts others before him/herself and is probably an educator because s/he wanted a career where they could focus on helping others.

Traditional Green Standard Certificate

Green Guru Award

From setting up a recycling program for the school to composting lunchroom waste, this teacher is driven to educating the world, while also making it a greener place. Say “thank you” for all of the environmentally-conscious efforts this teacher has dedicated to the school and its students.

Tech Whiz Award

Busted laptop or malfunctioning tablet, this teacher can fix any tech gadget with just a few taps. Like a magician pulling rabbits from a hat, s/he can easily resolve vexing technical issues and doesn’t mind lending their digital expertise to students and colleagues alike.

Spotlight and Star Certificate

Class Clown Award

This title isn’t reserved for students. Some teachers have that incredible ability to teach through comedy, allowing students to learn and laugh at the same. Of course in the faculty lounge, this teacher is surrounded by his/her peers, cracking jokes and make everyone smile.

The [School Name] Peace Prize

Schools can be hotbeds for conflict, but luckily yours has one teacher that always knows how to keep the peace and work out the issues. Recognize the hard work it requires to have the patience, understanding, and talent to cool tensions between people at odds.

Say thank you to your teaching staff this year with these inspiring awards. Shop for the perfect certificate to accompany their new title on PaperDirect today!

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