Teacher Tip:
Back to School Breakfast &
Teacher Welcome Bags
Over the past 10 years, I have been putting together Welcome Bags for the new staff members of Boonville Schools. The idea came from attending a “Make It - Take It” session during a Leadership Conference. My goal is to introduce businesses within our community by providing items or coupons from several different local businesses. Items I have collected include notepads and pens, planners, cups, mouse pads, reusable bags, toothbrush and floss kits, band aid kits, coupons or gift cards, and monetary donations to cover costs of breakfast. I also include MSTA swag (highlighter, whistle, pens) and information about joining MSTA and Boonville CTA. I hand-deliver a letter mid July, usually allowing about 4 weeks for businesses to gather items before the new staff breakfast. I would estimate that delivering letters, gathering items and putting them together, and writing thank-you notes to the donors takes approximately 6-8 hours. The support our school district receives from community members and businesses is overwhelming and greatly appreciated. This is just one small way to showcase our community to the newest members of our school. #onepirateship
Here is a template of the letter I give to businesses:
Date_______
_________ Community Business Leader:
My Name is _________ and I am the ______(office) of the _______ CTA (community teachers association) with MSTA (Missouri State Teachers Association). Each year our group helps sponsor the New Staff Breakfast for all new incoming staff members of __________ Schools. Knowing everyone loves feeling appreciated, the past few years I’ve collected “goodie” bags for all new staff that contained information about ______(town) and free gifts from local businesses. I’m in the process of doing that again this year. _______ schools will have approximately ____ new staff members this year. If you would be able to donate to this cause, I’d really appreciate it and know that our incoming staff members will as well.
I would like to have all donations by __________, as the breakfast will be held on _______. I can pick up the items at your location or you can drop them off at________. Please email me at the address below or call/text my cell number to contact me regarding your donation.
Thank you so much for being a valued member of our community and for your support and generosity towards the staff of _______ Schools.
Sincerely,
________
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