Thursday, April 30, 2009

What I Have Been Doing With My Life Lately

I was once a teacher. A high school English teacher.

8 years in the trenches at a public high school gave me a pretty good idea of the way teachers and other employees in the educational arena are compensated.

So when the opportunity came available for me to head up "Teacher Appreciation Week" at my kids' elementary school, I guess some psychological factor came into play and I determined to make it a week they wouldn't forget-not one of the 220 of them (including faculty AND staff. Everyone. From principals to cafeteria workers.)

So I, along with an army of helpers, did it up good, reeeeeeeeaaal good.

The theme of the week was JEE Faculty and Staff: you ROCK!

And that simple theme went a long way.

We designed t-shirts (sold over 500):
We made signs and other fun stuff to hang around the school:Home room parents designed a personalized star for each classroom teacher to be hung on her door:The teachers' lounges were decorated according to the decades: (50's)
(60's):(70's):(80's):(2000's) - the ilounge -The kids colored guitars which were hung everywhere:We served them food everyday! Monday was Pizza and Pepsi, Tuesday was breakfast.
(got enormous donations from Quik Trip, Panera Bread, Mimi's, Ferrell's Family Bread, Oil Capitol Limousine and many others)
Cool guitar donuts from OK Country Donut ShopOn Wednesday, homeroom moms provided snacks. Tons of them.
And Clary Sage provided massages for two hours for our rock stars.Here are some teachers at the BBQ luncheon on Thursday.
A live band played. (Acoustic Freight Train)Friday, 8 lucky winners were chosen to go to lunch in a limo. They were picked up and whisked away to the Garlic Rose. Here is one of my very good friends who just happened to be chosen to attend!!Although I had TONS of help, this job really did consume me the last couple of months. But it was truly an honor and pleasure to serve all those people who do what they do everyday and get so little back from a worldy standpoint. I am officially retiring from this job, but I am very glad I got a chance to do it. And now I'm glad it's over!!!

14 Wonderful Responses:

Kathleen said...

Annie, You are ABSOLUTELY amazing! I'm in awe of you! What a lot of hard work you have put into this. it seems to blog readers (this one at least) as if you've been working on this forever; I'm sure it seems like forever + forever to you, but it looks like all of your hard work paid off. Sure wish I could teach at a school where you were in charge of Teacher Appreciation Week! I don't even remember anyone mentioning it at the high school where I taught! GREAT JOB!! A+++

momof4kr said...

Girl...this is the kind of thing that will earn you some serious *BLING* in Heaven!

I am so honored to know you...someone who sacrifices precious time from her life to bless others.

**YOU are a ROCKSTAR Miss Annie Hankins!**

Valerie said...

That is CRAZY impressive. Every little detail -- nothing overlooked. Those teachers had to have felt so special and appreciated! You are the true rock star!

Sammoch said...

You ARE a rock star, my friend. Amazing...Did you do the Ipod cut outs? So-o-o cool!

Shannon said...

WOW! WOW! WOW!
You know those teacher deserve every guitar and donut out there. I often wonder how they do it. GREAT JOB ANNIE! You most certainly have a gift!(a rockin' one at that : )

rk said...

THIS IS AWESOME!!! Again, another very cool thing we have in common: our hearts for teachers (am homemaking, former teacher too - secondary/junior-high). I have the same passion. You've inspired me. Thanks!!!

Rena Gunther said...

You can totally rock a party, WOMAN!

I was JUST telling Joe about you (for the zillioneth time) and your 40th and some of the things you and your gal pals did.

You know? 'Cause mine is coming up!

This is amazing, Annie! Cammie is enrolling for her first semester this summer. She has decided on elementary education. This made me think of her and the important job she will have. She considered nursing on and off. Although teaching will clearly pay less, her pregnancy has been the deciding factor.

So back to my 40th...sure would be a hoot if you could be here!
;)

Check out my blog's new look...courtesy of my brother-in-law, Jerry. Also, check out my sister, Ginger's (heresmycuplord.com).

He can rock a blog like you rock a party.

Anonymous said...

How fun! Looks like all was a hit.
Ginger

Anonymous said...

Hey, this is Ginger from Here's My Cup Lord (again). As you know by now, I am Rena's little sister. We wanted invite you to a special Wedding Web-Shower on behalf of Jenifriend of Enjoyer of the Journey. Paste the following link in your browser to view the details and join us on the 14th of each month.
Thank you and be blessed.
Rena and Ginger

http://heresmycuplord.com/2009/05/01/its-your-day-jenifriend/

4 Lettre Words said...

Wow, Annie! That is so awesome!!

I wish we had a cool doughnut shop like that here. Their stuff is so cute.

Michelle said...

Wow Annie! That looks amazing. I love it!!
I have totally been MIA!! I havent blogged in like 3 weeks! This time of the year is just so crazy.
Hope your doing well! :)

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much, Annie, for taking the time to post my button. You have no idea how much it is appreciated!

Ginger

ellen said...

What a gift!

ThatsBaloney said...

You set the bar really high!
I've missed your blog lately.
Glad to see you again!!