Teachers know that the school secretary is a key player in how the school is run and managed. A great administrative professional can make the day go smoothly.
This year, honor your school secretary on Administrative Professionals Day to show her or him how much they mean to you! Check out 10 wonderful ideas from Really Good Teachers across the country.
When is Administrative Professionals Day? Click here.
1. Individual Thanks
“Leave an empty basket on her desk with a note that says she’ll know what to do with it in a little while. Then, throughout the day, have one or two kids at a time go down and say thank you for all you do and give her a small token treat. You could [make it a]theme like all sweet treats or maybe small lotions. At the end of the day her basket with be full [and] she will have heard from all of your kids individually.”
~ Jessica S.
2. A Song Says It Best
“I was an elementary secretary for 22 years and one of the best gifts was when a classroom would sing a current song and change the words thanking the secretary. [I was thanked] for all the things I did – from saying the pledge to copying something for them or just being nice when they needed that.”
~ Linda W.
3. A Rose By Any Other Name
“Last year we made tissue paper flowers and leaves with all of our student’s names. We placed the flowers in a vase and presented it to [the school secretary]. She still has [the] vase on her desk.”
~ April T.
4. Share the Love
“We have a team of secretaries. Each grade level takes a day to bring them goodies – breakfast, lunch, candles, etc. Our team usually makes a basket of flavored coffee, tea, yummy creamers, little packets you add to water, really good cookies/chocolates, candy/gum, snack bars, scented hand sanitizers, etc. It’s a gift that lasts a couple of weeks & they don’t mind sharing it!”
~ Rosa S.
5. Dinner Is Taken Care Of
“Last year our staff cooked supper for our two secretaries to take home. They loved not having to go home and cook. It was so much food that it actually lasted them two or three days.”
~ Susan C.
6. In Her Honor
“We donate books to our school library in [the school secretary’s] honor. We pick books based on [her] interests or likes and place book plates in the front stating what it’s for. [It’s a] win-win for everyone!”
~ Stacia S.
7. Personal [Paper] Quilt
“One year we made a paper quilt that hung [next to] her desk. Each child did a picture and then we ‘sewed’ them together (kindergarten) and she loved it. I hear it is still up!”
~ Ruth T.
8. Say Cheese!
“Take a class picture. Have [students] hold a sign that says “Thank You” or something [personal to the secretary]. Mount it and have the kids sign around the picture, then [frame] or laminate it.”
~ Leslie W.
9. Be Our Guest
“Ask [the school secretary] to be your class’ special lunch guest. Get a couple of disposable table clothes, [some flameless] candles and a floral arrangement. [The] flowers [could be] made by the students! [Have] a special cake for her that is served as dessert.”
~ Movita U.
10. Secretary Survival Kit
“[Make a] Secretary Survival Kit! [Get] a mug with her favorite drink, candy with a cute quote (i.e. ‘You are our lifesaver!’), a gift card to a local restaurant, and other fun things!”
~ Megan N.