Staff TEACHER Appreciation Week Superhero Party

April 20, 2013

This inspiring STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK SUPERHERO THEMED PARTY was submitted by Maegan Birr of The Appreciation Shop.

What a fabulous idea! This wonderful party took place in the teachers lounge at school. Each day the teachers enjoyed a different element of being “super heroes” (Monday- “POP” popcorn bar, etc). See the full party details at the bottom of this post!

The ideas in this superhero staff appreciation week are:

• The comic book style poster prints of the staff members wearing superhero capes and masks
• The popcorn bar served in large glass jars
• The Wonder Woman Rice Krispy pops
• and MORE!

Vendors:

Party Styling- Maegan Birr of The Appreciation Shop

Teacher Photos/Posters by John Wolfe (no link)

Capes/Mask- Kid Kapers

Printables- The Appreciation Shop

Fondant Cupcake Toppers- Three Monkey’s Cakery

Macarons- The Splendid Sweet Shoppe

Super M Sugar Cookies- Sweet Tweets

Cake Pops- Decadent Cake Pops

Rice Krispy Pops- Wickedly Whipped

Here’s what Maegan said about planning this event:

“A week and a half before Superhero Staff Appreciation Week, all of the teachers and staff received an invitation in their mailbox, along with a lunch preferences questionnaire and drink order form.

Superhero posters were our main decoration this year. John Wolfe, a local photographer and fellow parent, took pictures of everyone decked out in a customized superhero cape and mask from Kid Kapers. I have been eyeing those capes for months and was thrilled that she had time to make a Superman style cape with an “M” for Mann Elementary. It couldn’t have been more perfect. Did you know you could have capes customized? How fun is that?! I love Etsy.

Originally I had planned on using the pictures John took as is, but then I got the great idea (if I do say so myself) to turn them into comic book style posters with advice from each staff member to students. John transformed each photo into a comic book style poster which I used to decorate the hallways, and an 8×10 photo for the classroom doors.

Before I go any further, I want to give a shout out to the Lake Washington School District print shop. I mistakenly assumed they only made black and white copies, but oh no! They print posters, sheets of stickers, labels, color copies, you name it… And all of it is gorgeous, fast, and extremely affordable. The posters were a HUGE hit with the students. In fact, when I was taking them down at the end of the week (while wearing my awesome Supergirl shirt) a little boy said to me, “Why are you taking the posters down? You aren’t a superhero! You are a villan!” For me that was the ultimate compliment. I am so happy everyone enjoyed the superhero theme as much as I did. The moral of the story: If you are planning a school event, be sure to utilize your school district’s print shop.

The Friday before SAW, the students were sent home with “I Think You Are Super Because…” pictures to color for their teacher. On Monday, the students presented the pictures and notes to their teachers, and the room moms came in and put them on the classroom doors along with the 8×10 superhero photo.

We had extra “I Think You Are Super Because…” pictures in the office for students to color. Many of them wanted to make pictures for past teachers, the music teacher, librarians, etc. There was a poster in the stairway letting them know where extra pictures were located.

Now that the groundwork was laid, I focused on the activities for the week, each one being Superhero themed, of course. I used SignUp Genius to coordinate sign ups with the Hospitality Committee and Room Parents for these activities. I made everything look pretty, but I couldn’t have pulled off an event like this without the wonderfully supportive parents at our school.

Monday: POP! Popcorn Bar

We had eight different varieties of gourmet popcorn for the staff to enjoy throughout the day. After listening to feedback from last year’s gourmet popcorn bar, we made half of the flavors sweet, and the other savory. If you have never made gourmet popcorn, don’t be intimidated! You can find all sorts of fabulous popcorn recipes on my Simply Pop! Pinterest board.

Tuesday: Hero Sandwich Lunches

The parents made “boxed” lunches for every staff member at the school. As I mentioned, I included a questionnaire with the invitations asking the following questions:  What is your favorite sandwich? Favorite bread? What do you like on your sandwich? Favorite chips? Favorite salad? Favorite dessert? Favorite drink? Favorite dessert? Any allergies? I asked that the questionnaires be returned by the Thursday prior to Staff Appreciation Week. Once I received them, I forwarded the answers to the parents who signed up to make lunches. Once again, the parents blew me away with their creativity!

TIP: The lunches at our school are staggered from 11:15-12:30 so this year I sorted the lunches by time on six foot tables at the back of the room. Sorting the lunches by time made it a snap to find the lunches, and having them on a table in the back (instead of the lunch tables) gave the teachers and staff plenty of space to eat their lunch.

Wednesday: ZAP! Super Charged Breakfast

I included drink orders with the ZAP! Breakfast Invitation, and asked that the teachers and staff return them the Thursday before Staff Appreciation Week. They had the choice of a Super Charged Smoothie (berry smoothie) or a drink from Starbucks. The drink orders were printed on 8.5×11 sticker page and cut to size. (This is SO much easier than trying to line them up on shipping labels!)

Purchasing lattes for the entire staff is a huge portion of the Hospitality Committee budget each year. The week before SAW, Starbucks offered a $5 for $10 Gift Card Groupon. I couldn’t have timed it better if I’d tried! Each person was limited to one Groupon, so I sent an email to the entire Hospitality Committee and asked them to please purchase a Groupon and email me the certificate. (I reimbursed them out of my budget.) I also did this earlier in the year with an Everything Party Groupon, knowing that I would be buying decorations, silverware, plates, etc. for Staff Appreciation Week. I was able to reduce my expenses by about $150 this year using Groupons!

I took 1/2 the orders to the Starbucks about a mile away, and 1/2 to the other Starbucks a mile the other way. (Remember, I live in Seattle. We’re surrounded.) I pre-paid for all of the drinks to make pick up easy for the 4 parents picking up the 40 lattes the next morning. The baristas loved the sticker labels. They quickly and easily made the pre-ordered drinks and attached the labels. The drinks and breakfast were waiting for the teachers/staff at 7:50am. I wanted them to have time to enjoy their breakfast before school started.

Thursday: “Soup”er Luncheon

March in Seattle is typically grey and rainy, perfect soup weather. I couldn’t resist having a SOUPer luncheon. Despite the fact that it was gorgeous and sunny (the complete opposite of soup weather) the lunch was a success. We had a wonderful variety of soups (6 varieties for 46 staff members was plenty) in addition to fresh fruit, veggies, and a few treats. I especially liked the “I Think You Are SOUPer” stickers which served as napkin rings, and the “Emergency Hydration” drinks. You can’t read the back of the water bottles, but they say, “Super powers will activate within 10 minutes of drinking.”

Friday: Dangerous Dessert Bar

I have paid close attention to what the teachers and staff eat at our Hospitality Committee events over the last year. The overwhelming majority are very healthy eaters and eat very few sweets. In fact, at the Super Charged Breakfast this year, the majority of the food I asked for was fresh fruit and Kind Bars. Yes, there were a few dozen muffins and bagels, but those were eaten much more slowly.

So, I created a dessert table with a mix of bite sized treats and traditional favorites provided by some amazing dessert vendors! For those that didn’t want a cupcake (say what?!) we had gorgeous macarons from The Splendid Sweet Shoppe. I have the utmost admiration for anyone who can make a beautiful macaroon. These were amazing and so colorful!

Sweet Tweets made AWESOME super cookies with an M instead of S. I was seriously impressed. I used some of them for the dessert table, but the majority  of the cookies were wrapped in cellophane bags and tied with a “Thank You!” tag to take home along with their “Superhero Award” to enjoy later.

The highlight of the dessert table was definitely the cake pops from Decadent Cake Pops. The owner, Jaime, and I met at our children’s preschool a few years ago. I have ordered cake pops from her in the past and my girls love them. Last year I discovered that both of my girls are highly sensitive to gluten, dairy, and eggs which excludes them from all of the fun birthday treats children have at parties and/or bring to school. I asked Jaimie if she could make me gluten free/vegan cake pops, and she did! I now keep a stash of GF/Vegan cake pops in my freezer at all times. When anyone in my daughter’s classes bring in a birthday treat, I pull out a cake pop and send it with them to school. Cake pops are my new favorite thing. These superhero cake pops were the normal variety, but it’s nice to know there are delicious and fun options for those of us dealing with food allergies.

Speaking of food allergies, Wickedly Whipped made Wonder Woman Rice Krispy pops (yes, those are real!) for everyone, but especially for those staff members that cannot eat gluten. Who am I to deprive someone of treats? Who doesn’t love Rice Krispy treats?! Unfortunately the mail man didn’t deliver them in time for lunch on Friday but they did arrive before school got out for the day so I whipped up (get it? ha!) a quick display of take home treats for the staff.

The teachers and staff also took home a Superhero Award at the end of the week. They are after all, the most amazing superheros I know.

There you have it! Superhero themed Staff Appreciation Week. It was epic. I have no idea what I am going to do next year. LOL!”

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Food and Drinks for a Staff Teacher Appreciation Week Superhero Party

If there's one thing that every superhero needs, it's the right fuel to keep their superpowers charged. So when organizing an appreciation party for these modern superheroes, be sure to plan for delectable food and beverages. Include an array of party food that will make you feel like you've stepped straight into a comic book universe. From 'Kryptonite Kebabs' to 'Bat-burgers,' there's something to tickle everyone's taste buds. And let's not forget about the party desserts. Indulge in 'Flash Frosting Cupcakes' or 'Wonder Woman Waffles, delightful treats for our office superheroes. Get ready to power up because this superhero party is set to be a gastronomic adventure!

Table Setting Ideas for a Staff Teacher Appreciation Week Superhero Party

Planning for a Staff Teacher Appreciation Week Superhero party is nothing short of exciting, especially when setting the table. Imagine a scene right from the vibrant pages of your favorite comic book. Bold, colorful tablecloths and napkins adorned with popular superhero emblems will enhance the atmosphere. Centerpieces can include miniature cityscapes with action figures or comic-inspired flower arrangements using vibrant blooms. Mix and match superhero-themed plates and cutlery to add a fun, eclectic touch. Don't forget personalized name cards for each 'super' staff member. With these party ideas, you're not just setting a table. You're creating a thrilling superhero universe, making the party memorable.

Party Decorations for a Staff Teacher Appreciation Week Superhero Party

It's time to transform an ordinary office into a superhero's lair! Picture life-sized superhero cutouts gracing the room's corners and vibrant superhero-themed banners soaring from the ceiling. Colorful balloons boasting your favorite superhero emblems can be scattered around, adding a dash of magic and whimsy. Superhero masks and capes hanging from the walls are fantastic additions, ready to empower every team member. Poster-sized comic book pages could adorn the walls, turning your workspace into a comic book paradise. This party will be a spectacular salute to your staff's superhuman efforts. Let's get crafting and make your party decorations as extraordinary as your team!

Party Balloons for a Staff Teacher Appreciation Week Superhero Party

Balloons have the power to turn any party into a festive extravaganza. Imagine the office filled with balloons of all sizes and shapes, decorated with the vibrant colors and symbols of your favorite superheroes. Picture the excitement as the unmistakable silhouettes of Batman, Spiderman, Wonder Woman, and more float above you in balloon form. They're not just balloons—they're a statement of fun, a declaration of your appreciation for these modern heroes. Prepare to be amazed at your party as the balloons add a touch of magic and transform an everyday office into a festive party paradise.

Flowers and Floral Centerpieces for a Staff Teacher Appreciation Week Superhero Party

Step into the floral magic of a superhero universe with wonderful party flowers and floral centerpieces. Incorporate vibrant blossoms bunched together to represent the colors of your favorite superheroes—from the deep red roses for Iron Man to the bright sunflowers for Wonder Woman. These floral elements will add a touch of natural beauty to the party and a refreshing aroma that will uplift everyone's spirits. Each floral centerpiece can be a spectacular tribute to your everyday office superheroes, symbolizing the beauty of their tireless efforts. Transform your party into a florally-themed superhero celebration, making it as unforgettable as your staff's outstanding contributions.

Portrait Props for a Staff Teacher Appreciation Week Superhero Party

Add an extra dash of fun to your Staff Appreciation Teacher Week Superhero party with some fantastic portrait props. Imagine your staff striking a pose with Superman's cape or Wonder Woman's tiara. You can have props for all your favorite superheroes, turning the photo booth into a vibrant comic book world. These playful additions will add an element of laughter and light-heartedness to the soiree while also creating unforgettable memories. Grab a prop, strike your superhero pose, and let the party magic unfold. Remember, at this Superhero Party, everyone is extraordinary. Allow those creative party props to play their part in highlighting the 'super' in every staff member.

Music and Entertainment for a Staff Teacher Appreciation Week Superhero Party

Music and entertainment are the lifeblood of any social gathering. Experience the thrill as the music hits the right note, featuring epic superhero themes and lively pop tracks that will have everyone tapping their feet. From Batman's iconic tunes to the vibrant beats of Guardians of the Galaxy, there's so much to add to the playlist. And let's not forget the party games! Consider superhero trivia, cape-twirling dance-offs, or even a friendly 'save the world' treasure hunt. These activities will entertain every attendee. This party is about to hit a high note of fun and camaraderie!

Party Favors and Gifts for a Staff Teacher Appreciation Week Superhero Party

No Staff Teacher Appreciation Week Superhero party would be complete without the perfect party favors and gifts. Every superhero deserves a token of appreciation, so include some exceptional treats in your budget. Personalized superhero mugs, t-shirts, comic book collections, or even quirky superhero desk accessories are just a few gift ideas worth considering. The party favors could be a delightful surprise for everyone, reminding them of their 'super' contributions every time they use them. These gifts are not just a token of gratitude but a symbol of the party's spirit, echoing the fun and camaraderie long after the gathering concludes. So, gear up for some beautiful party surprises that will make this event a memorable occasion for everyone.

Party Invitations for a Staff Teacher Appreciation Week Superhero Party

Invitations are the first glimpse into the excitement that your teacher appreciation week party promises. Think vibrant colors, catchy phrases, and iconic superhero symbols adorning each invitation. Imagine your staff unfolding an invitation that instantly transports them into a comic book universe, sparking anticipation for the fun-filled party ahead. Whether it's "Calling all Superheroes!" or "Join us for a Superhero Spectacular!" the invitations will set the tone and get everyone excited about the upcoming celebration. After all, every superhero party starts with an epic invitation.

What to Look for in a Venue for a Staff Teacher Appreciation Week Superhero Party

Choosing the right party venue is crucial to your Staff Teacher Appreciation Week Superhero Party planning. Ideally, you'd want a spacious area to accommodate guests, staff, and teachers comfortably. Look for venues that can be easily decorated to reflect your superhero theme. It should also have enough room for all the entertainment, food, and drinks stations, and of course, a dance floor. Accessibility is also vital—make sure the venue is accessible to everyone. Natural light can make your decorations pop, but also check the artificial lighting for when the sun goes down. The best party venues are the ones that help turn your superhero party from ordinary to extraordinary!

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