Quick Holiday Appreciation Ideas for Volunteers & Staff

Quick Parent Volunteer and Staff Appreciation Ideas for Holiday Events

Holiday events are some of the busiest—and most joyful—times of the school year. Behind every successful program, performance, or classroom celebration are dedicated parent volunteers and hardworking school staff who make it all possible. Showing appreciation doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few thoughtful ideas and affordable recognition items, you can make your volunteers and staff feel valued during the holiday season.

1. Hand Out Festive Certificates of Appreciation

A personalized certificate is a meaningful way to say “thank you.” Jones School Supply offers beautifully designed certificates that can be customized with names, roles, and event details. They’re affordable, easy to fill out, and make volunteers and staff feel truly celebrated.

2. Create Mini Recognition Kits

Put together simple appreciation bundles using items such as:

• Custom buttons
• Ribbons, pins or medals
• A handwritten thank-you note
• Holiday treats or cocoa packets

These small kits make a big impression without stretching your event budget.

3. Spotlight Volunteers & Staff During Announcements

A brief mention during your holiday assembly, concert, or morning announcements goes a long way. Highlight their contributions, call out specific tasks they helped with, and encourage students to show their appreciation.

4. Set Up a “Thank-You Table” at Events

Display medals, pins, ribbons, and certificates from Jones School Supply on a small table at your holiday program. As volunteers check in or staff members arrive, present them with a recognition item and a warm thank-you.

5. Send Home Appreciation Postcards

Quick, thoughtful, and easy—postcards are perfect when you're short on time. Write a short message acknowledging their support, and let them know how their help made the event special.

6. Gift a Keepsake Ribbon or Medal

Holiday-themed ribbons or classic recognition medals make memorable keepsakes. These small tokens of appreciation are perfect for volunteers who helped decorate, run stations, prepare food, or assist classrooms.

7. Share a Group Photo With a Thank-You Message

Take a quick photo of your volunteers or staff at the event and share it on your website or social media. Add a simple caption like “We couldn’t do it without you!” It boosts morale and builds community pride.

Make Appreciation Easy With Jones School Supply

Whether you’re organizing a small classroom party or a schoolwide holiday event, Jones School Supply has everything you need—from certificates and medals to ribbons and buttons. Affordable, fast-shipping, and stress-free for busy schools.

Shop today at jonesawards.com or call us at 1‑800‑845‑1807 for quick ordering!
#DeservesAnAward

Easy Last-Week-of-School Rewards Teachers Can Use | Jones School Supply

Easy Last-Week-of-School Rewards Teachers Can Use Before Winter Break

The final days before winter break are some of the most exciting—and challenging—moments of the school year. Students are energized, routines are a bit looser, and teachers are looking for simple ways to keep classrooms focused while still embracing the festive spirit. This is the perfect time to introduce small, meaningful rewards that encourage positive behavior, boost morale, and help end the semester on a high note.

At Jones School Supply, we know that teachers need options that are affordable, quick to use, and effective, especially during the busiest weeks of December. Here are several easy reward ideas that make a big impact without adding extra stress to your already-full plate.

1. Bright Cheerful Certificates for Quick Recognition

A colorful certificate instantly creates a celebratory moment. Whether students finish strong on an assignment, show kindness to a classmate, or demonstrate great teamwork during group activities, a printed certificate gives them a keepsake they’ll proudly take home before break.

Choose titles like:

• Outstanding Effort
• Reading Star
• Most Improved
• Special Recognition

Jones School Supply offers brilliant foil, full-color and photo designs that stand out beautifully in December displays.

2. Mini Classroom Challenges With Value Medals

Short, one- or two-day challenges are perfect for the week before break. Teachers can run activities such as a “Focus for Five” challenge, a reading sprint, or a teamwork task. A small, shiny medal at the end turns the challenge into a memorable event.

Value Medals are inexpensive enough for whole-class recognition while still offering the signature Jones-quality finish.

3. Buttons for Instant Motivation

When you need a reward that works in the moment, buttons are excellent tools. Students love collecting them, wearing them, and showing them off during school events or holiday activities.

Great December ideas include:

• Caught being Good
• Star Performer
• Music

With over 50 exclusive Jones designs, it’s easy to match each reward to your classroom’s personality.

4. Ribbons for Holiday Programs and Events

Schools often end the semester with concerts, assemblies, or classroom celebrations. Award ribbons elevate these events with a touch of ceremony.

Choose titles such as:

• Choir Participant
• 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Place
• Readers Are Leaders

Ribbons give students a tangible reminder of their involvement and help families celebrate their children’s participation.

5. Certificates or Medals for Attendance and Behavior

The final week of school can be chaotic, but it’s also the perfect time to reinforce good habits. Recognizing students for excellent attendance, improved behavior, or teamwork helps keep routines strong right up until dismissal before break.

Jones School Supply ships many of these items the same day when ordered by 3 p.m. Eastern, so teachers and administrators can quickly stock up—even on a tight timeline.

Make the Last Week Count

A simple reward can transform the week before winter break into something special. Whether you’re preparing for classroom games, holiday concerts, or everyday recognition, Jones School Supply has affordable, ready-to-ship items that keep students motivated and excited to learn right up to the final bell.

Ready to reward your students? Visit us at jonesawards.com or call us at 1‑800‑845‑1807 to place your order today!
#DeservesAnAward

Celebrate Read a New Book Month in December - Jones School Supply

Celebrate Read a New Book Month This December with Jones School Supply

December brings colder weather, holiday excitement, and the perfect reason to cozy up with a fresh story, Read a New Book Month! This annual celebration encourages readers of all ages to pick up a book they might not normally choose. Whether it’s a bestselling mystery, an inspiring biography, or a whimsical children’s story, this month is all about exploring new genres and boosting literacy.

At Jones School Supply, we love supporting educators, students, and families as they discover new ways to learn and grow. Reading is one of the best ways to expand vocabulary, strengthen comprehension skills, and inspire young minds—and December offers the perfect opportunity to make reading fun.

Ways to Celebrate Read a New Book Month

1. Drop by your local library and let the librarians surprise you with something new.
2. Pick up a book outside your comfort zone and see where a new genre takes you.
3. Start a book club and turn reading into a fun hangout with friends.
4. Swap books with a buddy and dive into each other’s favorites.
5. Search online recommendations and let the internet match you with your next great read.
6. Host a book-themed get-together and chat about stories over snacks and laughs.

Make Reading Rewarding with Jones School Supply

Motivate your students all month long with classroom rewards that celebrate reading and learning! At Jones School Supply, we offer:

• Reading achievement ribbons
• Ready-to-go certificates for literacy goals.
• Engraved reading medals
• Reading-themed trophies
• Academic reading pins

Whether you’re recognizing a full book-club group or celebrating a child’s first finished chapter book, our awards help turn December reading goals into exciting milestones.

Bring Read a New Book Month to Your Classroom or School

Encourage your students to try something new, explore stories from different cultures, and expand their imagination. With the right activities—and a little recognition—this month can spark a lifelong love of reading.

Browse thousands of classroom incentives, certificates, ribbons, medals, and more at jonesawards.com, or call us at 1‑800‑845‑1807 to order and make this December one your students will remember. #Deservesanaward

Celebrate Computer Science Education Week | Jones School Supply

Celebrate Computer Science Education Week with Jones School Supply

Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) takes place each year during the week of December 8th, giving schools everywhere a chance to spotlight the importance of digital learning. This national event encourages K–12 students to explore computer science, supports teachers who bring technology to life in the classroom, and celebrates the many people advancing the field. Learn more at csedweek.org.

Theme of the Year: “Looking Back, Leaping Forward”

This year’s theme invites students to reflect on how far computing has come—while imagining what’s next. From programming basics to robotics and creative problem-solving, CSEdWeek is the perfect time to spark curiosity and build confidence in tech-minded learners.

Make CSEdWeek Memorable With Student Recognition

A little recognition goes a long way during themed school weeks. Whether students complete a programming challenge, design their first program, or collaborate on a STEM project, celebrating their accomplishments helps build excitement around computer science.

Jones School Supply offers a wide range of affordable awards to help you honor student achievements, including:

• Colorful certificates for participation
• Fun ribbons for programming challenges
• Medals and trophies for top performers
• Buttons and small awards for early learners

In-stock items ship the same day when ordered by 3 p.m. Eastern, making it easy to prepare for your school’s celebrations.

Celebrate Innovation With Jones School Supply

As you plan for Computer Science Education Week, let Jones School Supply help you recognize every student stepping into the world of technology. Explore thousands of ready-to-ship awards at jonesawards.com or call 1‑800‑845‑1807 for assistance. #DeservesAnAward