Information on Signing-Up

We're using VolunteerSpot to organize Manatee Teacher Appreciation Week.

To sign-up:

   1. Click here to go to our invitation page on VolunteerSpot.
   2. Enter your email address. (You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot) 
   3. Sign up! Choose how you can help.

VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders. Easy!

Please note: VolunteerSpot does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me [abby.j.bartel@gmail.com] and I can sign you up.

Fishbowl Raffle for the Staff

During the initial planning stages of Manatee Appreciation Week, one aspect I wanted to be sure to include was local businesses. However, I knew that asking a small, local business to provide anything for a staff of 63 was huge. 

Instead, I came up with the idea of a raffle. I hoped that some local businesses could be approached to donate gift cards. The gift cards could then be won in a raffle or drawing by lucky staff members.

Now, thanks to the efforts of Club parent and Manatee Appreciation Committee volunteer Blythe Crissman, we have a really exciting raffle planned.

Here are just a few of the generous Durham businesses who have donated gifts to be included in the raffle:

• Ninth Street Flowers
• Bull City Running Company
• West End Wine Bar
• Bella Trio Day Spa

And, the biggest one yet -- The King's Daughters Inn has donated a one night stay for a lucky staff member!

Right now, I'm wishing I was a Manatee staff member... How about you?

A huge thanks to these local businesses for supporting our school, and a huge thanks to Blythe for seeking them out!

I'm excited to find out who wins.

Updates and News

Manatee parents are amazing! 

You have really come through with the donations. We're still more than a week away, and we have received sign-ups for almost all requested donation items. Just a few more soups, desserts, and volunteers to have lunch with their kiddo(s) and we will be complete. Thank you!

I Scream, You Scream

The arrangements have been made and I'm excited to announce that Friday's Teacher Appreciation treat will be catered (thanks to PTA funding) by The Parlour! 

The white mini bus will arrive on Friday just in time for dismissal. They will be scooping up free milk shakes, floats, and ice cream for Club's staff. They will also be scooping up their goodies for paying customers. It will be a little ice cream social  for the Club family right outside our wonderful school.

Bring your wallet and your appetite because with flavors like Salted Butter Caramel and Vietnamese Coffee, you're going to want to get the double scoop!

If Only We Could Make It Everyday

Lastly, I'm happy to announce an additional treat we have in store for Club's incredible staff. Thanks to the generosity of Maximized Living Health Center and Dr. Jennifer Hedges, the Manatee staff will be receiving mini health screenings followed by five minute mini massages throughout the day on Thursday. 

Can you imagine how lovely it would be to have a massage in the middle of your workday? We hope Club's staff will feel truly pampered.

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These are only the latest developments as we continue to plan and organize Manatee Teacher Appreciation Week. Stay tuned for even more!

Special thanks to Teacher Appreciation Committee members Pearly Barrow and Blythe Crissman for all their help! There's no way I could be planning so much without them.

How can you help?

Monday, May 6th - Breakfast Day! 

*Donations Needed*

Let’s start the day (and week) off right with a yummy breakfast. PTA will provide yogurt parfait fixings, juice, and coffee. We need volunteers to bring in baked goodies. Also, be sure to check your student’s Manatee folder on this day for an additional way to say thanks to Club’s staff.

Donations of muffins, doughnuts, croissants, and other breakfast pastries are needed. Click here to help!

Tuesday, May 7th - Cookie Day!

PTA will be indulging the staff’s sweet tooth and we hope you will too. Students are encouraged to bring cookies for the teachers and staff who are important to them.

Wednesday, May 8th - Soup Lunch 

*Donations & Volunteers Needed*

It's a Soup Potluck! Have a secret family recipe for chicken noodle soup? Do you make a killer chili? Have a favorite deli vegetable soup everyone should try? For the luncheon, teachers and staff members will feast on delicious soups, stews, and chilis along with yummy wraps and dessert.

Donations of warm, ready to enjoy soups are needed. See sign-up for details.

Volunteers are needed to allow teachers a duty-free lunch. Click here to help!

Thursday, May 9th - Flower Day! 

*Donations & Volunteers Needed*

PTA will be giving each teacher a small potted flower.
Parents and students are encouraged to bring in a purchased, picked (your own yard, please), or crafted flower to create an eclectic bouquet for their teachers.
Don't forget other staff and special teachers who work with your student(s).

Flower donations and volunteers are needed. Click here to help!

Friday, May 10th - Ice Cream Day!

One last treat to celebrate Friday! Stay tuned for details.