The 2014-2015 school year is upon us. The tone that is set in the first few days and weeks lays the foundation for the entire school year. Start your year off right with these 5 solid ideas that your teachers, staff, and students can build upon in the months ahead. 

Don't forget, this week is Teacher Appreciation Week! Be sure to take some time out of your day to do something special for the educators in your life!

I'll never forget how to spell principal thanks to the little "my principal is my PAL" trick I learned in grade school. As I've gotten older I've learned a little bit more about what principals actually do (they do not, in fact, live at school and sleep in the school closet). Principals are truly responsible for being a PAL to everyone – teachers, staff, parents, students, board members, and community members!

School Principal's Day is celebrated on May 1 this year. So take a moment to tell your principal how much you appreciate all that he or she does on a daily basis. Send a free ePraise card or hand-write a note of thanks; include a gift card to the local bookstore or coffee shop, or decorate their office while they're out to lunch.

Teacher Appreciation Week is quickly approaching. If you haven't thought about what to do for this special week to honor the educators in your lives, we are here to help!

I don't know about you, but I love spring! The sun finally comes out, the birds begin to chirp, and we welcome our resident family of geese back to their summer home here at the 'ville.  But the cherry on top is all the recognition events that happen in the spring! This week is National Volunteer Week, April 17 is National High 5 Day, Administrative Professional's Week is April 20, and then, in May, there are Teacher Appreciation Week and National Nurses Week. That's a lot of recognition! So, in staying festive I've picked my favorite springtime recognition gifts!