Hi all
Our school PTA received a lovely donation of over $600 from one of the PTA moms. It was raised at the funeral of her mother who tragically died in a car accident after suffering a heart attack at the wheel. So sad, she was only in her 60's and was a wonderful mother and grandmother and was always getting involved in school activities. So we want to do or get something totally wonderful in name of this lovely lady and not just put it in the pot to be dished out here and there. Something permanent that will be looked at or used for years to come. Her dd just handed me this big bag of cash outside the school and said can we do something with this money as that is what her mother would have wanted. So any suggestions ladies? Her 2 grandchildren go to our school and they would be just thrilled to see something in name of there grandmother. Thanks
If you want something that's going to last any amount of time - stay away from technology - it's constantly breaking and is outdated in roughly 2-3 years.
A bench near the playground with a plaque on it might last for 15-20 years.
A display case will last many years.
You could plant an AWFULLY nice tree for $600 and if it's a slow growing hardwood, it might live for 50-75 years.
Hi F.-
I am thinking that for $600 you might be able to get a nice old fashioned 'display case' for the foyer of your school for student's trophies/medals for the year to be placed...and a nice brass name plate with the grandmother's name?
Just a thought...
Best Luck!
michele/cat
I love the idea of the bench on the playground with her name on it. You could also recruit the PTA to help and do a garden in her name where the children can help plant and maintain the space along with the PTA members. I was at an elementary school the other day and the trellis as you walked into the school was named after a former principal. It was beautiful.
Go to your local nursery or garden store and see what they suggest.
You could also start a PTA-sponsored scholarship in her name. Depending on your community, that scholarship could be awarded for various reasons to any child for a specific purpose. When a friend of mine died very suddenly years ago, a group of us started a scholarship fund for one child to attend the super-pricey camp where we all worked. The initial money was invested and then used annually to pay the tuition.
Can a bell be purchased for that amount and inscribed?
Maybe a new flagpole with a small plaque at the base. I also like the idea of some type of playground equipment.
Hi F.,
Since you are in S. Florida - how about a butterfly garden? I also like the tree idea. Since the point is that it be something rather permanent - avoid any kind of technology.
I am so glad that you are involved and hope that you will keep the family involved with this project as they deal with their grief.
C.
ooh how wonderful and generous of the family in their time of grief and loss!!!
Can you buy some computers or maybe a "smart board" with a plaque with her name on it?
$600 isn't enough for something for the playground but maybe you can do something there...I don't know the cost of things like that...maybe a bench with her name on it for the play ground?
I'm sorry for the family's loss. How great that they did this though!
GOOD LUCK!
Can you plant a tree in honor of her with a name plate? Maybe purchase books for the library or arts (supplies) and music dept (music stands, sheet music).
Maybe teachers can write an essay on what they need and why? Then do a drawing to see who wins? Or split it up and have two teachers win.
What about when the book fair takes place? Purchase some books that the teachers need for the classroom?
Supplies for science projects in the classroom.
Popcorn party for all the classes in her honor?
I really like the idea of a tree or garden with a little plaque thanking her
What sort of school activities was the woman involved in? Of course she was interested in everything her children and grandchildren did. But was there something she especially put her heart into - music? Sports? Children in need? Office organization? Ask the family. That will give you a direction to think in.
How about a tree of some sort with a nice bench under and a small plaque with her name. On the school grounds somewhere appropriate. If there is any left you could get some new books and put a thank you lable inside thanking the family for the gift.
Have the children paint a mural on one of the school walls. Everyone signs it. Art is a great expression of love and a memory.
I like the bench and mural ideas. My son's elementary school has a tree with a plaque in front of it(not on the tree, in the ground in front of it) paying tribute to a beloved teacher that passed away many years ago.
