Dipsgiving: A Staff Thanksgiving Potluck
A staff Thanksgiving food idea that offers a twist on the traditional potluck.
Ongoing
Gratitude Jar: A 4-Step Gratitude Activity for Staff
A gratitude activity for staff that collects 1-2 thank-you notes per person each week all month long.
Alissa Christensen
What is a staff gratitude jar?
A staff gratitude jar is one of the simplest gratitude activities for staff: colleagues write specific thank-you notes to each other and drop them in a shared jar for one full month. Notes can be signed or anonymous. At the end of the month, you read them aloud at a staff meeting or share them in your newsletter.
Why try it
An easy way to say thank you
A gratitude jar gives every staff member a quick way to thank a colleague for something specific. Each note takes a couple of minutes. The jar sits in a shared space all month, so staff can add a note whenever someone comes to mind.
At the end of the month, reading the notes together lets the whole team hear what their colleagues noticed.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Things you'll need
A jar or clear container
The included printable sign
Blank slips of paper (colored paper cut into strips works well)
Pens or markers
Instructions
A staff gratitude jar is one of the simplest gratitude activities for staff
1
Set up the jar
Set up your staff gratitude jar in 10 minutes
Place the jar somewhere staff pass every day, like the lounge, workroom, or copy room. Set the included sign beside it with a stack of blank slips and a cup of pens.
2
Introduce the activity
Introduce the gratitude jar at your next staff meeting
Explain the idea in a minute: write a note to a colleague, name one specific thing you appreciate, and drop it in the jar. Signing is optional. Share a few quick starters to get staff writing:
- I noticed when you...
- You made my day easier by...
- I learned something from you this week when...
- Thank you for always...
- Our students are lucky because you...
- I wanted you to know that...
Then have everyone write their first note before they leave the meeting.
3
Collect notes all month
Aim for 1-2 gratitude notes per staff member each week
Mention the jar in your weekly email or morning announcements as a reminder. Restock slips and pens every week.
4
Read the notes together
Read the gratitude notes
At your last staff meeting of the month, read a handful of notes aloud and hand the rest to the people named. You can also type a few into your staff newsletter. Then empty the jar and start fresh next month.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Themed weeks
Give each week a focus, such as teamwork, going above and beyond, or helping a new colleague. Each theme gives staff a fresh prompt and highlights a different kind of contribution.
Monthly prize drawing
Draw one note at the end of the month and give the person named a small prize or treat along with the recognition.
Family and student shoutouts
Add a second jar in the front office where families and students can leave notes about staff. Mix those notes into your end-of-month reading.
Department gratitude jars
Give each grade level or department its own small jar for a month. Then trade jars so each team reads the notes written about another group.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Go first with your own gratitude notes
Write 3-5 notes before you introduce the jar so staff can see the tone and length to aim for. Pair a few with printable reward coupons as an extra thank-you.
Leader Tip #2
Track who’s named
Keep a quick tally of names as notes come in during the month. Before the final reading, write a note yourself for anyone who hasn’t been mentioned yet. For more ways to spotlight staff, try Staff Shout-Outs.
Leader Tip #3
Keep the notes going after the jar
Give staff who enjoy writing notes a set of Gratitude Celebration Postcards or Positive Postcards to send between jar months.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Alissa Christensen
Head of Customer Success
Shoutouts
A teacher recognition program that runs itself.
Give teachers an opportunity to recognize their colleagues and collect them in your dashboard automatically. Easily print and share these encouraging words with your team.
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