what about using the old saying..."no more pencils, no more books,
no more teachers dirty looks!" I'm not using this, but it could
work with a book/pencil theme. Centerpieces could be old
encyclopedia's or small books and a pencil holder in the middle.
I am planning a party for 3 teachers to take place in 2
weeks...it's a combined party given by our PTA. The invitations
going out will have a picture from the 1st year of teaching and
the current years picture. Since all are retiring to either the
ocean or beachy area I am going with a flip-flop/beach theme. The
dollar store has simple decor like sunglasses and a beach ball for
the centerpieces or something like that...not sure yet.
Along with this theme I found a bottle on line that has a cork in
it and this saying...
May you look backward
With fond memories,
May you look forward
To a new life of ease,
And may you find time
To do as you please!
May God bless you and keep you
As you begin this new chapter of your life.
It's typed up on pretty paper and rolled up, tied with a little
ribbon and in the bottle. (message in a bottle). You can add a
personal message to your retiree to the bottom of the poem or
tweak it to write what you would like. I think I may change it to
read the number of years of service and their individual teaching
career information along with a thank you rather than the
poem...but it's an idea for all of you.
Hope this helps someone or spurs some more ideas...