The party helps our kids show gratitude -- and it lets them see their teachers in a whole new light.

OUR TRADITION:
Every summer soon after school lets out, we host a thank-you brunch for a few of the kids' teachers. All the details of the day, from the food the kids make to the teacher introductions they prepare, are meant to tell our guests how much we appreciate their hard work.

HOW WE GOT STARTED:
When Shannon was a teacher, she was invited to a similar event by one of her students. Inspired, she decided to host a brunch for Lindsay's teachers when Lindsay finished kindergarten six years ago.

WHO ATTENDS:
The kids each invite two teachers, usually a main classroom instructor and one other favorite. We've hosted church teachers, piano teachers, school music teachers, and more. Along with an invitation, we mail guests a scrapbook page and ask them to jot down a few words of wisdom or a memory from the year to share at the brunch.

HOW WE START THE FESTIVITIES:
As the teachers arrive, we check off their names on an "attendance list" that's posted on a portable chalkboard in our entry. The kids then take invitees to their "classrooms" (actually, bedrooms), where they show off a favorite book or toy. When brunch is ready, we invite everyone to the "cafeteria" via the PA -- a.k.a. our home intercom system.

OUR CLASS-IC FARE:
The kids love to help with the meal and have blossomed into very thoughtful hosts. In addition to making a simple main dish, such as an egg casserole, Lindsay bakes homemade French bread and blueberry pie or muffins. Cole makes a fruit salad, and Cade stirs the lemonade.

FAVORITE SUBJECTS (OF CONVERSATION):
Not all of the teachers know one another, so before we eat, the kids introduce each with a drawing or short essay. This helps break the ice, as do the notes we pass containing questions for our guests about their own learning experiences. For example, we might ask, "How did you get into teaching?" or "What's your favorite memory of school?"

AN ANNUAL HIGHLIGHT:
Toward the end of the brunch, the teachers read their scrapbook pages aloud. Their memories of the children are always so vivid -- and their advice so kind and thoughtful. After the party, we collect the pages, along with any photos we took, and place them in the kids' school year scrapbooks.

WHY WE LOVE IT:
Shannon: We hope that when they're older, the kids will look back through their albums and feel thankful all over again for these wonderful mentors.
Lindsay: Our teachers get to see that they did a good job teaching us.