In 2006, the third Wednesday of each November was declared "PSRP Day in Illinois" to recognize the more than 100,000 dedicated PSRPs who provide essential services in classrooms, offices, cafeterias, school buses and more.

On November 21, please join IFT in extending your appreciation to our PSRP colleagues across Illinois for their commitment to excellence and dedication to those they serve.

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IDEAS TO HELP CELEBRATE PSRPs ON NOVEMBER 21 AND EVERY DAY
On this special day - and every day – consider doing something special to acknowledge the challenging and important work of teaching assistants, clerical professionals, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, security personnel and other PSRPs who make a difference for students every day. Talk to your colleagues, family and friends and ask them to do the same.

Here are a few suggestions about simple ways you can let PSRPs know they are respected and appreciated for the critical work they do. Be creative.

•  Simply say “thank you” to the PSRPs at your workplace,
   child’s school or wherever you go. Offer a card or small
   gift of appreciation to PSRPs you or your child work with directly.

•  Send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper or favorite
   online news outlet about PSRP Day in Illinois and the important
   work PSRPs do across the state.

•  If you are a teacher, have your students create a “thank you”
   poster, card or other artwork for the PSRPs in your classroom
   or building. If possible, organize a time for some PSRPs to come
   to your classroom to accept the gift from the students.

•  If you are a parent with school-age children, talk to your school’s
   PTA or other parent groups about PSRP Day. Ask them to sponsor
   a PSRP appreciation event, such as a breakfast or other function,
   on November 21.

•  If your local has PSRP members, arrange a special union event,
   such as a rally or reception, to recognize them. If your local does
   not represent PSRPs members, invite neighboring locals with
   PSRPs to help you organize the event and get PSRPs to attend.
   A little solidarity goes a long way!