National Teacher Day is an annual celebration that takes place on Tuesday during the first full week of May, which is Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers often have a lifelong impact on children. Show how much you and your community appreciate the teachers in the lives of your children by holding a luncheon on their behalf.

Form a committee. Ask for parents to volunteer for specific duties such as food preparation, gifts and speakers. Prepare a timeline so that each group is aware of when specific tasks need to be completed. If you are planning for a high school or middle school teacher's luncheon, let students get involved as well.

Take up a collection from all of the parents and ask for donations from businesses and organizations in the community. When you know your budget, you can plan how much to spend on each category.

Decorate the school lunchroom with banners created by students. Have the kids paint, write or draw sayings and pictures telling their teachers how much they appreciate them. If the school is small enough, make a banner specific to each teacher and then present it as a gift.

Present each teacher with a "Survival Kit" made up of small trinkets that each have meaning. Attach a card describing each item. Here are some examples: a packet of flower seeds, because they are planting seeds of knowledge; a candle, to use when grading papers late in the night (on a teacher's salary); a "Hundred Grand" candy bar, because that is what you should be paid; and a rubber band, to remind you to be flexible.

Allow students to serve the lunches and beverages to their teachers. If they are elementary students, parents may need to help. Lunch does not need to be fancy, but it should definitely be nice (no cafeteria food)! For example, offer a variety of delicious sandwiches, such as chicken salad on a croissant, ham and Swiss on whole grain, and a vegetarian option. Offer two or three dessert options as well. Serve drinks such as iced tea, lemonade and coffee, as well as water.

Ask a former student of the school who is now a prominent businessperson or local celebrity to speak at the luncheon. Hold a vote at the school, allowing students to nominate their favorites for categories such as "Funniest Teacher," "Sweetest Teacher" and "Coolest Teacher." Hand out framed awards or plaques.