Re: Now wait just one darn minute!

Deb1010again · ‎05-28-2013

@4getthemall wrote:
Ok. So I just had to have my voice heard. I happen to be a first grade teacher in a public school. I teach in a low socioeconomic area. I don't expect or demand expensive gifts. A sincere hand written note from the child's family thanking me for teaching their child would be awesome.
But if a family wanted to spend time and effort to get me a nice gift, I don't think that would be a big deal.

Year after year I purchase many prizes and stickers for my treasure chest. I get winter holiday gifts for my students, homework rewards, treats, develop photos for school projects, and classroom materials from my own pocket. We don't get reimbursed for anything at my school. Just this week I spent $25 to purchase some school uniform shirts and a warm sweater for one particularly needy first grade student in my class. It's makes me happy to help my students.

We don't have room mothers at my school. If we did, then the room mothers could maybe ask the parents who wanted to participate to chip in a few bucks for a gift card to where ever. Hey I'd be happy with that! Think about how much us teachers do for your child. I don't get $50 teacher gifts for my own kids' teachers, but I do try to get a pretty decent gift for Christmas and teacher appreciation day / end of the year gift. The Q hosts do push their products at any cost. And then it just stirs a pot that doesn't need stirring.

THANK YOU for ALL you do!!!!! My best friend is a teacher and she spends at least $25 a week on supplies for the class and treats.

RubyinNE · ‎03-10-2010

Every year, the thread has disparaging comments about giving gifts to teachers. Personally speaking a gift card to a coffee shop or a book store would be greatly appreciated. A gift card to Michaels or Target could be used by the teachers to replenish the materials for their classrooms. Certainly, $20 is not too much to spend on someone who gives their heart and soul to her/his kids, YOUR children. I'm retiring at the end of this year. During the holidays and at the end of a school year, I really didn't focus on what I was given as a thank you. I always said thanks,and sent a thank you card in the mail. (Kids love to get mail.) One more thing... do NOT send baked goods. Most teachers are watching their diets, and when under the normal stresses of holidays and end of the year activities, it's very easy to eat those things that aren't good for you. I almost forgot this one, and it costs only the gift of your time. You might want to help with cutting out letters for bulletin boards, help with a Book Fair, or volunteer a short time in the room to help with reading or math. Teachers appreciate this so much. I know I do.

lovesrecess · ‎03-14-2010

I was a teacher for 35 years and we were never allowed to accept a $50 gift...unethical. My favorites were heartfelt notes from parents telling me the difference I had made in their child's life....I saved every one.....

katiescarlett · ‎03-24-2010

@RubyinNE wrote:
Every year, the thread has disparaging comments about giving gifts to teachers. Personally speaking a gift card to a coffee shop or a book store would be greatly appreciated. A gift card to Michaels or Target could be used by the teachers to replenish the materials for their classrooms. Certainly, $20 is not too much to spend on someone who gives their heart and soul to her/his kids, YOUR children. I'm retiring at the end of this year. During the holidays and at the end of a school year, I really didn't focus on what I was given as a thank you. I always said thanks,and sent a thank you card in the mail. (Kids love to get mail.) One more thing... do NOT send baked goods. Most teachers are watching their diets, and when under the normal stresses of holidays and end of the year activities, it's very easy to eat those things that aren't good for you. I almost forgot this one, and it costs only the gift of your time. You might want to help with cutting out letters for bulletin boards, help with a Book Fair, or volunteer a short time in the room to help with reading or math. Teachers appreciate this so much. I know I do.

I don't think the thread is so much about giving a teacher a gift, I think it is about the hosts suggesting things like D&B handbags, or other more costly items. Your suggestions are good ones and probably more appreciated.

Saving one dog won’t change the world, but it will surely change the world for that one dog
Richard C. Call

sylviahomeatlast · ‎03-11-2010

Strange: would you give a duster for a Christmas. A gift suggestion.

)

4getthemall · ‎04-22-2011

@RubyinNE wrote:
Every year, the thread has disparaging comments about giving gifts to teachers. Personally speaking a gift card to a coffee shop or a book store would be greatly appreciated. A gift card to Michaels or Target could be used by the teachers to replenish the materials for their classrooms. Certainly, $20 is not too much to spend on someone who gives their heart and soul to her/his kids, YOUR children. I'm retiring at the end of this year. During the holidays and at the end of a school year, I really didn't focus on what I was given as a thank you. I always said thanks,and sent a thank you card in the mail. (Kids love to get mail.) One more thing... do NOT send baked goods. Most teachers are watching their diets, and when under the normal stresses of holidays and end of the year activities, it's very easy to eat those things that aren't good for you. I almost forgot this one, and it costs only the gift of your time. You might want to help with cutting out letters for bulletin boards, help with a Book Fair, or volunteer a short time in the room to help with reading or math. Teachers appreciate this so much. I know I do.

Thank you RubyInNE. You're my hero! As a fellow teacher, I completely agree with everything that you've said. Happy retirement! Congrats!

4getthemall · ‎04-22-2011

Wow! My 10 year old just found a Hallmark "For My Teacher" keepsake ornament from 1991 in a forgotten Xmas box! My student had even signed her name on it! So cool!

Maybe the Q can consider these types of holiday gifts so we can purchase them for the teachers, vets, mail carriers, hair stylists, or any special person around us who we care about.

wildcat fan · ‎03-23-2010

I've given $50 and $75 gift cards to teachers to places where they can buy supplies and places where they can get a good meal with their families. Teaching is becoming an increasingly difficult and unappreciated profession. At the very least, teachers should receive thank you notes throughout the year--not just around the holidays.

Annabellethecat66 · ‎03-12-2010

My daughter has her children (ages 3 to 13) make cookies for the teacher (the 13 year old doesn't do it anymore).

However, in the area where she lives the room mother collects MONEY from everyone and gives the teach a VISA gift card.

Ugh! My daughter fought it but finally gave in. Now let me tell you some of these WOMEN try to outdo the other. Teachers have gotten hundreds of dollars from the class. You have no idea!

I'll say it one more time. (Probably not the last). I loved being a mother, still do. However, the way so many things are changing and most not for the good, I'm glad my girls are grown!