Our kids were sent home a sheet from room parents w/ a list of something to give the teacher everyday. I just wish some of these folks would consider those whose wallets are a bit tighter. Don't get me wrong, I can not imagine doing the job they do and am beyond grateful. That I want to make clear as a teacher has a very tough job. But for some of my kids' classes, we are asked to give $10 to $20 donation for Christmas gift certs; donations again for teacher's birthday, end of the year gift and now teacher appreciation week. It just gets very hard especially if you have multiple children in school. This is the first week we ever got the list to give something to the teacher each day. Granted, the items are not that pricey but it does add up after awhile. It's a good idea just wish the cost of everything hadn't gone up so much. Who knows, maybe by next year things will settle down in the economy and I can appreciate much easier financially--LOL. For the record, my kids have some really, really great teachers this year. We have thoroughly enjoyed going to Westview. Way to go teachers and keep up the great work. I know a lot of what you do goes unnoticed. But we all as parents DO indeed know and appreciate you for what you help our kids accomplish. All w/ not losing your cool---how do they do that?! Thanks a bunch and so wish I could do more this week. Enjoy all the treats coming to you. -- you deserve it! Stephanie--mom to 7
We totally for got this am............. iecks.... I'm sure DS will speak up tonight about this slip... Sheeeez........... it does all add up $$$$$$$$
And when do Students get a Student Appreciation Week?? Wouldn't that only be fair? Teachers should expect to have to give each student a present a day?? I would be a bad parent..teachers would not like me very much...:evil:
I've only got one kid and didn't much "appreicate" the list. Look, we all have jobs to do, and a whole week of being patted on the back for doing your JOB is a bit much. I love my son's teacher and think she is doing a fantastic job (which I have told her), but she's getting one thing, not something every single day. 8)
Oh, and I want to know when Parent Appreciation week is. Most kids don't do well in school without parental involvment on a daily basis as well. :mrgreen:
That what I'm getting at... we only have a Mother "Day" not a week. And those of us that work, no matter what you do, there is aggravation and dealing with people who annoy you - whether they are children or adults - I don't get a week of presents for my putting up with them, which is part of the job. Dern... just do your job and be glad you have one. It must really suck to feel the need to have something tangible to validate the work you do, because you think it proves your worth. A simple Thank You note should be enough to know your appreciated, and much more heartfelt than a cheap present. What kinds of "things" are on these lists?? Thats just my 2 cents, and y'all know I don't have kids, and something like this would pure irk the heck out of me! :evil:
I sure did. I worked hard all month long and paid my taxes so they got a PAYCHECK. Nothing more, nothing less.
Tassy, the list aren't bad, just more of an inconvenience type of thing. They said most things on the list will cost less than a dollar. A long stem flower does NOT cost less then a $1 as I used to work in a florist shop for years--LOL. Can't imagine the price nowadays. Anyhow, I was going to get a bunch yesterday from Walmart or somewhere but then they're still $10 or so a bunch. Forgot yesterday so in my yard I went for fresh cut flowers. We have hydrangeas, iris, lillies, that type of thing. other things on the list are candy, thank you cards, fruit, trial size spa item, etc. It's not bad just when combined w/ everything else throughout the year is just another thing. I will be more on the ball for tomorrow so have to get chocolate. Hey, since I homeschool 2 of mine now I think I'll get myself a candy bar since I'm a teacher too--LOL. No, I just want a candy bar. See you all at the stores. Stephanie--mom to 7
Its still the point... for Administrative Professionals "Day" several weeks ago, I didn't go around and give my bosses a list of presents they could get me. Infact, I said nothing about it and was pleasantly surprised to get a gift certificate to a restaurant when I really expected to get nothing. Thats what made it nice, I didn't expect anything and I got something, and its not even the dollar amount, its the fact that someone thought enough to notice the work I do. I would have been laughed at had I given them a list, and then how do you really feel after that... like you bullied them into having to get you something, anything even. Why does any one teacher need a present a day from, say, a class of 20. Even if there was only 50% participation, thats 50 gifts. Thats ridiculous. What is the parent mentality in this, If we don't get her a present, she'll not be so lenient or kind to Little Johnny, so we get her the gift even though we really don't want to?? I know I should get off my soap box about this one... I am just so glad I don't have kids in this school system. I don't recall my parents having to jump through these hoops when I was younger. We just got the teacher a small present at the end of the year.
I know what you all mean about buying all this stuff...it's getting out of hand! I don't buy anything for teacher appreciation week. I buy them an Xmas gift and end-of year gift, more than any of my teachers ever got when I was growing up. I have 3 kids, each has 2 teachers. That's 6 gifts at a time, and even if I did $10/teacher, that's $60! I do help out the pta with the teacher lunches/breakfasts each month, and help out with other things like that. I do appreciate what they do, but can't afford to give them each gifts all the time... And Tassy - I think she said the list was from the room parent, not the teacher. I don't want you thinking the teachers are asking for this stuff!
I went back and re-read and did see where she says that, that does put a different spin on it, but I still don't think I'd be buying presents... making cookies for them, maybe.
i am sorry, but the whole concept totally blows my mind, buy a gift a day for a teacher, geez i am so glad all my children are finished public school. When my kids were all in public school and i volunteered nonstop, we, the volunteers who were there at least 2-3 days a week helping the teachers in the classroom got a luncheon. Not saying that i did not appreciate that, but for teachers to expect gifts for every little thing and then a whole week of gifts just blows my mind - what other profession that is chosen expects to be totally praised nonstop for doing what they signed up to do and are getting paid to do????
Here is the one I got from our PTA: Let's show our teacher how much we appreciate their time and dedication to our children each and every day. Monday - "Supply them w/necessities" Bring your teacher some much needed supplies such as sticky notes, dry erase makers, pens, pencils, copy paper, etc. Tuesday - "Shower them w/Flowers" Bring your teacher a plant or flower to plant in their yard so they can remember how much you appreciate them. Wednesday - "Sweet Tooth" Bring your teacher a sweet treat. Thurs- "Cards are forever" Make your teacher a card to show him/her how much you really do appreciate them for all that you have learned this year. Friday - "Your Special Gift" Would you like to pick out a gift to give your teacher that is just form you? This is the day to bring that special gift. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is from the PTA, NOT the teacher. I still think it's gift grubbing and I don't like it. I can afford to do it, and feel blessed to be able to, but not everyone can. They'd do well to remember that.
Shocked and disappointed... Folks, Let the blame go where it should...to the people who sent the lists. If you got a note from your PTA/PTO and thought it was over the top, let them know. I'd bet good money that the teachers were unaware of the lists. I asked C6 about lists that room parents send. She was shocked and emphasized that no room parent of her students should send one out. I think that I speak for most teachers when I say that they'd be happy with your solid, active support by doing homework, and staying involved as much as you can. I think that most would rather you invested your time and money in your children and their learning. FWIW, teachers do appreciate being recognized for their contributions, as we all do.