Fairfax County teacher gifts

[Anonymous]

Wow, don't I feel cheap after reading this thread. One son in PAC with two teachers and five IA's. We wrote a note to each one and included a $10 gift card. I wish we could afford a $25 or $50 card but it's simply not in our budget.

[Anonymous]

can I bump this for 2016? I've decided on $25 for my son's teacher and teacher's assistant and each of the four SACC teachers. But what about gym, art, music and library? do they get gifts too? My son in in Kindergarten if that matters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, don't I feel cheap after reading this thread. One son in PAC with two teachers and five IA's. We wrote a note to each one and included a $10 gift card. I wish we could afford a $25 or $50 card but it's simply not in our budget.

\

Its hard when they are in special ed because there are so many teachers and school therapists, outside therapists...it really adds up. Its the though that counts.

[Anonymous]

FCPS should just spell it out and say individual gifts much be valued at under blah blah dollars. Government employees have strict guidelines. I give teacher gift cards, but I have seen the giving abused. One mom told me she gave every teacher who wrote her son a rec for college $200 check. He got great recs, but then you question if they were legit. The teachers accepted the money. Tacky.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FCPS should just spell it out and say individual gifts much be valued at under blah blah dollars. Government employees have strict guidelines. I give teacher gift cards, but I have seen the giving abused. One mom told me she gave every teacher who wrote her son a rec for college $200 check. He got great recs, but then you question if they were legit. The teachers accepted the money. Tacky.

To clarify, the $200 was given to thank them in advance, not after the rec was done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Former teacher here - please, do not feel obligated to give anything, and if you do, it is appreciated.

In my years of teaching, I have received - an apple with a bite out of it, several bottles of Avon perfume - some partially emptied, plates and tins of homemade cookies, gift cards (never for more than $10), Christmas ornaments, and a few handmade Christmas decorations. All of these were appreciated, but, truly, my favorite gifts have been notes that my students had taken the time to write (on their own - with mistakes included), and heartfelt notes from parents. These are the ones that brought tears to my eyes and that I still have today.

You're a former teacher so nobody cares about what you have to say.

Where are the REAL teachers? The ones who put in the real blood, sweat and tears? The ones who do more than teach our children? The ones who inspire them, make them believe they CAN as they struggle? The ones who cry when our children surpass expectations? Who reteach and reteach again until our children gain some understanding?

Those are the teachers who realize the true gift is in seeing our children excel but who also realize they are worth their weight in gold.

Where are the teachers who will be HONEST enough to say that yeah, notes and emails are touching but you can give those at anytime. During Christmas, the season of giving, it feels really good to know that you thought enough of me to give to ME in addition to your friends and loved ones?

I'm so tired of the "a letter is enough and I still cherish them till this day" BS. You're anonymous for goodness sakes! Admit that you were thrilled to receive that $100 or nice handbag. The old "a hand drawn picture is all my heart desires" is bullcrap. Everyone likes to be appreciated. Stop trying to play the martyr role.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FCPS should just spell it out and say individual gifts much be valued at under blah blah dollars. Government employees have strict guidelines. I give teacher gift cards, but I have seen the giving abused. One mom told me she gave every teacher who wrote her son a rec for college $200 check. He got great recs, but then you question if they were legit. The teachers accepted the money. Tacky.

To clarify, the $200 was given to thank them in advance, not after the rec was done.

Okay, I'm confused. So did the mother give the check to "every teacher who WROTE" (as in already written) her child a college rec, as stated in the first post? Or was it given to them before they wrote it?

Either way, most recs are confidential so they could've received the gift then wrote whatever they wanted. OR, they could've accepted the gift then been thrilled to write the recs for him afterwards because he's such an awesome kid. The money had been given. What was the mom gonna do? Demand it back? Sue to get it back? She would never want to reveal that she'd tried to bribe the teachers.

I think you're either a bit jealous that her kid rightfully received great recs or your an anti-teacher who wants to discourage gift giving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former teacher here - please, do not feel obligated to give anything, and if you do, it is appreciated.

In my years of teaching, I have received - an apple with a bite out of it, several bottles of Avon perfume - some partially emptied, plates and tins of homemade cookies, gift cards (never for more than $10), Christmas ornaments, and a few handmade Christmas decorations. All of these were appreciated, but, truly, my favorite gifts have been notes that my students had taken the time to write (on their own - with mistakes included), and heartfelt notes from parents. These are the ones that brought tears to my eyes and that I still have today.

You're a former teacher so nobody cares about what you have to say.

Where are the REAL teachers? The ones who put in the real blood, sweat and tears? The ones who do more than teach our children? The ones who inspire them, make them believe they CAN as they struggle? The ones who cry when our children surpass expectations? Who reteach and reteach again until our children gain some understanding?

Those are the teachers who realize the true gift is in seeing our children excel but who also realize they are worth their weight in gold.

Where are the teachers who will be HONEST enough to say that yeah, notes and emails are touching but you can give those at anytime. During Christmas, the season of giving, it feels really good to know that you thought enough of me to give to ME in addition to your friends and loved ones?

I'm so tired of the "a letter is enough and I still cherish them till this day" BS. You're anonymous for goodness sakes! Admit that you were thrilled to receive that $100 or nice handbag. The old "a hand drawn picture is all my heart desires" is bullcrap. Everyone likes to be appreciated. Stop trying to play the martyr role.

As a current teacher, I would feel really awkward if I got a gift that valuable, especially since it might not be to my taste. As it is, I still feel uncomfortable when I get expensive gifts or gift cards. I don't give them back or anything, but I absolutely don't expect any. It doesn't make me think that they appreciate me more than my students who can't afford to do so or whose parents are too busy or who just don't believe in giving teachers gifts. And any gifts they do want to give don't have to be elaborate either. To be honest, even though they're not my thing, I appreciate the cutesy Pinterest style gifts too, even though most of them don't end up displayed or consumed.

I don't expect the teacher student relationship to involve gift giving. I don't give them any gifts. And it's not playing the martyr to say we appreciate thoughtful gifts in any form. I don't need my students, who come from all different economic backgrounds, to show me that thoughtfulness with money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former teacher here - please, do not feel obligated to give anything, and if you do, it is appreciated.

In my years of teaching, I have received - an apple with a bite out of it, several bottles of Avon perfume - some partially emptied, plates and tins of homemade cookies, gift cards (never for more than $10), Christmas ornaments, and a few handmade Christmas decorations. All of these were appreciated, but, truly, my favorite gifts have been notes that my students had taken the time to write (on their own - with mistakes included), and heartfelt notes from parents. These are the ones that brought tears to my eyes and that I still have today.

You're a former teacher so nobody cares about what you have to say.

Where are the REAL teachers? The ones who put in the real blood, sweat and tears? The ones who do more than teach our children? The ones who inspire them, make them believe they CAN as they struggle? The ones who cry when our children surpass expectations? Who reteach and reteach again until our children gain some understanding?

Those are the teachers who realize the true gift is in seeing our children excel but who also realize they are worth their weight in gold.

Where are the teachers who will be HONEST enough to say that yeah, notes and emails are touching but you can give those at anytime. During Christmas, the season of giving, it feels really good to know that you thought enough of me to give to ME in addition to your friends and loved ones?

I'm so tired of the "a letter is enough and I still cherish them till this day" BS. You're anonymous for goodness sakes! Admit that you were thrilled to receive that $100 or nice handbag. The old "a hand drawn picture is all my heart desires" is bullcrap. Everyone likes to be appreciated. Stop trying to play the martyr role.

As a current teacher, I would feel really awkward if I got a gift that valuable, especially since it might not be to my taste. As it is, I still feel uncomfortable when I get expensive gifts or gift cards. I don't give them back or anything, but I absolutely don't expect any. It doesn't make me think that they appreciate me more than my students who can't afford to do so or whose parents are too busy or who just don't believe in giving teachers gifts. And any gifts they do want to give don't have to be elaborate either. To be honest, even though they're not my thing, I appreciate the cutesy Pinterest style gifts too, even though most of them don't end up displayed or consumed.

I don't expect the teacher student relationship to involve gift giving. I don't give them any gifts. And it's not playing the martyr to say we appreciate thoughtful gifts in any form. I don't need my students, who come from all different economic backgrounds, to show me that thoughtfulness with money.

Two teacher household. We don't expect gifts, but we know they are coming. It's just the way it is. The gifts don't make me uncomfortable. I appreciate everything. I don't save every card or mug, but every gift receives a thank you note or email. In my experience the class gifts tend to come at the end of the year accompanied by a card listing the families who donated.

I have never received $100 or an item that expensive from one family. $25 is probably a comment amount. Class gifts typically amount to a few hundred dollars. Of course gift cards are nice and the ones we get at Christmastime and the end of the school year come in handy. Let's be honest. It is nice to plan on going to dinner and say, "What gift cards do we have?" One child doesn't become any more liked because of a gift.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former teacher here - please, do not feel obligated to give anything, and if you do, it is appreciated.

In my years of teaching, I have received - an apple with a bite out of it, several bottles of Avon perfume - some partially emptied, plates and tins of homemade cookies, gift cards (never for more than $10), Christmas ornaments, and a few handmade Christmas decorations. All of these were appreciated, but, truly, my favorite gifts have been notes that my students had taken the time to write (on their own - with mistakes included), and heartfelt notes from parents. These are the ones that brought tears to my eyes and that I still have today.

You're a former teacher so nobody cares about what you have to say.

Where are the REAL teachers? The ones who put in the real blood, sweat and tears? The ones who do more than teach our children? The ones who inspire them, make them believe they CAN as they struggle? The ones who cry when our children surpass expectations? Who reteach and reteach again until our children gain some understanding?

Those are the teachers who realize the true gift is in seeing our children excel but who also realize they are worth their weight in gold.

Where are the teachers who will be HONEST enough to say that yeah, notes and emails are touching but you can give those at anytime. During Christmas, the season of giving, it feels really good to know that you thought enough of me to give to ME in addition to your friends and loved ones?

I'm so tired of the "a letter is enough and I still cherish them till this day" BS. You're anonymous for goodness sakes! Admit that you were thrilled to receive that $100 or nice handbag. The old "a hand drawn picture is all my heart desires" is bullcrap. Everyone likes to be appreciated. Stop trying to play the martyr role.

As a current teacher, I would feel really awkward if I got a gift that valuable, especially since it might not be to my taste. As it is, I still feel uncomfortable when I get expensive gifts or gift cards. I don't give them back or anything, but I absolutely don't expect any. It doesn't make me think that they appreciate me more than my students who can't afford to do so or whose parents are too busy or who just don't believe in giving teachers gifts. And any gifts they do want to give don't have to be elaborate either. To be honest, even though they're not my thing, I appreciate the cutesy Pinterest style gifts too, even though most of them don't end up displayed or consumed.

I don't expect the teacher student relationship to involve gift giving. I don't give them any gifts. And it's not playing the martyr to say we appreciate thoughtful gifts in any form. I don't need my students, who come from all different economic backgrounds, to show me that thoughtfulness with money.

You're so overthinking this. Or perhaps you don't understand the heart of a giver. It has nothing to do with those who can't.

Maybe the schools should have teachers who feel like you and/or who would rather not receive anything place some sort of indicator on their door or on the board.

I'll bet not one door will be marked.

Not even yours.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former teacher here - please, do not feel obligated to give anything, and if you do, it is appreciated.

In my years of teaching, I have received - an apple with a bite out of it, several bottles of Avon perfume - some partially emptied, plates and tins of homemade cookies, gift cards (never for more than $10), Christmas ornaments, and a few handmade Christmas decorations. All of these were appreciated, but, truly, my favorite gifts have been notes that my students had taken the time to write (on their own - with mistakes included), and heartfelt notes from parents. These are the ones that brought tears to my eyes and that I still have today.

You're a former teacher so nobody cares about what you have to say.

Where are the REAL teachers? The ones who put in the real blood, sweat and tears? The ones who do more than teach our children? The ones who inspire them, make them believe they CAN as they struggle? The ones who cry when our children surpass expectations? Who reteach and reteach again until our children gain some understanding?

Those are the teachers who realize the true gift is in seeing our children excel but who also realize they are worth their weight in gold.

Where are the teachers who will be HONEST enough to say that yeah, notes and emails are touching but you can give those at anytime. During Christmas, the season of giving, it feels really good to know that you thought enough of me to give to ME in addition to your friends and loved ones?

I'm so tired of the "a letter is enough and I still cherish them till this day" BS. You're anonymous for goodness sakes! Admit that you were thrilled to receive that $100 or nice handbag. The old "a hand drawn picture is all my heart desires" is bullcrap. Everyone likes to be appreciated. Stop trying to play the martyr role.

As a current teacher, I would feel really awkward if I got a gift that valuable, especially since it might not be to my taste. As it is, I still feel uncomfortable when I get expensive gifts or gift cards. I don't give them back or anything, but I absolutely don't expect any. It doesn't make me think that they appreciate me more than my students who can't afford to do so or whose parents are too busy or who just don't believe in giving teachers gifts. And any gifts they do want to give don't have to be elaborate either. To be honest, even though they're not my thing, I appreciate the cutesy Pinterest style gifts too, even though most of them don't end up displayed or consumed.

I don't expect the teacher student relationship to involve gift giving. I don't give them any gifts. And it's not playing the martyr to say we appreciate thoughtful gifts in any form. I don't need my students, who come from all different economic backgrounds, to show me that thoughtfulness with money.

You're so overthinking this. Or perhaps you don't understand the heart of a giver. It has nothing to do with those who can't.

Maybe the schools should have teachers who feel like you and/or who would rather not receive anything place some sort of indicator on their door or on the board.

I'll bet not one door will be marked.

Not even yours.

I believe I said I don't turn any gifts away, but neither to I expect or need them. I also said I appreciate all gifts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FCPS (partial) regulation:

VII. GIFTS TO SCHOOL SYSTEM EMPLOYEES
Students and their parents shall be discouraged from the routine presentation of gifts to school system employees on occasions such as Christmas. A school system employee shall not accept an elaborate or expensive gift even if a student should feel a spontaneous desire to offer one. The School Board shall consider as always welcome, and in most circumstances more appropriate, the writing of letters to staff members expressing gratitude or appreciation. No school system employee shall solicit, demand, accept, or agree to accept any gift or valuable benefit of more than nominal or minimal value (including commissions, fees, discounts, rebates, special privileges, and the like) from any person selling or seeking to sell goods or services to the school system or to students as part of a program organized by the school system (such as from a vendor of band instruments or gym uniforms).

Is that new, or has it always been there and people just ignore it? As a teacher, I preferred to get a thank you letter and maybe a cookie or something, but as a parent I do 50 dollar target cards. I can't explain it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former teacher here - please, do not feel obligated to give anything, and if you do, it is appreciated.

In my years of teaching, I have received - an apple with a bite out of it, several bottles of Avon perfume - some partially emptied, plates and tins of homemade cookies, gift cards (never for more than $10), Christmas ornaments, and a few handmade Christmas decorations. All of these were appreciated, but, truly, my favorite gifts have been notes that my students had taken the time to write (on their own - with mistakes included), and heartfelt notes from parents. These are the ones that brought tears to my eyes and that I still have today.

You're a former teacher so nobody cares about what you have to say.

Where are the REAL teachers? The ones who put in the real blood, sweat and tears? The ones who do more than teach our children? The ones who inspire them, make them believe they CAN as they struggle? The ones who cry when our children surpass expectations? Who reteach and reteach again until our children gain some understanding?

Those are the teachers who realize the true gift is in seeing our children excel but who also realize they are worth their weight in gold.

Where are the teachers who will be HONEST enough to say that yeah, notes and emails are touching but you can give those at anytime. During Christmas, the season of giving, it feels really good to know that you thought enough of me to give to ME in addition to your friends and loved ones?

I'm so tired of the "a letter is enough and I still cherish them till this day" BS. You're anonymous for goodness sakes! Admit that you were thrilled to receive that $100 or nice handbag. The old "a hand drawn picture is all my heart desires" is bullcrap. Everyone likes to be appreciated. Stop trying to play the martyr role.

I'm a teacher and I can tell you with 100% honesty that I really do NOT want 100 or a nice handbag. I would much prefer a letter detailing how great I am, copied to my principal. I also like chocolate, a small ornament to remember the child by, something like that. Expensive gifts and money make me very uncomfortable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former teacher here - please, do not feel obligated to give anything, and if you do, it is appreciated.

In my years of teaching, I have received - an apple with a bite out of it, several bottles of Avon perfume - some partially emptied, plates and tins of homemade cookies, gift cards (never for more than $10), Christmas ornaments, and a few handmade Christmas decorations. All of these were appreciated, but, truly, my favorite gifts have been notes that my students had taken the time to write (on their own - with mistakes included), and heartfelt notes from parents. These are the ones that brought tears to my eyes and that I still have today.

You're a former teacher so nobody cares about what you have to say.

Where are the REAL teachers? The ones who put in the real blood, sweat and tears? The ones who do more than teach our children? The ones who inspire them, make them believe they CAN as they struggle? The ones who cry when our children surpass expectations? Who reteach and reteach again until our children gain some understanding?

Those are the teachers who realize the true gift is in seeing our children excel but who also realize they are worth their weight in gold.

Where are the teachers who will be HONEST enough to say that yeah, notes and emails are touching but you can give those at anytime. During Christmas, the season of giving, it feels really good to know that you thought enough of me to give to ME in addition to your friends and loved ones?

I'm so tired of the "a letter is enough and I still cherish them till this day" BS. You're anonymous for goodness sakes! Admit that you were thrilled to receive that $100 or nice handbag. The old "a hand drawn picture is all my heart desires" is bullcrap. Everyone likes to be appreciated. Stop trying to play the martyr role.

I'm a teacher and I can tell you with 100% honesty that I really do NOT want 100 or a nice handbag. I would much prefer a letter detailing how great I am, copied to my principal. I also like chocolate, a small ornament to remember the child by, something like that. Expensive gifts and money make me very uncomfortable.

You should let your students/families know this. I would hate to make my child's teacher uncomfortable.

I know tons of teachers. They are all gracious enough to truly appreciate what they're given-large and small. I've never heard them express discomfort. I've also never heard "I prefer an email" in real life conversations.

[Anonymous]

My kid's HS just had this in a recent newsletter:

As the holidays approach, many of of our students want to do something special for their teachers and sometimes this includes making a delicious treat. As many of our faculty and staff have a variety of dietary restrictions and allergies, please remind your child to ask his or her teacher if there is a particular food that he or she cannot eat. It would be a shame to spend a great deal of time baking something that a teacher may not be able to enjoy. Please remember also that a gift card of up to $25 is always appreciated as is a handwritten note of thanks and warm wishes!

In ES, I gave to the class gift if there was one or else a $20-25 GC to Amazon or B&N.

In MS/HS, I have only given $20 GC to the teachers who have made a particular impact on my kid, typically to something that the kid knows they like.