Holiday gifts for specials teachers?

[Anonymous]

This is DC's first year in APS. We have contributed to the class gift for the homeroom teacher and assistant teacher and were also going to do some little gift on our own. A couple of parents are also coordinating a group gift to the extended day providers.

What about the specials teachers? Music, art, Spanish, PE, even the librarian? I haven't met half of them, but they each engage my child for multiple hours per week? Should I be sending a holiday card with a $10 Starbucks card for example, to each of them? And how? DC is in K and I don't know would remember or be allowed to deliver them during class over the course of the week.

What's the norm? We're in APS.

[Anonymous]

Spouse of a teacher here. People are so generous in this area! Teachers really don't expect all these gifts, but they are, of course, appreciated.

I'm a good friend of an elementary art teacher. The specialist generally don't get gifts, but it is a welcome and appreciated surprise when they do. I think if you have the means and the desire, it's a lovely gesture. Of course cards/pictures from your child, cookies, etc. are kind and appreciated as well.

You could drop the gifts in the front office and they'll get them to the right place. Or just ask your child to give them to their teacher, and they will route it to the specialists.

Happy holidays!

[Anonymous]

I never did anything in the past but this year my son has a special connection with a specials teacher. He talks about him frequently. I mailed a $25 gift card to the school. My son was concerned about bringing it since they go to specials right from recess.

[Anonymous]

APS does have a policy that says a teacher cannot accept gifts in excess of $100 over the course of the year from any one family. Always loopholes to that with class gifts, etc. but it could help in thinking about holiday time, end of year, teacher appreciation week, etc. in terms of how to spread out.

[Anonymous]

Very thoughtful of you to remember the specials teacher. My sister is a reading teacher and always gets left behind for teacher appreciation week, holidays, etc. She doesn't expect anything, but appreciates when people remember that she is just as important in educating the kids!

[Anonymous]

My dc bring small gifts($10 gift cards usually) for the specials teachers on the last day before break. Usually they are allowed to take a friend to walk around the school and "deliver" their gift to the teachers. All the specials teachers at our school are great.

[Anonymous]

I'm a specials teacher and a gift would be a welcome surprise, but is not at all expected or required. A 5$ card to Starbucks, or some baked goods from home would be lovely!

I also think if your child seems to really connect with one teacher, then it is appropriate to just gift that teacher.

[Anonymous]

We're sending in a box of candy to each specials teacher. They can always regift if they don't like candy. We do Russell stover because we are from Kansas City and RS originated there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're sending in a box of candy to each specials teacher. They can always regift if they don't like candy. We do Russell stover because we are from Kansas City and RS originated there.

It's the thought that counts.

[Anonymous]

I give gifts to the specials teachers where my kids really enjoy the class and feel a bond. One year my DC had a specials teacher who had no patience and who put kids in the time out corner on a regular basis. No gift for that teacher! If the class is a source of stress RELIEF and JOY, then I absolutely give a gift.