Class fund non-participants: where do you think the party food comes from??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents shouldn’t be expected to give money. This is crazy. No one should feel obligated to give a teacher gift and I wouldn’t want my child’s work day interrupted with constant parties and junk food. The teacher can use holiday themed exersices for their school work, but schools don’t need to celebrating holidays with parent-planned parties. Totally unnecessary.

If the PTA as a whole wants to put out a request for monetary or volunteer upport for various programs during the year (carnival, book fair, school wide teacher appreciation lunch, etc.) then they should send a detailed letter on what they want and what it would be used for and I’d support that. But for individual classes to be asking for money for crafts, pizza, teacher gifts, parties that take away time from the school day is not something I would support and would actively discourage this type of programming.

In certain school class gifts (typically a gift card) for teacher appreciation and holiday gifts is expected. As a room parent, I put in extra $ on behalf of the group so the group gift would look bigger. You can dislike this practice but it exists and as long as you don’t contribute others will have to give more on your kid’s behalf.

You’re choosing to. No one is forcing you to. It’s a choice.

[Anonymous]

I'm a whole lot happier as a room mother now going in with the expectation that I'm just going to pay for the whole party myself. It's basically a few hundred out of pocket each year. I'm a WOHM, too, and take a few vacation days to make the class parties (dictated by the school at large) work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents shouldn’t be expected to give money. This is crazy. No one should feel obligated to give a teacher gift and I wouldn’t want my child’s work day interrupted with constant parties and junk food. The teacher can use holiday themed exersices for their school work, but schools don’t need to celebrating holidays with parent-planned parties. Totally unnecessary.

If the PTA as a whole wants to put out a request for monetary or volunteer upport for various programs during the year (carnival, book fair, school wide teacher appreciation lunch, etc.) then they should send a detailed letter on what they want and what it would be used for and I’d support that. But for individual classes to be asking for money for crafts, pizza, teacher gifts, parties that take away time from the school day is not something I would support and would actively discourage this type of programming.

In certain school class gifts (typically a gift card) for teacher appreciation and holiday gifts is expected. As a room parent, I put in extra $ on behalf of the group so the group gift would look bigger. You can dislike this practice but it exists and as long as you don’t contribute others will have to give more on your kid’s behalf.

Who expects gifts? The teachers? I would feel mortified if someone felt they HAD to get me a gift. Certainly teachers do not want their students to feel obligated to give them gifts, rather to give if they truly would like to. That defeats the thought and purpose of presenting someone with a gift if it is “required” by pushy parents. A parent in our children’s classroom does send out notice of collection of funds for a teacher’s gift, but it is worded as such that no one feels obligated..it is more a convenience if you would like to do something for the teacher but don’t have time to shop, but if you want to do your own thing for gifts or not at all, that is ok too. And this is a private school. I cannot fathom public schools trying to force parents to give money for gifts and parties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents shouldn’t be expected to give money. This is crazy. No one should feel obligated to give a teacher gift and I wouldn’t want my child’s work day interrupted with constant parties and junk food. The teacher can use holiday themed exersices for their school work, but schools don’t need to celebrating holidays with parent-planned parties. Totally unnecessary.

If the PTA as a whole wants to put out a request for monetary or volunteer upport for various programs during the year (carnival, book fair, school wide teacher appreciation lunch, etc.) then they should send a detailed letter on what they want and what it would be used for and I’d support that. But for individual classes to be asking for money for crafts, pizza, teacher gifts, parties that take away time from the school day is not something I would support and would actively discourage this type of programming.

In certain school class gifts (typically a gift card) for teacher appreciation and holiday gifts is expected. As a room parent, I put in extra $ on behalf of the group so the group gift would look bigger. You can dislike this practice but it exists and as long as you don’t contribute others will have to give more on your kid’s behalf.

You’re choosing to. No one is forcing you to. It’s a choice.

Potato -potahto. Point is, it’s generally expected that a room parent organies class gifts at least for Xmas, teacher appreciation week and usually the end of year. You all you think it’s a choice and you don’t have to - it’s generally understood that is a part of the job. Don’t know about you, but if I take a job I do it to the best of my ability. You all are cheap and and unappreciative. We’re talking about $5 or so per family per gift. If it’s so offensive to you that teachers are given gifts a few times a year, don’t contribute. We will continue to spotting you so that she feels appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Potato -potahto. Point is, it’s generally expected that a room parent organies class gifts at least for Xmas, teacher appreciation week and usually the end of year. You all you think it’s a choice and you don’t have to - it’s generally understood that is a part of the job. Don’t know about you, but if I take a job I do it to the best of my ability. You all are cheap and and unappreciative. We’re talking about $5 or so per family per gift. If it’s so offensive to you that teachers are given gifts a few times a year, don’t contribute. We will continue to spotting you so that she feels appreciated.

What other professional needs gifts multiple times per year to feel appreciated? I just don't get it. My mom taught for 30 years. She got some X-mas gifts and maybe some flowers for teacher's appreciation week. It really was enough. Where is this whole idea coming from that teachers need multiple cash presents in each year to feel appreciated? If kids make cards for their teachers and write why they love their teachers, is the teacher really not going to feel appreciated without money?

PP, I still think you're a bossy busybody who decided what teachers ought to have, and then want to bully everyone else into financing what you view as an appropriate gift or a party. You really need to chill out. Gifts are gifts. They're not a tax or a fee. And kids can enjoy simple, non-bourgeois parties.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Potato -potahto. Point is, it’s generally expected that a room parent organies class gifts at least for Xmas, teacher appreciation week and usually the end of year. You all you think it’s a choice and you don’t have to - it’s generally understood that is a part of the job. Don’t know about you, but if I take a job I do it to the best of my ability. You all are cheap and and unappreciative. We’re talking about $5 or so per family per gift. If it’s so offensive to you that teachers are given gifts a few times a year, don’t contribute. We will continue to spotting you so that she feels appreciated.

Or, to put things a different way, you're clearly worried that if the gift amount isn't high enough, you'll look cheap to the teacher. So, you are paying out of pocket to cover other people and getting mad at them for making you choose between paying for them and looking cheap. But the actuality is that you're probably making the teacher feel a bit uncomfortable with the huge gifts. And you're alienating the other parents by being such a pushy busybody.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Potato -potahto. Point is, it’s generally expected that a room parent organies class gifts at least for Xmas, teacher appreciation week and usually the end of year. You all you think it’s a choice and you don’t have to - it’s generally understood that is a part of the job. Don’t know about you, but if I take a job I do it to the best of my ability. You all are cheap and and unappreciative. We’re talking about $5 or so per family per gift. If it’s so offensive to you that teachers are given gifts a few times a year, don’t contribute. We will continue to spotting you so that she feels appreciated.

Or, to put things a different way, you're clearly worried that if the gift amount isn't high enough, you'll look cheap to the teacher. So, you are paying out of pocket to cover other people and getting mad at them for making you choose between paying for them and looking cheap. But the actuality is that you're probably making the teacher feel a bit uncomfortable with the huge gifts. And you're alienating the other parents by being such a pushy busybody.

I’m a room parent too and have also put in money to make the group gift look larger. I keep a list of who donates (just for accounting person) but only ask for donations twice during the year (at back to school night and via a letter). That’s not pushy, and I think it’s a good practice for teachers who are increasingly spending out of pocket for classroom basics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Potato -potahto. Point is, it’s generally expected that a room parent organies class gifts at least for Xmas, teacher appreciation week and usually the end of year. You all you think it’s a choice and you don’t have to - it’s generally understood that is a part of the job. Don’t know about you, but if I take a job I do it to the best of my ability. You all are cheap and and unappreciative. We’re talking about $5 or so per family per gift. If it’s so offensive to you that teachers are given gifts a few times a year, don’t contribute. We will continue to spotting you so that she feels appreciated.

Or, to put things a different way, you're clearly worried that if the gift amount isn't high enough, you'll look cheap to the teacher. So, you are paying out of pocket to cover other people and getting mad at them for making you choose between paying for them and looking cheap. But the actuality is that you're probably making the teacher feel a bit uncomfortable with the huge gifts. And you're alienating the other parents by being such a pushy busybody.

The gifts are identical to what other teachers get. Every time. At my school, we all got about $150-$200 at Xmas, $50 on birthdays, $150-$200 at taw, and $200-$150 at the end of year. I’m not seeking these funds but will say it doesn’t make me uncomfortable anymore than you would be uncomfortable getting the same gift you get each year for something. I had no idea some of you think of it as a way to bribe me by the room parent or that I don’t deserve so much gift giving. By all means, no one should give if they don’t want to. I don’t expect it but do appreciate it.

I also buy lots of things for my students that far exceeds the $50 stipend I got each year from the pta. If you think I’m making out like a bandit, you’re wrong.

-Former Fcps teacher

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Potato -potahto. Point is, it’s generally expected that a room parent organies class gifts at least for Xmas, teacher appreciation week and usually the end of year. You all you think it’s a choice and you don’t have to - it’s generally understood that is a part of the job. Don’t know about you, but if I take a job I do it to the best of my ability. You all are cheap and and unappreciative. We’re talking about $5 or so per family per gift. If it’s so offensive to you that teachers are given gifts a few times a year, don’t contribute. We will continue to spotting you so that she feels appreciated.

What other professional needs gifts multiple times per year to feel appreciated? I just don't get it. My mom taught for 30 years. She got some X-mas gifts and maybe some flowers for teacher's appreciation week. It really was enough. Where is this whole idea coming from that teachers need multiple cash presents in each year to feel appreciated? If kids make cards for their teachers and write why they love their teachers, is the teacher really not going to feel appreciated without money?

PP, I still think you're a bossy busybody who decided what teachers ought to have, and then want to bully everyone else into financing what you view as an appropriate gift or a party. You really need to chill out. Gifts are gifts. They're not a tax or a fee. And kids can enjoy simple, non-bourgeois parties.

We have a week long teacher appreciation where they demand something every day. Its absurd.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Potato -potahto. Point is, it’s generally expected that a room parent organies class gifts at least for Xmas, teacher appreciation week and usually the end of year. You all you think it’s a choice and you don’t have to - it’s generally understood that is a part of the job. Don’t know about you, but if I take a job I do it to the best of my ability. You all are cheap and and unappreciative. We’re talking about $5 or so per family per gift. If it’s so offensive to you that teachers are given gifts a few times a year, don’t contribute. We will continue to spotting you so that she feels appreciated.

Or, to put things a different way, you're clearly worried that if the gift amount isn't high enough, you'll look cheap to the teacher. So, you are paying out of pocket to cover other people and getting mad at them for making you choose between paying for them and looking cheap. But the actuality is that you're probably making the teacher feel a bit uncomfortable with the huge gifts. And you're alienating the other parents by being such a pushy busybody.

The gifts are identical to what other teachers get. Every time. At my school, we all got about $150-$200 at Xmas, $50 on birthdays, $150-$200 at taw, and $200-$150 at the end of year. I’m not seeking these funds but will say it doesn’t make me uncomfortable anymore than you would be uncomfortable getting the same gift you get each year for something. I had no idea some of you think of it as a way to bribe me by the room parent or that I don’t deserve so much gift giving. By all means, no one should give if they don’t want to. I don’t expect it but do appreciate it.

I also buy lots of things for my students that far exceeds the $50 stipend I got each year from the pta. If you think I’m making out like a bandit, you’re wrong.

-Former Fcps teacher

You are a former teacher so you aren't buying anything. Buying more is your choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Potato -potahto. Point is, it’s generally expected that a room parent organies class gifts at least for Xmas, teacher appreciation week and usually the end of year. You all you think it’s a choice and you don’t have to - it’s generally understood that is a part of the job. Don’t know about you, but if I take a job I do it to the best of my ability. You all are cheap and and unappreciative. We’re talking about $5 or so per family per gift. If it’s so offensive to you that teachers are given gifts a few times a year, don’t contribute. We will continue to spotting you so that she feels appreciated.

Or, to put things a different way, you're clearly worried that if the gift amount isn't high enough, you'll look cheap to the teacher. So, you are paying out of pocket to cover other people and getting mad at them for making you choose between paying for them and looking cheap. But the actuality is that you're probably making the teacher feel a bit uncomfortable with the huge gifts. And you're alienating the other parents by being such a pushy busybody.

I’m a room parent too and have also put in money to make the group gift look larger. I keep a list of who donates (just for accounting person) but only ask for donations twice during the year (at back to school night and via a letter). That’s not pushy, and I think it’s a good practice for teachers who are increasingly spending out of pocket for classroom basics.

There is no need for class gifts and even as a room mom, I prefer everyone doing their own gifts. If teachers want donations, let us know. I donated tons of stuff at the beginning of the year and my child regularly asks to replenish his pencils and other stuff, so I have no clue where any of that went.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Potato -potahto. Point is, it’s generally expected that a room parent organies class gifts at least for Xmas, teacher appreciation week and usually the end of year. You all you think it’s a choice and you don’t have to - it’s generally understood that is a part of the job. Don’t know about you, but if I take a job I do it to the best of my ability. You all are cheap and and unappreciative. We’re talking about $5 or so per family per gift. If it’s so offensive to you that teachers are given gifts a few times a year, don’t contribute. We will continue to spotting you so that she feels appreciated.

Or, to put things a different way, you're clearly worried that if the gift amount isn't high enough, you'll look cheap to the teacher. So, you are paying out of pocket to cover other people and getting mad at them for making you choose between paying for them and looking cheap. But the actuality is that you're probably making the teacher feel a bit uncomfortable with the huge gifts. And you're alienating the other parents by being such a pushy busybody.

The gifts are identical to what other teachers get. Every time. At my school, we all got about $150-$200 at Xmas, $50 on birthdays, $150-$200 at taw, and $200-$150 at the end of year. I’m not seeking these funds but will say it doesn’t make me uncomfortable anymore than you would be uncomfortable getting the same gift you get each year for something. I had no idea some of you think of it as a way to bribe me by the room parent or that I don’t deserve so much gift giving. By all means, no one should give if they don’t want to. I don’t expect it but do appreciate it.

I also buy lots of things for my students that far exceeds the $50 stipend I got each year from the pta. If you think I’m making out like a bandit, you’re wrong.

-Former Fcps teacher

You are a former teacher so you aren't buying anything. Buying more is your choice.

Of course, it was my choice. My pleasure, as well. Isn’t that the spirits of giving? I mentioned it only bc people mentioned it was almost obscene how much teachers were given and how often.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Potato -potahto. Point is, it’s generally expected that a room parent organies class gifts at least for Xmas, teacher appreciation week and usually the end of year. You all you think it’s a choice and you don’t have to - it’s generally understood that is a part of the job. Don’t know about you, but if I take a job I do it to the best of my ability. You all are cheap and and unappreciative. We’re talking about $5 or so per family per gift. If it’s so offensive to you that teachers are given gifts a few times a year, don’t contribute. We will continue to spotting you so that she feels appreciated.

What other professional needs gifts multiple times per year to feel appreciated? I just don't get it. My mom taught for 30 years. She got some X-mas gifts and maybe some flowers for teacher's appreciation week. It really was enough. Where is this whole idea coming from that teachers need multiple cash presents in each year to feel appreciated? If kids make cards for their teachers and write why they love their teachers, is the teacher really not going to feel appreciated without money?

PP, I still think you're a bossy busybody who decided what teachers ought to have, and then want to bully everyone else into financing what you view as an appropriate gift or a party. You really need to chill out. Gifts are gifts. They're not a tax or a fee. And kids can enjoy simple, non-bourgeois parties.

Don't you get bonuses at your job? Holiday party, company picnic, staff appreciation lunches? It would be ideal if the school system paid for these, but since that is not the case, I don't have an issue with chipping in to make these types of things happen.

Also, do you give gifts/bonuses to your cleaning people, hairdresser, trash collectors, etc? Why not show appreciation to teachers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Potato -potahto. Point is, it’s generally expected that a room parent organies class gifts at least for Xmas, teacher appreciation week and usually the end of year. You all you think it’s a choice and you don’t have to - it’s generally understood that is a part of the job. Don’t know about you, but if I take a job I do it to the best of my ability. You all are cheap and and unappreciative. We’re talking about $5 or so per family per gift. If it’s so offensive to you that teachers are given gifts a few times a year, don’t contribute. We will continue to spotting you so that she feels appreciated.

What other professional needs gifts multiple times per year to feel appreciated? I just don't get it. My mom taught for 30 years. She got some X-mas gifts and maybe some flowers for teacher's appreciation week. It really was enough. Where is this whole idea coming from that teachers need multiple cash presents in each year to feel appreciated? If kids make cards for their teachers and write why they love their teachers, is the teacher really not going to feel appreciated without money?

PP, I still think you're a bossy busybody who decided what teachers ought to have, and then want to bully everyone else into financing what you view as an appropriate gift or a party. You really need to chill out. Gifts are gifts. They're not a tax or a fee. And kids can enjoy simple, non-bourgeois parties.

Don't you get bonuses at your job? Holiday party, company picnic, staff appreciation lunches? It would be ideal if the school system paid for these, but since that is not the case, I don't have an issue with chipping in to make these types of things happen.

Also, do you give gifts/bonuses to your cleaning people, hairdresser, trash collectors, etc? Why not show appreciation to teachers?

My husband and I have never gotten bonuses. We don't have cleaning people, our trash collectors are county paid, etc. You can show reasonable appreciation but the demand is greedy. I donate a lot to the classroom.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Potato -potahto. Point is, it’s generally expected that a room parent organies class gifts at least for Xmas, teacher appreciation week and usually the end of year. You all you think it’s a choice and you don’t have to - it’s generally understood that is a part of the job. Don’t know about you, but if I take a job I do it to the best of my ability. You all are cheap and and unappreciative. We’re talking about $5 or so per family per gift. If it’s so offensive to you that teachers are given gifts a few times a year, don’t contribute. We will continue to spotting you so that she feels appreciated.

What other professional needs gifts multiple times per year to feel appreciated? I just don't get it. My mom taught for 30 years. She got some X-mas gifts and maybe some flowers for teacher's appreciation week. It really was enough. Where is this whole idea coming from that teachers need multiple cash presents in each year to feel appreciated? If kids make cards for their teachers and write why they love their teachers, is the teacher really not going to feel appreciated without money?

PP, I still think you're a bossy busybody who decided what teachers ought to have, and then want to bully everyone else into financing what you view as an appropriate gift or a party. You really need to chill out. Gifts are gifts. They're not a tax or a fee. And kids can enjoy simple, non-bourgeois parties.

Don't you get bonuses at your job? Holiday party, company picnic, staff appreciation lunches? It would be ideal if the school system paid for these, but since that is not the case, I don't have an issue with chipping in to make these types of things happen.

Also, do you give gifts/bonuses to your cleaning people, hairdresser, trash collectors, etc? Why not show appreciation to teachers?

My husband and I have never gotten bonuses. We don't have cleaning people, our trash collectors are county paid, etc. You can show reasonable appreciation but the demand is greedy. I donate a lot to the classroom.

You see it as a demand. I see it as a way to appreciate people who positively affect my family’s life: tutor, leader of book club, teacher, dentist if we go that month, close neighbors, all get something. What’s the “a lot” you’re donating to the classroom? Supplies for the kids - like napkins for parties - or gifts for a teacher to thank her?