Teacher Appreciation Week

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If teachers don’t care about the food or gift cards, why can’t the week simply be cancelled?

I think they appreciate the gifts, but they don’t care if someone doesn’t send something. They won’t hold it against you and your child if you don’t donate to the PTA or send in something directly.

I think this is true (hope this is true) but my sister who has taught elementary school in the DMV for the last ten years has said that the teachers absolutely know and keep track of those families that give generous individual gifts. Like “no gift” won’t make a negative difference but “big gift” can make a positive one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If teachers don’t care about the food or gift cards, why can’t the week simply be cancelled?

I think they appreciate the gifts, but they don’t care if someone doesn’t send something. They won’t hold it against you and your child if you don’t donate to the PTA or send in something directly.

I think this is true (hope this is true) but my sister who has taught elementary school in the DMV for the last ten years has said that the teachers absolutely know and keep track of those families that give generous individual gifts. Like “no gift” won’t make a negative difference but “big gift” can make a positive one.

I taught for many years. The only parent I remember is the one who gave me a bottle of wine. I don’t even drink. But it’s the thought that counts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We do not participate in the group gift, we give our teachers individual gifts based on their work. I do not understand making appreciation week a “I have a pulse in a school” week. We have had some truly extraordinary teachers who deserve to be shown how much their class recognizes and appreciates all they’ve done, not bundled in to get the same as the teachers barely phoning it in. It’s bad enough they get the same salary.

This exactly! We’ve had some crappy teachers and I’ll be damned if my money is going to them.

I don't know whether to laugh or yawn at you.

I, for one, will be yawning a big yawn. It's kind of funny how people get worked up over teacher appreciation. Like, just don't send in anything, it's ok. No one will care or notice. Don't get your panties in a bunch, it is O-K... Now breathe...1..2..3...

LOL...seriously.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We do not participate in the group gift, we give our teachers individual gifts based on their work. I do not understand making appreciation week a “I have a pulse in a school” week. We have had some truly extraordinary teachers who deserve to be shown how much their class recognizes and appreciates all they’ve done, not bundled in to get the same as the teachers barely phoning it in. It’s bad enough they get the same salary.

This exactly! We’ve had some crappy teachers and I’ll be damned if my money is going to them.

Oh get a life. Like they even care about your $20. What an unhinged rant.

Agreeing with a PP is now an “unhinged rant”?! Unclench. It’s ok for people to not agree with your silly plans.

You go first.

Not my plans at all. I am thankful that I do not have to organize such a large scale effort. Thank you so much to the people organizing this. All I have to do click on a link and send a few $$. Many thanks to the organizers.

Are you an organizer looking for kudos? I know a mom and all she does is tell anyone who will listen all that she does...ugh. Meanwhile lots of people do things and don't go running around looking for kudos/attention

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If teachers don’t care about the food or gift cards, why can’t the week simply be cancelled?

I think they appreciate the gifts, but they don’t care if someone doesn’t send something. They won’t hold it against you and your child if you don’t donate to the PTA or send in something directly.

I think this is true (hope this is true) but my sister who has taught elementary school in the DMV for the last ten years has said that the teachers absolutely know and keep track of those families that give generous individual gifts. Like “no gift” won’t make a negative difference but “big gift” can make a positive one.

I taught for many years. The only parent I remember is the one who gave me a bottle of wine. I don’t even drink. But it’s the thought that counts.

I taught for many years too....know what I remember the title 1 student who didn't have money for a gift so he brought me one of his stuffed animals from home with a hand made card. Or the student's family who made me a delicious dish from their country with a thoughtful note.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We do not participate in the group gift, we give our teachers individual gifts based on their work. I do not understand making appreciation week a “I have a pulse in a school” week. We have had some truly extraordinary teachers who deserve to be shown how much their class recognizes and appreciates all they’ve done, not bundled in to get the same as the teachers barely phoning it in. It’s bad enough they get the same salary.

This exactly! We’ve had some crappy teachers and I’ll be damned if my money is going to them.

Oh get a life. Like they even care about your $20. What an unhinged rant.

Agreeing with a PP is now an “unhinged rant”?! Unclench. It’s ok for people to not agree with your silly plans.

You go first.

Not my plans at all. I am thankful that I do not have to organize such a large scale effort. Thank you so much to the people organizing this. All I have to do click on a link and send a few $$. Many thanks to the organizers.

Are you an organizer looking for kudos? I know a mom and all she does is tell anyone who will listen all that she does...ugh. Meanwhile lots of people do things and don't go running around looking for kudos/attention

No, I work and feel guilty that I don't help as much as others do so I am happy to give money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We do not participate in the group gift, we give our teachers individual gifts based on their work. I do not understand making appreciation week a “I have a pulse in a school” week. We have had some truly extraordinary teachers who deserve to be shown how much their class recognizes and appreciates all they’ve done, not bundled in to get the same as the teachers barely phoning it in. It’s bad enough they get the same salary.

This exactly! We’ve had some crappy teachers and I’ll be damned if my money is going to them.

Oh get a life. Like they even care about your $20. What an unhinged rant.

Agreeing with a PP is now an “unhinged rant”?! Unclench. It’s ok for people to not agree with your silly plans.

You go first.

Not my plans at all. I am thankful that I do not have to organize such a large scale effort. Thank you so much to the people organizing this. All I have to do click on a link and send a few $$. Many thanks to the organizers.

Are you an organizer looking for kudos? I know a mom and all she does is tell anyone who will listen all that she does...ugh. Meanwhile lots of people do things and don't go running around looking for kudos/attention

No, I work and feel guilty that I don't help as much as others do so I am happy to give money.

Do you love your kids? Do you teach them about responsibility and respect? Do you make sure they are doing their work and feeling ok about school. Do you meet with teachers during conferences? You send money? Then you do enough and teachers appreciate that. Teachers are not keeping score of what you are doing PTA wise....they just want you to know they care about your child and they want to know you care and are on the same page. I would't waste time feeling guilty. Thanks for donating!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If teachers don’t care about the food or gift cards, why can’t the week simply be cancelled?

I think they appreciate the gifts, but they don’t care if someone doesn’t send something. They won’t hold it against you and your child if you don’t donate to the PTA or send in something directly.

I think this is true (hope this is true) but my sister who has taught elementary school in the DMV for the last ten years has said that the teachers absolutely know and keep track of those families that give generous individual gifts. Like “no gift” won’t make a negative difference but “big gift” can make a positive one.

I taught for many years. The only parent I remember is the one who gave me a bottle of wine. I don’t even drink. But it’s the thought that counts.

Honestly it’s the thoughtful things like this. I don’t remember the big gift cards and there have not been many. I remember the mom who ran up and gave me the biggest hug at graduation while exclaiming “we did it! He made it!” Or the parent from the year before emailed me on the first day of school saying they were thinking of me and hope I had a great first day of the new year. These little things stood out so much more than any gifts. They were each many years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If teachers don’t care about the food or gift cards, why can’t the week simply be cancelled?

I think they appreciate the gifts, but they don’t care if someone doesn’t send something. They won’t hold it against you and your child if you don’t donate to the PTA or send in something directly.

I think this is true (hope this is true) but my sister who has taught elementary school in the DMV for the last ten years has said that the teachers absolutely know and keep track of those families that give generous individual gifts. Like “no gift” won’t make a negative difference but “big gift” can make a positive one.

I taught for many years. The only parent I remember is the one who gave me a bottle of wine. I don’t even drink. But it’s the thought that counts.

Honestly it’s the thoughtful things like this. I don’t remember the big gift cards and there have not been many. I remember the mom who ran up and gave me the biggest hug at graduation while exclaiming “we did it! He made it!” Or the parent from the year before emailed me on the first day of school saying they were thinking of me and hope I had a great first day of the new year. These little things stood out so much more than any gifts. They were each many years ago.

Did they send the bottle in with their kid?

[Anonymous]

*I* think most of yall are nuts lol. A lot of yall are the reason teachers are leaving in droves— and yall will complain about the lack of qualified educators when there are none.
I digress. I think PP was asking about showing appreciation to all teachers (specials, sped, etc.) not all staff members. In our family we show appreciation to all our kids teachers during teacher appreciation week. We chip in for the class gifts and most importantly, are sure to show some love to our specials teachers— they are often forgotten in all of this.

[Anonymous]

I am a high school teacher. I hate receiving gift cards. Just outright hate it. I love handwritten notes. I love students making something for me (I received hand made ornaments, paper /origami flowers, et ). I also love receiving house plants (because that means student actually noticed I loved them). I also don’t mind students not giving me anything ever, not thinking twice of me before holidays or during teacher appreciation week. Because I also forget about stuff like that. I care most about students peeking into my classroom when they pass it on their way somewhere else. And about them paying attention in class.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a high school teacher. I hate receiving gift cards. Just outright hate it. I love handwritten notes. I love students making something for me (I received hand made ornaments, paper /origami flowers, et ). I also love receiving house plants (because that means student actually noticed I loved them). I also don’t mind students not giving me anything ever, not thinking twice of me before holidays or during teacher appreciation week. Because I also forget about stuff like that. I care most about students peeking into my classroom when they pass it on their way somewhere else. And about them paying attention in class.

+1 the whole idea of having to give a gift card to show appreciation is awful. Would much prefer handwritten notes, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If teachers don’t care about the food or gift cards, why can’t the week simply be cancelled?

I think they appreciate the gifts, but they don’t care if someone doesn’t send something. They won’t hold it against you and your child if you don’t donate to the PTA or send in something directly.

I think this is true (hope this is true) but my sister who has taught elementary school in the DMV for the last ten years has said that the teachers absolutely know and keep track of those families that give generous individual gifts. Like “no gift” won’t make a negative difference but “big gift” can make a positive one.

I don't believe you have a "sister" who has taught at all. I've been in the field for forever and NO teacher I've ever known has ever kept track of families that give generously. I do remember my first year teaching when one family bought me a matching set of bra and panties. Not kidding. I do remember the kid who wrote me the note saying she wished I was her mom. Give if you want, don't give if you don't. It's okay either way.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If teachers don’t care about the food or gift cards, why can’t the week simply be cancelled?

I think they appreciate the gifts, but they don’t care if someone doesn’t send something. They won’t hold it against you and your child if you don’t donate to the PTA or send in something directly.

I think this is true (hope this is true) but my sister who has taught elementary school in the DMV for the last ten years has said that the teachers absolutely know and keep track of those families that give generous individual gifts. Like “no gift” won’t make a negative difference but “big gift” can make a positive one.

I don't believe you have a "sister" who has taught at all. I've been in the field for forever and NO teacher I've ever known has ever kept track of families that give generously. I do remember my first year teaching when one family bought me a matching set of bra and panties. Not kidding. I do remember the kid who wrote me the note saying she wished I was her mom. Give if you want, don't give if you don't. It's okay either way.

More info please!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If teachers don’t care about the food or gift cards, why can’t the week simply be cancelled?

I think they appreciate the gifts, but they don’t care if someone doesn’t send something. They won’t hold it against you and your child if you don’t donate to the PTA or send in something directly.

I think this is true (hope this is true) but my sister who has taught elementary school in the DMV for the last ten years has said that the teachers absolutely know and keep track of those families that give generous individual gifts. Like “no gift” won’t make a negative difference but “big gift” can make a positive one.

I don't believe you have a "sister" who has taught at all. I've been in the field for forever and NO teacher I've ever known has ever kept track of families that give generously. I do remember my first year teaching when one family bought me a matching set of bra and panties. Not kidding. I do remember the kid who wrote me the note saying she wished I was her mom. Give if you want, don't give if you don't. It's okay either way.

That’s even more far fetched!!! But if true that is just gross and disturbing.