holiday gifts

[Anonymous]

Hello,

I"m new to the county school system, my son attended regular private preschool last year and this year he is in a special program education at FCPS. In our other school, parents got together to purchase gift cards for teachers, we all contributed towards the gift around the holidays in Dec and the end of the year. I have not heard anything from anyone as of yet this year, the class is very small and most parents work, I'm wondering if it is appropriate to send a card with a gift card (target or B&N) to his teacher and assistants, they are great and just want to show our appreciation, but not sure if this is appropriate. any thougths? experience out there with FCPS?

TIA!

[Anonymous]

Sounds good to me!

[Anonymous]

Yes, that's what people do.

I personally don't think we should be giving gifts to teachers (the word baksheesh comes to mind for me...), however, I go with the flow on this one.

Target has tough return policies, so I go with B&N.

[Anonymous]

Sounds good to me too.

[Anonymous]

My son is in special ed too. I always give generously to the teacher, aide and all the specialists. These teachers work so hard, are so nurturing to the kids, and we've noticed tremendous progress this school year. Many of these teachers buy supplies and incentives for the kids with their own money, on a county salary and having received no pay increase in years.

We couldn't even begin to replicate through private what we get "for free" at FCPS. I know we all pay taxes, but still. You can never be wrong to err on the side of appreciation - whether that's a card, a sincere thank you, or a gift card if you afford to do so.

I try to get the general Visa or bank cards, so the teachers can use them however they wish. Some really just need the $$$.