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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I taught years ago before I had kids. I was not a fan of teacher appreciation week. The cards people wrote to me mid year and end of year meant more to me than any gift, let alone "forced appreciation." Most of my colleagues could have done without teacher appreciation week. I felt so sad for all the parents who spent money and time baking something special when most of the faculty was either on a diet, had food allergies or was diabetic. So much ended up in the teacher's lounge.

It's not as simple as "if you don't like it, don't do it." Would you want your kid to be the only one not participating? What about the parents with financial constaints?

I am a warm fuzzy sentimental type of person and if I think a teacher is amazing, she/he will know it. I will write long thank you notes and give gifts at the holidays. I will volunteer. I will ask what supplies are needed in the classroom so I can donate. When I adore a teacher I find it mildly annoying to have people tell me when and how to show appreciation, but when a teacher stinks, I find it downright obnoxious to force this on people.

Yes, yes I know..stop complaining and join the PTA. People work so hard, blah, blah. Guess what? I work really hard too at home and outside the home and I do plenty for the school. [/quote]

What you and the OP (or if that is you)don't seem to get is that [u]no one is forcing you to participate[/u] in a group effort.  Group organized gifts are a better option - some parents give more, some less, some nothing and the teacher has no idea.  One issue raised at our school is recognizing "all teachers" so the PTA takes care of this and the room moms take care of organizing a group appreciation for the individual teachers.  Some teachers are more appreciated than others.  It sounds like, OP, you might be one of the less appreciated and are bitter to give to other teachers because not many give to you.  Teacher appreciation week is a WEEK dedicated to appreciate the great teachers in your child's life, if they are not great in your opinion then do participate.  NO ONE IS FORCING YOU!!  I like to know that I am doing the same as others in the class so group appreciation ideas are great. [/quote]

As a mom/teacher:
a) I would not send my kids in without a flower if it were "suggested but not required" but in the past, I have gotten into co-ops with other moms---I'll bring double flowers Monday if your bring double brownies Tuesday.  I know who I can let my hair down around, and who has time for what.

b) Last year I worked in a wealthy school. This year it is a poor school.  Last year I received about $150 worth of stuff. I was shocked, but the other teachers explained to me that this is how things are.  This year, I am expecting nada, but we will see how it goes. It is just interesting that two people in the same job can have such a different outcome based on their local school. I also spend more on supplies, books and snacks now for my students.  Just an observation.

c) At my children's school, room moms take a collection in October for these things and when the day/week comes, they tell us how it was spent.  We have other events (fundraisers) for parents that specifically go for teacher appreciation.

d) I write to my children's teachers with specific praise. [/quote]

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