I teach middle school and would like to echo suggestion for cards and letters, even if they might seem forced. I have a box of notes I have received from my students (I have especially loved the ones where students have drawn pictures of things we have done in class). There is a special place for the touching notes and letters I have received from parents about their take on the influence I have had on their children. It is so meaningful and I go back to them over and over and remember those children. Giftcards are nice, but knowing that I actually made a difference, even if for a brief period of time, helps me get through those tough days more than a coffee.

As a public school teacher, I love using gift cards to buy special items for my classroom, since resources are tight. Cards to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Staples (or other office supply stores) are fantastic.

I have one caution about gifting edibles. I am allergic to chocolate, but don't typically tell the students. This year, I had to throw out or regift the majority of the edibles I was given at the holidays and I felt terrible about it. My (teacher) friend never drinks coffee, but often has water or tea in a thermal mug, so she has received a lifetime supply of Starbucks cards. I would avoid giving food items unless you know, for sure, that the teacher will use them.

The best teacher gift I have gotten was when an 8th grade student came up to my desk at lunch, when there were not other students around, and said "I was trying to figure out what to get to to thank you for the work you have done this year, and I figured what would really mean the most is if I came in and told you" and that's what she did. I was floored and had to work to not cry until she left. It was so moving.

Anonymous wrote:Those type of letters are not allowed to be placed in an employee's personnel file.

We are sponsoring a breakfast.
Purchased sweatsuits with school's insignia
Raffeling off a 42inch flat screen

Are you doing this for a MS? I know my MS'ers love, love, love some of their teachers. But they might feel really awkward spending non-academic time with them--like at a breakfast. Do the kids also attend the breakfast? And writing a letter to your teacher when you're 12 or 13 feels a bit forced. Good to know that a parent's letter can't be used in the personnel file--I've done it in the past--but he teacher was fired the next year anyway...*sad trombone*

Those type of letters are not allowed to be placed in an employee's personnel file.

We are sponsoring a breakfast.
Purchased sweatsuits with school's insignia
Raffeling off a 42inch flat screen

It's nice to hear someone on this forum making positive remarks about a teacher/their DCPS experience for a change. Thanks for sharing your positivity! Hopefully it will be infectious

OP here. These are great ideas. I truly want to thank them as they have been spectacular--and all in the same way, too. It's like they're all in some kind of religious order of awesomeness. We are very grateful.

I was a teacher for many years, and the gifts that meant the most were the handwritten notes from the parents with specific details about how I affected the life and learning of their child. It really meant the world to me. I also loved getting orchids, chocolate, and gift certificates to eat out. Whatever gesture you make, whether large or small, really means a lot to those hard working teachers. Thanks for asking!

A thank you note from you or your child. Donated used books for my classroom library.

School supplies or nice picture books in my content area are good too.

Your appreciation is what means the most.

Have you asked your child what they think the teacher would like? One of our kids told us a favorite teacher was a HUGE [insert big Midwestern university] sports fan and alum. Now we focus gestures on [color scheme involving maize]-related gifts and such. Seems to be appreciated. (DH is also an alum. There's no escape for me.)

If not sports or university, is there a charity or cause the teacher supports that you could contribute to?

One teacher told me they felt guilty accepting gift cards and cash because of getting bonuses last year while staff who helped them were laid off. (Awkward...)

Anonymous wrote: A sincere, specific letter to their principal outlining their strengths as a teacher to be put in their personnel file.

Great idea!

A sincere, specific letter to their principal outlining their strengths as a teacher to be put in their personnel file.

Anonymous wrote:As cheesy as it sounds, support. Jump in to chaparone a field trip. Mention our great job to admin and other parents. Be our ally and supporter. Admittedly I am not a gift person, so it's possible that other teachers would like gifts. But just have our back, and share the praise!

+1

Having supportive parents makes all the difference in the world.

As cheesy as it sounds, support. Jump in to chaparone a field trip. Mention our great job to admin and other parents. Be our ally and supporter. Admittedly I am not a gift person, so it's possible that other teachers would like gifts. But just have our back, and share the praise!

Gift cards. Thank you for your kind thoughtfulness.

Giftcards. Does not have to be a large amount. A 10.00 card to Starbucks, Panera, etc is great.

We are at a DCPS MS and I'd like to hear what people are giving Middle school teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week. A few of my kid's teachers have been so amazing, I just could break down and grab their ankles and sob my sloppy, wet appreciation. But somehow, I know there is a better way. Hand written cards from a 13 y o feel forced, somehow. If you're a teacher, please also weigh in here with what you'd be happy to see on that day. What cool things have you gotten in the past from your 6, 7, 8th graders and their families?