I think that gifts or food at the holidays, end of year and teacher appreciation day are standard. Other than that, every school has its special traditions.

I've never heard of schools closing early for staff appreciation. It's often for professional development meetings.

Some schools have a more "do it yourself" culture (making food, decorating doors for teacher appreciation, etc) and other schools have a "money" (to be used for gifts, catering) culture.

Sounds like your school is bigger on the food and events than most.

My son just started presschool this year and it seems that we are constantly being asked to provide food or money towards staff appreciation events. First, their was the welcome back to school lunch (that we had to provide food) and pick up our kid 2 hours early early, then the same plus presents at Christmas and again at the end of the year. This really seems to be a lot to me: monetary, food cost and prep as well as arranging for back up care the times the preschool closes early for staff appreciation. Is this the norm? I always assumed a nice gift at the holidays and end of year was sufficient, but this seems to be so much more.