My kids are in a private elementary school and I have them take their teachers a small first day of school gift. Like cookies and a Starbucks gift card. It's not necessary but thoughtful.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Teachers only want 2 things. We want respect and a dignified salary. Everything else is bs.

You’re lovely.

I absolutely agree that teachers deserve far more respect (something parents can provide and should) and salary (something parents don’t control), but you’re the first teacher I’ve come across to call the appreciation efforts of students (thank you notes and handmade gifts) or parents (often actual money, even if not that much) “bs”.

But I suppose if you’re as kind and charismatic a teacher as you come across here, maybe you don’t receive many tokens of appreciation anyway.

Absolutely unnecessary

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a private school teacher, holiday and end of year gifts are normal and appreciated.
I don't think I or any of my colleagues have received a gift at the beginning of the year. Of course it would be appreciated but I don't think it is the norm.
And truly, a hand written card from the child really is the best gift.

I'm not a teacher.....but the above describes what we do. Holiday and end of year gifts. Note from my kids to accompany both. Nothing at the start of the year.

PS - we stopped this for our oldest at HS because it was discouraged at that school. But the PA had special teacher treat days that we helped to support financially and/or with time volunteered (usually they were pampered with food/drink/giftbags). Not sure what younger one's HS will do.

As others have noted - all schools are a little different, so ask a friend you know at the new school (or a buddy family) if there's a protocol you should know about.

Anonymous wrote:As a private school teacher, holiday and end of year gifts are normal and appreciated.
I don't think I or any of my colleagues have received a gift at the beginning of the year. Of course it would be appreciated but I don't think it is the norm.
And truly, a hand written card from the child really is the best gift.

I'm not a teacher.....but the above describes what we do. Holiday and end of year gifts. Note from my kids to accompany both. Nothing at the start of the year.

Another teacher here.

Some parents have come to events early with a negative attitude. I'd prefer an optimistic approach and a "let me know if I can be of any help" over a gift.

For transition years, please know that the forms we have to fill out for your child's next step will ask about you, as well. Something small like a candy bar or tiny flower/plant would be a nice surprise.

If you went to a cool place over the summer and brought something back (soap, a candle, maple syrup...) and a little gift is a conversation starter that is kind of cool.

Just like many things in communities where rich people flex on eachother, dont you think gifting people for doing their job might lead to bribing and a quid pro quo dynamic.

Anonymous wrote:Teachers only want 2 things. We want respect and a dignified salary. Everything else is bs.

Well, the salary comes from the school, not the parents, so you've misdirected your anger. Most, though certainly not all, parents, in my almost 30-year experience as an independent school teacher, have been absolutely respectful and thoughtful. I'm thankful whatever students want to do to thank me, be that a thoughtfully written card, a Starbucks card, or even a friendly hug.