Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have been a room parent 5 times in all 3 of my kid's elementary school years. I am so offended by the poster talking crap. I have spent my own time/money on the collection, wrapping paper, cards, wrapping the presents, getting all the kids in lunch to sign the cards and then presenting it to the teacher. I always tell the parents when we are doing it and they are welcome to come in. I also spend my own money on evening up the amount of a gift card if we are off. Any taxes too.

But yes lady, continue to think that I am skimming the money for my own Starbucks coffee in the morning. Whatever makes you feel better.

Yes! And it's true, as a PP said, some people are cheap and give $5, so you "do your own thing"- well the room mom is still stuck with getting a gift card for the two teachers, gym teacher, music teacher, and $20 to each doesn't cut it. I have spent a lot of my own money beefing up the gift cards "from everyone". All you free riders are horrible. If you really do not want a group gift, tell the room parent, and cc: all the other parents. She will probably be relieved to have that load of crap of her plate and won't take up a collection.

I've been a room parent and have had to beef up and spend lots of extra money myself. I do think the attitude is wrong in expecting people to contribute. Maybe they don't like the teacher or maybe the are philosophically opposed to it because of their religion.

A gift from anyone should not be expected.

I don't understand why the PP was getting gifts for all the ancillary staff, I mean it's nice if you have extra funds but seems like overkill.

Anonymous wrote:Side question: I contributed to the class fund when the room parent asked...I think most people did. Do most people also give the teacher their own small gift/gift card also?

Some give a card from the student, some bake some goodies. I have never seen actual gifts in addition to the group gift. I could be wrong but I haven't

Anonymous wrote:Side question: I contributed to the class fund when the room parent asked...I think most people did. Do most people also give the teacher their own small gift/gift card also?

I am a teacher. Please do what you feel is right. I don't know any teachers that keep track of who gave gifts and who did not. If you contributed to the class gift, then send in a heartfelt card. I am always grateful for any gift that is given. I don't expect gifts because I know not all families celebrate the winter holidays and families are on a budget.

Side question: I contributed to the class fund when the room parent asked...I think most people did. Do most people also give the teacher their own small gift/gift card also?

It is interesting how much angst there seems to be on this subject. I have been the room parent in one of my kid's class each year. Most year I, and the other room parents, collect about $30 at the beginning for Halloween, Valentine's day, teacher appreciation, and holiday/birthday gifts for the teacher and paraeducators. People give if they can/want to, and don't if they don't want to. I don't write down names of who has and who hasn't contributed because in the end I don't know all the calculations that go into that decision for any individual family, and what difference does it make...I'd never do anything crazy and inappropriate like call someone out or point blank ask where the party/gift fund money is. But, most families do contribute.

I myself am relieved to know that the teacher will get a gift from the whole class when I am not the room parent...my kid can make a card but I don't have to buy a gift on top of the class contribution. Most years the gift is cash/a Visa gift card. What teacher doesn't want a little bonus? The room parent does not "take the credit," the teacher knows the rest of the class contributed, don't worry about that. I would never use money given to me by parents for the kids/teacher for myself. What the fuck? Perhaps you suspect this of room parents because that's what you would do? Hmmmm?

Anonymous wrote:I have been a room parent 5 times in all 3 of my kid's elementary school years. I am so offended by the poster talking crap. I have spent my own time/money on the collection, wrapping paper, cards, wrapping the presents, getting all the kids in lunch to sign the cards and then presenting it to the teacher. I always tell the parents when we are doing it and they are welcome to come in. I also spend my own money on evening up the amount of a gift card if we are off. Any taxes too.

But yes lady, continue to think that I am skimming the money for my own Starbucks coffee in the morning. Whatever makes you feel better.

Yes! And it's true, as a PP said, some people are cheap and give $5, so you "do your own thing"- well the room mom is still stuck with getting a gift card for the two teachers, gym teacher, music teacher, and $20 to each doesn't cut it. I have spent a lot of my own money beefing up the gift cards "from everyone". All you free riders are horrible. If you really do not want a group gift, tell the room parent, and cc: all the other parents. She will probably be relieved to have that load of crap of her plate and won't take up a collection.

I have been a room parent 5 times in all 3 of my kid's elementary school years. I am so offended by the poster talking crap. I have spent my own time/money on the collection, wrapping paper, cards, wrapping the presents, getting all the kids in lunch to sign the cards and then presenting it to the teacher. I always tell the parents when we are doing it and they are welcome to come in. I also spend my own money on evening up the amount of a gift card if we are off. Any taxes too.

But yes lady, continue to think that I am skimming the money for my own Starbucks coffee in the morning. Whatever makes you feel better.

Anonymous wrote:
Room parents love everyone to contribute to their special fund then be the one that takes all the credit turning in the large gift card from the "class". Yeah. I'm done with that.

I do not need a room parent to harass me with her emails. With the volume of funds she needs for "parties" and "class gifts" I'm sure a little may be skimmed off for her own personal Holiday cheer.

Do a favor for the parents of kids in your child's class, DO NOT ask for a Holiday Contribution!


Wow - talking shit about the room parent that does 90% of the work for your kid's class. Classy.

This! I'm just thrilled that another parent is doing the legwork and I really appreciate that they do these things! You, lady, must have some serious issues.