Anonymous wrote:I took "nominal or minimal value" to mean $10-15 if it is for the teacher directly. If it is something that can be used for the class (i.e. Target/Staples gift card, then it could be as much as you want to give).

If I give a teacher a Target gift card, I don't expect him/her to use it to buy class supplies. I generally treat gifts over the holidays as personal gifts to the teachers. If I want to give extra supplies for the class, I do that separately.

Giving each of our teachers 25 gift card to marshals. To the PP, FCPS does not state a dollar amount so infer as you wish. In, light if want happened on Friday, if I could afford to give more, I surely would. Teachers do more than teach, they also protect our precious gifts!

To the teacher who got the Starbucks card --- I got one once and I never drink coffee. In fact, I hate the smell of Starbucks. But, they do have sandwiches and salads that are pretty decent. And they have good cocoa and apple cider if you need an extreme dose of sugar.

I took "nominal or minimal value" to mean $10-15 if it is for the teacher directly. If it is something that can be used for the class (i.e. Target/Staples gift card, then it could be as much as you want to give).

My suggestions:

Write a letter to the teacher and cc the principal. In it, specify the positive qualities your teacher holds.

Write a letter to the school board in support of, at minimum, a 1% COLA plus step for school employees.

Anonymous wrote:Here's my issue. The grocery stores only have $25 cards to various places. We gave a lot to class gift but due to the fact teachers have gone above and beyond wanted to give more. Planned just 15-20, but wanted options besides Sbux. Don't have time to go all over so did $25 each. Hope they can accept it?????

To clarify-gift cards not cash.

Here's my issue. The grocery stores only have $25 cards to various places. We gave a lot to class gift but due to the fact teachers have gone above and beyond wanted to give more. Planned just 15-20, but wanted options besides Sbux. Don't have time to go all over so did $25 each. Hope they can accept it?????

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I do not like giving gifts to people that evaluate me or my kid because I do not like receiving gifts from people who I evaluate. I want there to be no misunderstanding that the evaluation is based solely on merit. No one should expect anything in exchange for the gift....if they do, it becomes a bribe.

With that said, I have no problem with whole class gifts, if it is clear it is from all and singles out no one.

I work under the assumption that my kids' teachers are professionals whose regard cannot be bought for a basket of cookies and a $25 Barnes and Nobles gift card.

They're humans, too.

Oh please

We gave only a basket of baked goods that will be stuck in the teacher's lounge and trashed, and now the teacher is going to give my child all 2s and never pick him for class helper. Susie's parents gave her a $50.00 Visa gift card, and now she is guaranteed all 4s, a 16 on her AAP evaluation, and she gets to pass out papers for the rest of the year.

Do you see how stupid that sounds? I mean really. Do you seriously think a teacher's regard can be bought and his/her assessments tainted over a gift card? Really? I really hope you don't actually view your kids' teachers in this way.

Anonymous wrote:Didn't y'all read the FCPS familygram about a week ago? It specifically stated that teachers are ONLY allowed to accept gifts of de minimus value. I took that to mean a gift card that would cover lunch or small tokens like a small box of candy or other gift. (I would imagine this rule does not apply if the class pools its money and buys a larger gift where each child gave $5). Look it up. It was sent out to all families that have an email address on file with FCPS.

With the holidays and winter break nearly upon us, parents and students are reminded that FCPS policy prohibits employees from accepting elaborate or expensive gifts. If parents and students wish to give teachers or staff a token of their appreciation, FCPS policy is that it should not be anything of more than nominal or minimal value.


How do you interpret "nominal" and "minimal".

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have to chuckle. I received two gift cards today. Both to Starbucks. Too bad we don't drink coffee.

So get a coffee cake slice or an iced tea. Jeez. Ungrateful.

No, I'm not being ungrateful. Sorry I didn't specifically state that I appreciate the gifts. So, for the record: nothing is expected and everything us appreciated. I had just read on page 1 of this thread where someone wrote they buy Starbucks cards if they know the other drinks coffee. I found it somewhat ironic, that's all.

$20.00 seems appropriate although I have friends that give $100. I always get something for the specialists as well and the Principal. Starbucks cards were a hit last year.

Anonymous wrote:I have to chuckle. I received two gift cards today. Both to Starbucks. Too bad we don't drink coffee.

So get a coffee cake slice or an iced tea. Jeez. Ungrateful.

Didn't y'all read the FCPS familygram about a week ago? It specifically stated that teachers are ONLY allowed to accept gifts of de minimus value. I took that to mean a gift card that would cover lunch or small tokens like a small box of candy or other gift. (I would imagine this rule does not apply if the class pools its money and buys a larger gift where each child gave $5). Look it up. It was sent out to all families that have an email address on file with FCPS.

I have to chuckle. I received two gift cards today. Both to Starbucks. Too bad we don't drink coffee.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are limited to $25 in Montgomery County

This is a really good idea--I'm not aware of any lmit in Fairfax County. Recently, the room moms collected and gave teacher a $100+ gift card to Nordstroms for b-day (plus a party . . . on school time).

The $25 limit is per person. So $100 group gift is not out of control in my opinion. That's what it would be if everyone gave $10 each.

Ok. What am I missing with the math here? Are you talking about a class with ten students?