Anonymous wrote:FCPS (partial) regulation:

VII. GIFTS TO SCHOOL SYSTEM EMPLOYEES
Students and their parents shall be discouraged from the routine presentation of gifts to school system employees on occasions such as Christmas. A school system employee shall not accept an elaborate or expensive gift even if a student should feel a spontaneous desire to offer one. The School Board shall consider as always welcome, and in most circumstances more appropriate, the writing of letters to staff members expressing gratitude or appreciation. No school system employee shall solicit, demand, accept, or agree to accept any gift or valuable benefit of more than nominal or minimal value (including commissions, fees, discounts, rebates, special privileges, and the like) from any person selling or seeking to sell goods or services to the school system or to students as part of a program organized by the school system (such as from a vendor of band instruments or gym uniforms).

Anonymous wrote:What is the gift limit for fcps teachers?

Anonymous wrote:My comfort level is a $25 gift card to the main teacher. Anything more would feel like a bribe.

$10-$15 gift cards for others but we don't give to everyone. that's just too many..

Anonymous wrote:My favorite gift ever was a handwritten card from a student. He let me know how much I meant to him that year and the difference I made in his feelings towards that subject. I will always remember him.

As a parent, I give $10-50 gift cards to Amazon, Target or Starbucks. I write a note letting them know something particular in their class that my child likes and/or that I appreciate.

Anonymous wrote:I'm feeling cheap now, too. We gave the 3 teachers each a $25 gift card and a thank you letter from the kids.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Former teacher here - please, do not feel obligated to give anything, and if you do, it is appreciated.

In my years of teaching, I have received - an apple with a bite out of it, several bottles of Avon perfume - some partially emptied, plates and tins of homemade cookies, gift cards (never for more than $10), Christmas ornaments, and a few handmade Christmas decorations. All of these were appreciated, but, truly, my favorite gifts have been notes that my students had taken the time to write (on their own - with mistakes included), and heartfelt notes from parents. These are the ones that brought tears to my eyes and that I still have today.

You're a former teacher so nobody cares about what you have to say.

Where are the REAL teachers? The ones who put in the real blood, sweat and tears? The ones who do more than teach our children? The ones who inspire them, make them believe they CAN as they struggle? The ones who cry when our children surpass expectations? Who reteach and reteach again until our children gain some understanding?

Those are the teachers who realize the true gift is in seeing our children excel but who also realize they are worth their weight in gold.

Where are the teachers who will be HONEST enough to say that yeah, notes and emails are touching but you can give those at anytime. During Christmas, the season of giving, it feels really good to know that you thought enough of me to give to ME in addition to your friends and loved ones?

I'm so tired of the "a letter is enough and I still cherish them till this day" BS. You're anonymous for goodness sakes! Admit that you were thrilled to receive that $100 or nice handbag. The old "a hand drawn picture is all my heart desires" is bullcrap. Everyone likes to be appreciated. Stop trying to play the martyr role.

I'm a teacher and I can tell you with 100% honesty that I really do NOT want 100 or a nice handbag. I would much prefer a letter detailing how great I am, copied to my principal. I also like chocolate, a small ornament to remember the child by, something like that. Expensive gifts and money make me very uncomfortable.