We did this in private as a way of thanking the room mother. NOt in public

I've definitely heard of teachers doing anything from writing a thank you note to the room parent(s) to giving a small gift card ($10 to Starbucks or Panera), but never the other parents. I always thank the room parent and have gotten sweet notes when I did it, but unless I heard the person was facing financial hardship I would not think it is appropriate to give a gift. It's community service. I'm all for volunteer luncheons and thank yous in writing and person, but the only award I want or expect for doing volunteer work is the warm fuzzy feeling you get for giving of yourself to help the teacher.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was given a gift the last two times I've been room mother but I did a tremendous amount for the classes and teachers. I was shocked to get anything. The first time the teacher gave me a gift. Second time I did it, both the teacher and separately some other mothers gave me a gift. All three gifts were Visa gift cards. Again, I was really surprised and appreciative but I truly did much, much more than party planning, getting volunteers organized, etc.

Well, then, you were probably overstepping your boundaries. A room mom should plan the (minimum number of) parties, organize the teacher gift, and collect volunteers for PTA events if they ask for that--anything more and you're being a total PITA to the other parents.

Signed,

A Room Mom Many Times Over

No, I wasn't a PITA but thanks for your your oversimplification. You have no idea what I did and how it helped the class. By helping the class, it helps the other parents and they recognized it.

Anonymous wrote:Just do what comes from your heart. Who cares what everyone else thinks or what everyone else is doing/not doing. If you want to give your room mom something for her contributions and time, then do that.

That is entirely different than putting people on the spot by soliciting contributions.

Just do what comes from your heart. Who cares what everyone else thinks or what everyone else is doing/not doing. If you want to give your room mom something for her contributions and time, then do that.

We've had some awesome room parents this far. I have always thanked them through and email and in person. They volunteered to do this. Thanking them with words is fantastic, with presents gets a little awkward and tacky.

Another room mom. Totally unnecessary. I will admit that I appreciate email thank you notes and was particularly grateful when someone slipped a $5 Starbucks giftcard with her end of the year contribution. I would be uncomfortable with anything more than that.