Anonymous
05/05/2014 12:47
Subject: Re:Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
I have to say the flower thing is lovely.
One bloom is not a financial hardship.
I don't garden and have had the "I need a flower by 8:45 a.m. meltdown" more than once, but now I have my kids ask my neighbors. I bring them wine later for neighbor who gardens appreciatation day, which is every Friday.
One bloom is not a financial hardship.
I don't garden and have had the "I need a flower by 8:45 a.m. meltdown" more than once, but now I have my kids ask my neighbors. I bring them wine later for neighbor who gardens appreciatation day, which is every Friday.
Anonymous
05/05/2014 12:45
Subject: Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Just wanted to add, I think 1 DAY would be perfect. We don't need to remember what to bring when and I don't have to deal with a sad child if I forgot to send in a flower.
+1000
I don't know but possibly the day became a week because so many forgot to send that flower.
Anonymous
05/05/2014 12:45
Subject: Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
Anonymous wrote:(Con't)
please drop the whole week, leave me alone, and let me do my job.
Pleae don't put me in a position, as a teacher, to tell you to
a) get off your cell phone in the library/hallway
b) leave a room when students are working
c) watch your language (kindergarteners think crap and shut up are swears)
d) quiet down if I am giving a test or starting an activity
e) schedule a time to meet about your child's progress, instead of on the fly when I have other children with me waiting for assistance
Anonymous
05/05/2014 12:38
Subject: Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
I think that often people started doing the group thing to make it easier on all the parents- contribute if wish, don't if you don't want to- it will from the class. Stops a bunch of families from trying to decide if they want to do something and if so, what? It seems people think hte intention is to control it or make it harder, when in actuality it is trying to make things easier. Particiapte or don't, but don't stress over it!
Anonymous
05/05/2014 12:37
Subject: Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I'm willing to bet that all of you complaining about forced teacher appreciation have never done anything, absent a mumbled thank you at a parent conference, to appreciate a teacher.
Well you would lose that bet in my case. I have written notes of appreciation and given gifts to many of my children's teachers over the years. If it makes some parents happy to do more (volunteer at every bake sale, be a class parent) then great. I've held these jobs myself. I just resent being told how to involve myself in my child's school.
WTF, you do not have to participate, delete, throw away, burn, eat the flyers who cares but stop bitching because others are thoughtful enough to organize a thoughtful show of appreciation on a designated week. I imagine you don't either don't celebrate holiday's or celebrate Christmas in April. Sorry but you are weird!
Anonymous
05/05/2014 12:33
Subject: Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:I taught years ago before I had kids. I was not a fan of teacher appreciation week. The cards people wrote to me mid year and end of year meant more to me than any gift, let alone "forced appreciation." Most of my colleagues could have done without teacher appreciation week. I felt so sad for all the parents who spent money and time baking something special when most of the faculty was either on a diet, had food allergies or was diabetic. So much ended up in the teacher's lounge.
It's not as simple as "if you don't like it, don't do it." Would you want your kid to be the only one not participating? What about the parents with financial constaints?
I am a warm fuzzy sentimental type of person and if I think a teacher is amazing, she/he will know it. I will write long thank you notes and give gifts at the holidays. I will volunteer. I will ask what supplies are needed in the classroom so I can donate. When I adore a teacher I find it mildly annoying to have people tell me when and how to show appreciation, but when a teacher stinks, I find it downright obnoxious to force this on people.
Yes, yes I know..stop complaining and join the PTA. People work so hard, blah, blah. Guess what? I work really hard too at home and outside the home and I do plenty for the school.
What you and the OP (or if that is you)don't seem to get is that no one is forcing you to participate in a group effort. Group organized gifts are a better option - some parents give more, some less, some nothing and the teacher has no idea. One issue raised at our school is recognizing "all teachers" so the PTA takes care of this and the room moms take care of organizing a group appreciation for the individual teachers. Some teachers are more appreciated than others. It sounds like, OP, you might be one of the less appreciated and are bitter to give to other teachers because not many give to you. Teacher appreciation week is a WEEK dedicated to appreciate the great teachers in your child's life, if they are not great in your opinion then do participate. NO ONE IS FORCING YOU!! I like to know that I am doing the same as others in the class so group appreciation ideas are great.
As a mom/teacher:
a) I would not send my kids in without a flower if it were "suggested but not required" but in the past, I have gotten into co-ops with other moms---I'll bring double flowers Monday if your bring double brownies Tuesday. I know who I can let my hair down around, and who has time for what.
b) Last year I worked in a wealthy school. This year it is a poor school. Last year I received about $150 worth of stuff. I was shocked, but the other teachers explained to me that this is how things are. This year, I am expecting nada, but we will see how it goes. It is just interesting that two people in the same job can have such a different outcome based on their local school. I also spend more on supplies, books and snacks now for my students. Just an observation.
c) At my children's school, room moms take a collection in October for these things and when the day/week comes, they tell us how it was spent. We have other events (fundraisers) for parents that specifically go for teacher appreciation.
d) I write to my children's teachers with specific praise.
Anonymous
05/05/2014 12:33
Subject: Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
Anonymous wrote:since so many of you don't like the forced appreciation, maybe you should bring this up with the school. go to a pta meeting and tell them how you feel about teacher appreciation. Maybe get the principal involved in ending the events at your school. Maybe you could take over the committee and end the gift giving all together. It's up to you to make that change. stop talking and start working on ending that day at your school.
And FYI you can possibly could stop it but it will not stop me from giving to my child's teacher.
Anonymous
05/05/2014 12:31
Subject: Re:Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
Anonymous wrote:Showing appreciation is great, but it just means more when it is unsolicited. I feel that the "forced" nature of teacher appreciation week is similar to the child's birthday party invitations instructing us to bring a donation to charity in lieu of a gift. The idea is perhaps well-intentioned but it always leaves me feeling coerced and slightly resentful. I like to make my own decisions about how to show that I care. But maybe it's just me...?
I am sorry but a group organized gift is not being forced on you. You have every right to not participate and do what works for you. I don't get the "forced" description being used here for teacher appreciation week. If you feel forced it is your own guilt. As a room mom, I don't take tally of who gives and who doesn't and if you are a room mom or PTA and do then shame on you.
Anonymous
05/05/2014 12:27
Subject: Re:Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Finally, if you take issue with "forced" appreciation, what would you suggest as an alternative? I bet the other parents would love it if you want to volunteer to be in charge of organizing the effort next year. I would love to hear ways to get all the kids and families involved in building teacher morale without "bothering" anyone.
[/quote]
OP here, again (just a reminder: I AM a teacher). Build teacher morale? We're professionals; we don't need stroking, thanks. I would just love if parents taught their kids boundaries and manners - and enforced discipline in their homes - so that my job is that much easier, did their parental jobs (I'm a parent too) and fed their children the appropriate foods and enough of them so they can be healthy and focused, and overall care about their childrens' education. THAT is showing me appreciation.
I hope this answered your concern. [/quote]
I think OP it is time for you to retire from teaching and I keep my fingers crossed that my children's education never is left up to you. Bitterness and anger will send you to an early grave and lack of caring and compassion will send you there alone.
[/quote]
OP here, again (just a reminder: I AM a teacher). Build teacher morale? We're professionals; we don't need stroking, thanks. I would just love if parents taught their kids boundaries and manners - and enforced discipline in their homes - so that my job is that much easier, did their parental jobs (I'm a parent too) and fed their children the appropriate foods and enough of them so they can be healthy and focused, and overall care about their childrens' education. THAT is showing me appreciation.
I hope this answered your concern. [/quote]
I think OP it is time for you to retire from teaching and I keep my fingers crossed that my children's education never is left up to you. Bitterness and anger will send you to an early grave and lack of caring and compassion will send you there alone.
Anonymous
05/05/2014 12:23
Subject: Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
Anonymous wrote:I taught years ago before I had kids. I was not a fan of teacher appreciation week. The cards people wrote to me mid year and end of year meant more to me than any gift, let alone "forced appreciation." Most of my colleagues could have done without teacher appreciation week. I felt so sad for all the parents who spent money and time baking something special when most of the faculty was either on a diet, had food allergies or was diabetic. So much ended up in the teacher's lounge.
It's not as simple as "if you don't like it, don't do it." Would you want your kid to be the only one not participating? What about the parents with financial constaints?
I am a warm fuzzy sentimental type of person and if I think a teacher is amazing, she/he will know it. I will write long thank you notes and give gifts at the holidays. I will volunteer. I will ask what supplies are needed in the classroom so I can donate. When I adore a teacher I find it mildly annoying to have people tell me when and how to show appreciation, but when a teacher stinks, I find it downright obnoxious to force this on people.
Yes, yes I know..stop complaining and join the PTA. People work so hard, blah, blah. Guess what? I work really hard too at home and outside the home and I do plenty for the school.
What you and the OP (or if that is you)don't seem to get is that no one is forcing you to participate in a group effort. Group organized gifts are a better option - some parents give more, some less, some nothing and the teacher has no idea. One issue raised at our school is recognizing "all teachers" so the PTA takes care of this and the room moms take care of organizing a group appreciation for the individual teachers. Some teachers are more appreciated than others. It sounds like, OP, you might be one of the less appreciated and are bitter to give to other teachers because not many give to you. Teacher appreciation week is a WEEK dedicated to appreciate the great teachers in your child's life, if they are not great in your opinion then do participate. NO ONE IS FORCING YOU!! I like to know that I am doing the same as others in the class so group appreciation ideas are great.
Anonymous
05/04/2014 16:55
Subject: Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:earlier pp here. I'm not blowing it up, it has been blown up by the fact that there is a luncheon (all grade levels are assigned a category) PLUS, bring in something every day. I have more than one child. We were assigned flowers and tasty treats and office supplies and artwork and thank you notes for each of the days. Again, are my DC going to manage collecting these items, sending them in on the correct day? No. I am. Then don't do it, right? So now I'm in a position to explain to my young children that we are choosing not to participate. I'm happy to explain when our family has different POVs on real issues, but this feels unnecessary to set up parents like this.
How about a Teacher Aprreciation Day and people can do whatever they want. Why is it a week with strong "suggestions" for theme gifts. It's obnoxious.
Oh dear god give it rest. Maybe you should have had less kids so the whole idea would not have stressed you out too much. Seriously, its one week.
Wow. What in the world is your problem? One, it's "fewer" kids. Two, it does stress me out because it's important to be supportive of my kids and their school experience and this feels forced and over the top. Three, guessing you either don't have kids and like to troll for the nastiness of it or you lack sympathy for anyone who says a situation doesn't work for them. Would you say this to a single parent working multiple jobs who really can't make it out to get supplies for teacher Appreciation Week? What about those who are literally so cash strapped that their kids are left out of all the gift-giving? Do we really need to force a "teachable moment" on kids for this?
Gosh!!! Just shut the door!!! You are soooo annoying.
Feel bad for your kids if you have them. You're miserable.
By the way, all the exclamation points and extra letters in the word "so" make you sound ignorant. I think you went to LESS English classes than I did.
Anonymous
05/04/2014 16:52
Subject: Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:earlier pp here. I'm not blowing it up, it has been blown up by the fact that there is a luncheon (all grade levels are assigned a category) PLUS, bring in something every day. I have more than one child. We were assigned flowers and tasty treats and office supplies and artwork and thank you notes for each of the days. Again, are my DC going to manage collecting these items, sending them in on the correct day? No. I am. Then don't do it, right? So now I'm in a position to explain to my young children that we are choosing not to participate. I'm happy to explain when our family has different POVs on real issues, but this feels unnecessary to set up parents like this.
How about a Teacher Aprreciation Day and people can do whatever they want. Why is it a week with strong "suggestions" for theme gifts. It's obnoxious.
Oh dear god give it rest. Maybe you should have had less kids so the whole idea would not have stressed you out too much. Seriously, its one week.
Wow. What in the world is your problem? One, it's "fewer" kids. Two, it does stress me out because it's important to be supportive of my kids and their school experience and this feels forced and over the top. Three, guessing you either don't have kids and like to troll for the nastiness of it or you lack sympathy for anyone who says a situation doesn't work for them. Would you say this to a single parent working multiple jobs who really can't make it out to get supplies for teacher Appreciation Week? What about those who are literally so cash strapped that their kids are left out of all the gift-giving? Do we really need to force a "teachable moment" on kids for this?
Gosh!!! Just shut the door!!! You are soooo annoying.
Feel bad for your kids if you have them. You're miserable.
Anonymous
05/04/2014 16:11
Subject: Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:earlier pp here. I'm not blowing it up, it has been blown up by the fact that there is a luncheon (all grade levels are assigned a category) PLUS, bring in something every day. I have more than one child. We were assigned flowers and tasty treats and office supplies and artwork and thank you notes for each of the days. Again, are my DC going to manage collecting these items, sending them in on the correct day? No. I am. Then don't do it, right? So now I'm in a position to explain to my young children that we are choosing not to participate. I'm happy to explain when our family has different POVs on real issues, but this feels unnecessary to set up parents like this.
How about a Teacher Aprreciation Day and people can do whatever they want. Why is it a week with strong "suggestions" for theme gifts. It's obnoxious.
Oh dear god give it rest. Maybe you should have had less kids so the whole idea would not have stressed you out too much. Seriously, its one week.
Wow. What in the world is your problem? One, it's "fewer" kids. Two, it does stress me out because it's important to be supportive of my kids and their school experience and this feels forced and over the top. Three, guessing you either don't have kids and like to troll for the nastiness of it or you lack sympathy for anyone who says a situation doesn't work for them. Would you say this to a single parent working multiple jobs who really can't make it out to get supplies for teacher Appreciation Week? What about those who are literally so cash strapped that their kids are left out of all the gift-giving? Do we really need to force a "teachable moment" on kids for this?
Gosh!!! Just shut the door!!! You are soooo annoying.
Anonymous
05/04/2014 13:29
Subject: Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:earlier pp here. I'm not blowing it up, it has been blown up by the fact that there is a luncheon (all grade levels are assigned a category) PLUS, bring in something every day. I have more than one child. We were assigned flowers and tasty treats and office supplies and artwork and thank you notes for each of the days. Again, are my DC going to manage collecting these items, sending them in on the correct day? No. I am. Then don't do it, right? So now I'm in a position to explain to my young children that we are choosing not to participate. I'm happy to explain when our family has different POVs on real issues, but this feels unnecessary to set up parents like this.
How about a Teacher Aprreciation Day and people can do whatever they want. Why is it a week with strong "suggestions" for theme gifts. It's obnoxious.
Oh dear god give it rest. Maybe you should have had less kids so the whole idea would not have stressed you out too much. Seriously, its one week.
Wow. What in the world is your problem? One, it's "fewer" kids. Two, it does stress me out because it's important to be supportive of my kids and their school experience and this feels forced and over the top. Three, guessing you either don't have kids and like to troll for the nastiness of it or you lack sympathy for anyone who says a situation doesn't work for them. Would you say this to a single parent working multiple jobs who really can't make it out to get supplies for teacher Appreciation Week? What about those who are literally so cash strapped that their kids are left out of all the gift-giving? Do we really need to force a "teachable moment" on kids for this?
Anonymous
05/04/2014 13:10
Subject: Teacher Appreciation Week ... Here we go.
(Con't)
please drop the whole week, leave me alone, and let me do my job.
please drop the whole week, leave me alone, and let me do my job.