TO GIFT or NOT TO GIFT this is the question! As the holidays approach and at the end of the school year, many families like to show their appreciation to teachers and the school.
RATHER than setting a gift policy that some people will follow and others will ignore, I'd rather leave the decision entirely up to your own personal, thoughtful judgment.
If you wish to give a gift, here are some ideas to consider: • Write a thank you note.
Sending a note is one of the simplest ways to express your appreciation.
Teachers love to hear not just that they are doing a good job but exactly how their efforts are working for your child.
• Purchase a gift or gift certificate.
Everyone loves a gift that reflects a person's interest.
Uncertain what to purchase; ask a co-teacher or the director for some ideas.
• Use casual opportunities to say thank you.
It only takes a few seconds to express a quick thank you.
You can use an informal meeting to let the teacher know you have appreciated a well-planned lesson or a fun class project.
• Donate a book to the school library in the name of the teacher.
To reduce the cost or express a shared appreciation you may also want to donate a book with another family.
Names of the donors are pasted in the book on a decorative bookplate.
• Purchase a magazine subscription for a class or donate a classroom gift.
This is best accomplished by consulting with the teacher rather than making a specific choice on your own.
• Organize the purchase of a BIG item Our school could use a video camera, a small loom, a trampoline, a laminator, and a small woodworking table with tools.
We have catalog numbers and email addresses, if you are interested in this option.
• Make a small donation to a cause the class or teacher supports.
It may be easiest to ask the teacher for the name of the charity or organization such as a homeless shelter and mention what you would like to do.
If you can contact the organization, enclose a note with your check stating that the donation is in honor of a teacher and that you would like an acknowledgment to be sent to that person.
List the school's address.
• Help organize a gift of children's work to present to the teacher.
An entire class can become involved in writing a poem, story, or collecting individual pictures or writings to give to the teacher.
• Write a note to the director and send a copy to the teacher.
If you feel strongly about showing support for a teacher, sending a note to the director is also an option.
If the note focuses on a particular situation, try to be specific in expressing exactly what the teacher did or said.
Families often forget to let directors know how they feel - except when there's a crisis.
Showing appreciation can take many forms.
By recognizing teachers, you help to strengthen the parent-teacher bond.
Being appreciated by families is the icing on the cake that encourages teachers to reach above and beyond their role.
Whatever way you choose to show your appreciation is worthwhile.
RATHER than setting a gift policy that some people will follow and others will ignore, I'd rather leave the decision entirely up to your own personal, thoughtful judgment.
If you wish to give a gift, here are some ideas to consider: • Write a thank you note.
Sending a note is one of the simplest ways to express your appreciation.
Teachers love to hear not just that they are doing a good job but exactly how their efforts are working for your child.
• Purchase a gift or gift certificate.
Everyone loves a gift that reflects a person's interest.
Uncertain what to purchase; ask a co-teacher or the director for some ideas.
• Use casual opportunities to say thank you.
It only takes a few seconds to express a quick thank you.
You can use an informal meeting to let the teacher know you have appreciated a well-planned lesson or a fun class project.
• Donate a book to the school library in the name of the teacher.
To reduce the cost or express a shared appreciation you may also want to donate a book with another family.
Names of the donors are pasted in the book on a decorative bookplate.
• Purchase a magazine subscription for a class or donate a classroom gift.
This is best accomplished by consulting with the teacher rather than making a specific choice on your own.
• Organize the purchase of a BIG item Our school could use a video camera, a small loom, a trampoline, a laminator, and a small woodworking table with tools.
We have catalog numbers and email addresses, if you are interested in this option.
• Make a small donation to a cause the class or teacher supports.
It may be easiest to ask the teacher for the name of the charity or organization such as a homeless shelter and mention what you would like to do.
If you can contact the organization, enclose a note with your check stating that the donation is in honor of a teacher and that you would like an acknowledgment to be sent to that person.
List the school's address.
• Help organize a gift of children's work to present to the teacher.
An entire class can become involved in writing a poem, story, or collecting individual pictures or writings to give to the teacher.
• Write a note to the director and send a copy to the teacher.
If you feel strongly about showing support for a teacher, sending a note to the director is also an option.
If the note focuses on a particular situation, try to be specific in expressing exactly what the teacher did or said.
Families often forget to let directors know how they feel - except when there's a crisis.
Showing appreciation can take many forms.
By recognizing teachers, you help to strengthen the parent-teacher bond.
Being appreciated by families is the icing on the cake that encourages teachers to reach above and beyond their role.
Whatever way you choose to show your appreciation is worthwhile.