We are in the Plano ISD which has an odd layout of the school system. First it is K-5 Elementary, then 6-8 Middle, 9-10 High School and 11-12 Sr. High School. I know it is due to the volume of students and size of our city. Our current Sr High has about 2500 students. There are 3 Sr Highs in the system and we are the smallest.
Last year in 10th grade, we only gave gifts to the cheer coaches. We were unhappy with the school in general and ready to move on when the time came.
This year I am in a different school and I don't know protocol...... I know I am giving gifts to the 2 cheer coaches but what is protocol for the other teachers? She has 5 other teachers who are good and who have helped her a lot, especially a couple coming in at 7am to help with makeup work because she was out sick.
My plan is about $25 gift card to each coach and about $15-$20 gift card for the other teachers.
As a substitute teacher and SIL is a teacher, I know how they do not care for more candles, mugs, etc. because they have plenty. We have done Godiva chocolates but I try to be respectful of those who are countring calories. Godiva and gift cards can also easily be regifted. I was thinking Starbucks? I've done movie tickets, personalized notepads, etc throughout the years.
Your thoughts? I don't want to come across cheap because I am not, but I don't want to cross the line due to UIL and school rules regarding teacher gifts.
Thank you for your ideas...
Thank you so much for your input. I realize we are under no obligation to give gifts and my daughter also wants to give something to each teacher. This is a new school for us within the steps of Plano ISD and we are so thrilled to be at this school and have the quality teachers we have. I have never experienced a school (since our elementary school) where they all work as a team to help everyone. No one is left behind.. I know a lot of that has to do with our fantastic Principal who is an excellent model for the students and teachers. I am still surprised thou when daughter told me last night about a make up test she has to do in an AP class and the teacher only does those in 7th period which is a free hour for most students but not for cheerleaders and athletes. This teacher told her... "I have a class during your lunch period but why don't you just come in during your lunch to take the test so we can make sure everything is in order for grades". She did not have to do that, just like the Physics teacher did not have to be at school at 7am to do make up work one on one with daughter. I have just not witnessed this type of teamwork in all our years in Plano. since daughter was in elementary school. These teachers care and they are doing their best to send these sudents off to college with the best education possible so they can do well after high school/college.
@ Laurie... Great idea. We are currently working on referral letters and I agree, the teachers do take time to sit down and draw up a letter to help our students. So many teachers go above and beyond for our children. I will follow your lead with making sure they know how much we appreciate that as well.
@ Lori B. A big Thank you to your husband and you. Good teachers mean so much to our children.
I only gave gifts in elementary school. Once my kids moved up to middle school in fifth grade, no more gifts. Too costly to give to so many teachers when I have a middle schooler and a high schooler
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As the wife of a teacher, you really can't go wrong with any gift cards: Starbucks, movies, book stores, Amazon, chain restaurants.
Again, as the wife of a teacher, thank you for generosity! The families appreciate it.
Have to say---I never gave gifts to teachers (unless I had a crush? LOL!) except my MOST favorite teachers that really meant something, or if the opportunity was too good to pass up. Example: one time a student teacher (who I actually liked) had a little melt down because noone was paying attention. She bust out crying, and said some stuff (don't remember what) but ended it with "just, just, just SCREW IT! waaaaaaaaaaahhhhh". It was pretty funny, but I also felt kinda bad for her. I took a bracelet jewelry box (the cardboard outside one, not the actual felty one that the bracelet sits in) and put in a nice new screwdriver. I wrote a silly little poem about keeping this gift with you in your purse and when times get hard, you can just "screw it"...then she opened the box and there was the screwdriver. She laughed and laughed. It was my teenage version of an apology and peace offering. She DID carry that screwdriver in her purse all year long.
I gave notes and gifts to Mrs Mack, Mrs Poirrier, and Mrs Beaven (out of 8 years of school)......and Coach Benoit because he was "beautiful"! ***sigh. I think something more heart felt like a simple note or an inside joke would be cool, but I certainly wouldn't even think of giving just every teacher a gift. I don't think it'd be "expected". But then, I'm 36 now and MAYBE times have changed. But I wouldn't even like giving a gift if they expected me to.
ETA: read your SWH and wow, it does sound like they're going above and beyond. If they're all remarkable, and your daughter wants to give to everyone, that's very cool.
I only give teacher gifts when my kids want to, then I involve them in it. Last year my middle school-er wanted to give one teacher post it notes and another dry erase markers, all stuff that was thoughtful but affordable. My first grader wanted to give his teacher a ball so they could play with it in indoor recess. When they have wanted to give teacher gifts I have encouraged them to think of something the teacher would use/like. But again, it's up to the kids if they want to give one.
I think you are totally right on track. I am so glad you found teachers who are caring. Godivas are loved and can be regifted by those who are really sticking to their diets.
No one really goes to Starbucks that I know of. The lines are too long and they take forever in the morning.
I always loved cash, but in Plano I would go with gift cards because it is considered tacky.
Wow. You are way more generous than I am. I would only considering giving to the homeroom teacher (if they have one, we didn't) or any teacher that has gone above and beyond. I'd definitely go with gift cards for the ones you do decide the give to.
nope, I don't do gifts for middle/high school. We use the 10block system & that would mean 10 teachers + coaches. Nope.....sorry!
You are making me want to move to Plano!! I'm late to the question, but I always give to cheer sponsors and to the core teachers. I also give something to her counselor and to the college/career counselor because they have really helped Alyssa and I know I will be leaning on them for support this spring.
We gave gifts each year to our daughters teachers she really enjoyed or that she felt put in that extra effort. ( also gave a gift to the Principals of the schools because I was pretty close to all of them) In the middle and High school level, they were very appreciative, because it is not like elementary school with Home room parents etc.
I think what you have planned is great. Gift cards are always appreciated.
Small food places close to the school, local coffee shops, movies, events.. they will be thrilled.
FYI, when the teachers wrote the reference letters for our daughter college Apps, I gave them gift cards to a local Comedy Club that does a live show. They were more expensive but they did such a beautiful job, I just had to thank them for their time.
My husband was a HS teacher and he usually got 1-2 gifts from students. It was usually a giftcard. Sometimes he would just get a card thanking him for all they did for their student. It's not a requirement to give a gift but it is appreciated. My husband said most of the gifts he got were from children that had issues during the year that he worked with the kids and the parents. He thought those parents probably were a little more grateful and that's why they gave gifts.
A gift is something you give because you want to, but our under no obligation to do so. I know of many organizations and companies that have policies against receiving gifts, but I'm not aware of any in the school systems.
A $10 to $20 gift card is by no means cheap.
I don't like the Starbucks idea because not everyone drinks coffee (I know there are other things). I do like the idea of movie tickets or a gift card to a store like Target.
My husband is a secondary teacher at a Title 1 campus, he rarely receives Christmas gifts. When he does, he thoroughly appreciates it because of the age of the kids (not many do gifts after elementary) and because he feels appreciated. Whatever you do, even if it is an ornament and a nice card will be appreciated. Gift cards to places like Starbucks are appreciated also, but know that your thoughtfulness goes a long way in encouraging teachers who don't get a lot of positive feedback.
