artbabe
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,352 
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Post by artbabe on Dec 16, 2021 12:31:52 GMT
I'm a middle school art teacher. I get very few gifts- art teachers get less than the other teachers. But every one of the gifts is treasured. I think it is really nice to get the teachers gifts because middle school teachers do just as much for your child as elementary school teachers. But I understand that 6 gifts are expensive.
I don't understand getting the homeroom teacher a gift and no one else. I have a homeroom but I don't teach that class- I just supervise them as they do work on their computers.
I think my most common gift is a $5 gift card, which I'll definitely use. The ones I really love though are ones related to my job- one of my students got me a Day of the Dead skull she found on a family trip to Mexico. I teach Day of the Dead and Frida Kahlo. I was touched she thought of me. I've received some other art related gifts, too.
For me a mug would be thoughtful- I'm known for drinking coffee.
I read on here that teachers don't eat the food items but I guarantee that I do. I love cookies and things like that. I'm not afraid of germs or whatever. I guess I live on the edge.
I love cards from students, too- especially if the student writes a message in them.
Anyways, gifts are not at all expected but it is so lovely when we are remembered.
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Post by melanell on Dec 16, 2021 13:35:49 GMT
My middle schooler has just 2 main teachers, so that's who they wanted to give gifts to. And because I'm unimaginative, both teachers are getting gift cards.   When I was in middle school I gave a gift to my homeroom teacher and my music teacher, because I loved my music teacher and had them every single year, regardless of grade. I also gave out a few gifts here and there to teachers over the years whom I really liked but who were not my homeroom teachers. But I was paying for those gifts with my own Christmas money, so they were all very simple gifts. |
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Post by melanell on Dec 16, 2021 13:38:14 GMT
I don't understand getting the homeroom teacher a gift and no one else. I have a homeroom but I don't teach that class- I just supervise them as they do work on their computers. Here, in both middle school and high school, the homeroom teacher is also the teacher of your first academic class of the day. |
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Post by bossymom on Dec 16, 2021 16:03:30 GMT
No gifts past Elementary.
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Post by busy on Dec 16, 2021 16:54:06 GMT
I don't understand getting the homeroom teacher a gift and no one else. I have a homeroom but I don't teach that class- I just supervise them as they do work on their computers. Here, in both middle school and high school, the homeroom teacher is also the teacher of your first academic class of the day. For us, the Homeroom teacher is the primary point of contact for parents. We are free to contact other teachers or staff directly but are encouraged to use the Homeroom teacher so they have a holistic view of what’s going on with their students. They are also the teacher who does parent/teacher conferences. They do activities in Homeroom too - it’s not an academic subject but they work on things like presentations, advocating for yourself, interpersonal skills, what to expect in high school, study skills, and so on. |
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Post by angel97701 on Dec 16, 2021 16:58:08 GMT
As a former HS teacher (now sub) and a parent of a special needs kid that is basically mainstreamed with an aid, I plan to do gift cards for his favorite teachers. Even the $5 Starbucks, and a thank you go a long way. Back in the day (80's) I had many immigrant students. It was their families who were generous . . . ! Now as a sub I do not expect anything.
Honestly, a hand written card from a student either at Christmas or the end of the year is one of my most prized possessions from my teaching career! I know that I have touched many student's lives, and the notes are what remind me of my successful career. I've even had several as a sub for long term positions. HS students are pretty self absorbed, so when they actually take the time to thank a teacher it really means something!
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pilcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,147
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Post by pilcas on Dec 16, 2021 17:06:24 GMT
When I was a HS teacher my favorite gift was actually hand cream/ body lotion. I also enjoyed a tin of nice cookies. They were nice to serve during the holidays. Gifting was not much of a thing and not really necessary but it is always appreciated. You can always get a gift for his favorite teacher. Doesn’t have to be every single one.
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bethany102399
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 3,623
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Post by bethany102399 on Dec 16, 2021 18:27:52 GMT
I'm in the middle of making candy boxes for DS's teachers. It's my multi purpose holiday gift for those I don't do a "gift gift for". I make various kinds of fudge and dipped candies then make up boxes of 2-3 pieces each. When DS was in Elementary school the after care teachers got a tray and I'd take a tray into work for everyone. With covid I did individual boxes for Co-workers this year. We discovered last night that the regular fudge had not set up - I was so mad. I like it as I can make the candies, dip them then make up boxes on the fly if needed. The Schwanns guy, the milk man, teachers co-workers DD's viola teacher etc.
When we did individual teachers I would often do a Redbox GC packaged with a box of microwave popcorn or a Quik Trip gift card which is a massive gas station chain here.
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Post by crazy4scraps on Dec 16, 2021 23:38:40 GMT
As a parent who does like to let my kid’s teachers know they are appreciated, I don’t think that’s horrible at all! I would much rather give them something they actually like and will use vs. something they will end up regifting, donating or throwing away. I can’t imagine getting 10 Starbucks gift cards when the very smell of coffee makes me want to hurl, LOL. In some of the years my kid was in elementary, I loved it when the PTA had the teachers fill out an “all about me” sheet that had their favorite color, favorite drink, favorite snack, favorite local restaurant, hobbies, pets, etc. It made it so much easier to choose a gift they would like. I wish every school did that. Oh...it's like "I want a $200 gift card to this day spa" or "this is purse I want at Nordstrom". I should have clarified. Luckily, there are very few like that!! Ha ha, I guess that is a little excessive, LOL. But I still think it would be nice to know each teacher’s favorite color, favorite beverage, favorite treat or snack, etc. That way it makes it a little easier for those parents who are inclined to do something nice. |
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Post by Linda on Dec 17, 2021 0:22:57 GMT
Update - DD15 brought in the gift bags of breads today for her teachers and coach (bus driver will get tomorrow as she didn't ride the bus today). She said they were all pleased with them - the maths and art teachers were really excited when they peeked in the bag. Another teacher (she has him twice plus he's one of the coaches) got his in 3rd period and when she was back in his class for 7th - had already eaten one of them and declared it delicious. The other coach was nibbling on his during practise.
homemade food gifts aren't an issue here it seems
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