Ask:
Teacher Appreciation week the same week as Mother's Day?
So....we've got to find money in the budget, and time to do stuff for Mother's Day for our family and our mothers, usually including at least two mothers, possible stepmothers and grandmothers.
Then, we try to do nice things for Teacher Appreciation week, which may include more than one teacher, as in my case.
Then, we contribute toward year end teacher's gifts and parties - $30-$40.
In my heart, I love giving. It's my budget that hurts when this all hits. Personally, because we give goodbye gifts, I would prefer Teacher Appreciation week earlier in the year, maybe in February or March! I just thought it a bit ridiculous to do it so late, when your child is moving on. I know it would help me do a better job of appreciating!
Answer:
There's no obligation to give.
I think the reason it is at the end of the year is because it encourages parents to appreciate the teacher that their child has had all year. Having it earlier defeats that purpose, at least that's how I understand the meaning behind it. There's nothing saying that you couldn't do a gift earlier in the year showing your appreciation, or no gift at all.
Answer:
That's just it. I WANT to give! DS has wonderful teachers, and they deserve more than just words. Even if I were to give earlier, which we do for Valentines, Christmas, etc, or I did separately, I would feel bad if we didn't appreciate in the week. It's just that it doesn't allow us to do justice. Hmmm. Maybe having a year-end gift should be given during appreciation week then.
Just my vent. Just wish I had a bigger budget!!
Answer:
My sister is a teacher and she actually feels bad getting a lot of gifts - her kids are all pretty poor. She always encourages me to write a note - more than just "thanks" - to the teachers. She loves flowers, plants, candles and anything edible. One of her favorites at Christmas? A $5 gift card to Sonic - fun! My point is that a letter from the heart is a wonderful (and free!) gift. Pair it with some yummy chocolate chip cookies and you would have a very inexpensive, but thoughtful, gift. Plus, you never know the teacher's circumstances - maybe she is looking for another job, moving, etc and could use a nice letter to put with her resume.
BTW - least favorite gifts are figurines and anything with a teacher or apple theme. They run out of space for this stuff.
Answer:
I didn't even know about teacher appreciation week until this year! I have no intention of buying something for teachers, but just saying thank you and the kids making cards.
I give Christmas presents, end of the year presents and such so I don't feel obligated to give again. Sorry if I am cheap, but that is just too much of an expense with three children!
Answer:
Our school does it a cheaper way. Monday is bring teacher's favorite treat. We are a single candy bar, etc. Tuesday is classroom supply day...stickers, tape, pens, pencils, etc. Wednesday is book day. You can buy a book at the dollar stores. Thursday is thank you note day...from you and/or your child. Friday is favorite drink day/bring a smile to your teacher's face day...a coke and a bottle of bubble bath, etc. All in all, we are talking $5 max...which is WONDERFUL. That way, my kids CAN still do a end of the year gift without me going broke between the two!! I am the room mom for my kindergartener's class....and one of the things I have done is to ask parents to do break this week up into groups. Monday, four kids bring her favorite treat (cause she really does NOT need 20 Snicker bars!!). Tuesday, four more bring a classroom supply..etc. That way, no one has to do it ALL...but if they do want to, it is doable. We finish up the week by giving the teachers a luncheon. The PTA pays for the main dish, and all classes have one parent each volunteer to send in a side dish/dessert. There is plenty to go around for everyone, then...and again, it is a cheaper way to do it. During the luncheon, the room parent (or another parent volunteer) stays in the classroom so the teacher can enjoy his/her lunch for an extended time.
Answer:
I agree with mhender. You can do simple (read cheap ) things that are still special. Have your kids make cards. Make cookies or some kind of goodie. Do you have a green thumb? Maybe split up some of your plants into little terra cotta pots (again cheap) that your kids could paint or decorate.
We have a friend who is a teacher and she was so touched one day when a parent stopped by to pick up their kid and brought her a pan of homemade lasagna. Sounds crazy, I know. But who wouldn't like not to have to cook for a night?
Answer:
For my dd's kindergarten teacher and para we each chipped in $2.00 a piece to get them a each a gift certificate to go eat. It'll at least cover a lunch for the both of them. And our kids are each going to bring in a flower of choice on that day so a big bouquet can be made.
Answer:
I also never heard of Teacher Appreciation week except on here!!! I have no plans to give anything to the teachers. I give little gifts at Christmas and was thinking of writing a nice note at the end of the school year to tell them how much I appreciate all they have done for my boys (especially with them moving in the middle of the year) I don't think that teachers expect gifts. I am wondering if Teacher Appreciation week is another "Hallmark" holiday like Grandparents day!!!
Answer:
I too am another that never heard of it until reading it on here this week!
In the last week of school my sons class is having a picnic in the park with all your family included. I figure we wil give her something then (a card made by ds, maybe some cookies) We did give her gifts at Christmas but really isnt it just another made up Hallmark Holiday?