$10 per student

[Mrs.Toad]

I don't think a $200 class gift is excessive for a teacher at all. We entrust our kids to them for the better part of each school day, they work hard, aren't paid that well (compared to other careers requiring similar schooling), and often spend hundreds of dollars of their own money each year to buy supplies that cost-cutting school districts no longer provide.

Wow. When I think of it that way, I wonder if the $20 I planned to contribute towards each of my dd's teachers is enough.

But then, we can afford it. In no way should any family who cannot afford $10 or $5 or even $1 per teacher be made to feel badly about it, and I agree that all kids names should go on a class gift.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

Sorry, I posted before reading the rest of the page.

 

[chris1gill]

Just comes down to what a good teacher is worth I suppose. They don't expect a gift, so give whatever you feel appropriate if anything on your own.... That's what I always do....

 

[ckoncurat]

$5- $10 per kid is the norm around here (Maryland)

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Don't chip in for the class gift. Wouldn't you spend at least $10 if you bought a gift on your own? Your dd can still do something special. If you don't want to do both then opt out. I don't think it is a lot.

ETA- I just read more (sorry!) I think everyone's name should be on it. That's terrible to exclude a child.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

Don't chip in for the class gift. Wouldn't you spend at least $10 if you bought a gift on your own? Your dd can still do something special. If you don't want to do both then opt out. I don't think it is a lot.

I was planning to spend $30 on my own. DD had picked the teacher out a little something, and we were going to put a $20 gc inside a personalized card.

It's not really the amount it's the principle.

 

[*Fantasia*]

In Catholic school where my kids were going, they have school regulations. Students can spend or contribute $2 for the teacher if they are doing group. However, if the student wants to contribute $5 or $10 that is fine too, but the homeroom mom can't ask for more than $2. And all the children's name will be on the card or it will say.. from your class/students. No one is left out, that is the rule.

Of course if the student wants to do his/her thing, that is fine too.

In my area, I think $10 per student would be a bit steep. I think $5 would be more attainable.

 

[tasha99]

"$10 or else" is extremely inappropriate, no matter how affluent the school. I'm sorry, but I think the room mother must be a very shallow person to make a requirement like that. I would have a talk with her and express my concerns that children are being excluded.

I think suggesting $10 is okay, but I would accept more, less or none and have EVERY kid sign the card. If I were a teacher, years from now I wouldn't give a rat's behind about the gift certificates I received, but those holiday cards from each year would matter. I would much rather be able to look at my old cards and see my students' signatures--all of them--especially as they grow up (there's susie's signature, she just graduated and is going to Cornell next year etc.)

 

[Cool-Beans]

for teachers gift certificate...

Isn't that a little much?

And isn't that alot of pressure?

(we were told by the room mom's that only the kids that contribute will have their names added to the card)

Whether the ten bucks is a lot depends on the family's financial sitution.

I sooo wish I could take that call for you. Those room moms wouldn't be feeling too happy with themselves when I was done with their sorry butts.

 

[cinmell]

(we were told by the room mom's that only the kids that contribute will have their names added to the card)

This is one of the reasons I refuse to have a room mom.

Last year we had a mom furious that the card said that the gift was from the class. (she found out the Christmas gift was signed from the class b/c of the thank you from the teacher) She said there was a reason she didn't contribute and now that the card was signed from the class the teacher would think her son contributed to the gift and she had no intention of giving a gift. Go figure. If you don't include everyone's names people will be ticked. If you do include all student's names, some people will still be po'd.

So this year's dilemma is whether or not to say the gift is from the whole class or just sign the names of those who contributed. We have had parents ask if there is a group collection again b/c it makes it easy for them to give $$ rather than trying to figure out what to buy for the teacher. Can't make everyone happy. Sigh

To answer the op, no, I don't think $10 is a lot. My daughter is in her 4th year at this school and each year the suggestion has been $10 but any amount is appreciated if you want to donate, no pressure. We've had a lot of luck with the teachers so far so I have no problem with the $10. I've seen the projects my daughter comes home with and I know the money to pay for a lot of the materials have come out of the teacher's pocket and I've gone to the class to assist with projects and I've seen what she buys for her class so $10 is not bad at all to me.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I was planning to spend $30 on my own. DD had picked the teacher out a little something, and we were going to put a $20 gc inside a personalized card.

It's not really the amount it's the principle.

I agree but only because the room Mom sounds like a joy.

 

[tasha99]

Don't chip in for the class gift. Wouldn't you spend at least $10 if you bought a gift on your own? Your dd can still do something special. If you don't want to do both then opt out. I don't think it is a lot.

ETA- I just read more (sorry!) I think everyone's name should be on it. That's terrible to exclude a child.

Actually, no. Most years we give a max of $5 per gift per teacher. This year my family gifts are being capped at $10 per gift, and my kids are getting two $20 gifts each. If my son's school did this I would be very upset. Even in an affluent school, there is always the kid, like DS, whose tuition is being paid by grandparents.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

Actually, no. Most years we give a max of $5 per gift per teacher. This year my family gifts are being capped at $10 per gift, and my kids are each getting two $20 gifts each. If my son's school did this I would be very upset. Even in an affluent school, there is always the kid, like DS, whose tuition is being paid by grandparents.

I totally see your point. I do think if someone couldn't do it then any amount should be accepted. Almost always there is a set amount that they ask for but they will take anything.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

I totally see your point. I do think if someone couldn't do it then any amount should be accepted. Almost always there is a set amount that they ask for but they will take anything.

of course they will TAKE anything.
But it makes the parent who had to only give $2 on the asked for $10 feel bad, and who knows what is being said to these kids at school by the teacher or by these room mom's who (SOME< NOT ALL seem to think they are better then the rest of us)

 

[FormrCastMbr]

I have not read the entire thread so what I say may have been said several times already, I'm sure.

I think it is wrong that the names of students that cannot contribute will not be included and that $10 is alot.

Whenever I have been the class mom I have sent a letter home stating that a holiday collection is being made and we are asking for a $5 contribution or whatever you may be able to give. Also stated was that this is not mandatory and that the gift is from the entire class. Some parents chose to give $3, some chose to give $10...

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I wanted to add to my PP that even though I am giving the requested $10 for my DS8's 3 teachers, I would like ALL the children to be able to sign the card. DS's teacher is the sweetest teacher I have ever met, I know she would be crushed if some children were excluded. I wish now that when I sent my money to the room mom, I had said something to the effect that I would donate extra if necessary to get all the kids names on the card. The room mom is very sweet too, I hope she will include all the kids. I can't imagine excluding a child because they can't give.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

I have not read the entire thread so what I say may have been said several times already, I'm sure.

I think it is wrong that the names of students that cannot contribute will not be included and that $10 is alot.

Whenever I have been the class mom I have sent a letter home stating that a holiday collection is being made and we are asking for a $5 contribution or whatever you may be able to give. Also stated was that this is not mandatory and that the gift is from the entire class. Some parents chose to give $3, some chose to give $10...

exactly, thank you!

WHAT I WOULD SEND:

Dear Classmates,

Happy Holidays!
This year we are going to be giving Mrs. C a gift card to her favorite shop for Christmas. If you would like to contribute. We are accepting donations which are due by December 17. The card will be signed by the class to give to her at our Holiday Party on December 23.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Holiday Season,

Room Mom

 

[Mouse House Mama]

of course they will TAKE anything.
But it makes the parent who had to only give $2 on the asked for $10 feel bad, and who knows what is being said to these kids at school by the teacher or by these room mom's who (SOME< NOT ALL seem to think they are better then the rest of us)

That stinks. I can't imagine the kids even knowing about the contributions. At least here they seem oblivious as do all the parents. I have no idea who contributes or doesn't. It's none of my business. Why would the teacher even say anything to the kids?

 

[robinb]

IF EACH CHILD COULD AFFORDABLY CONTRIBUTE WHAT THEY COULD. THAT WOULD MAKE ME HAPPY. EVEN IF IT WAS ONLY $5, $1, OR .50 WHATEVER.
THEN GET WHAT THEY CAN WITH THAT MONEY. I THINK THAT THE PEOPLE AROUND HERE IN THE DISTRICT THAT COULD GIVE MORE, WOULD AND IT WOULD ALL EVEN OUT IN THE END. THE TEACHER WOULD RECIEVE A NICE GIFT CARD FOR AS MUCH AS THE CLASS COULD AFFORD,FROM THE WHOLE CLASS. EVERYONE SIGNS THE CARD, THE END

{shrug} I don't know why you're arguing with me as we agree on this point.

It just seemed to me that by this post:

Let me clairify...

I think that $10 pp x20 students = a $200 gift card for the teacher is excessive.

I think that $10 pp x10 students for a $100 gift card is excessive.

to give to a teacher. I'm sorry....I value the teacher, I think that she has an important job. But I don't understand why she should get more for Christmas than some can afford to get for their own children this year. And then the worst of it..have the kids take the fall for what their parents can't afford.


We live in a wealthy neighborhood. And FYI alot of the parents who normaly could give $50 to a teacher, can't this year. So I think it's unfair to ask that FIRST GRADERS..who have no control over this. Be asked to contribute or no soup for you!
lol

you were more upset that the teacher was getting more money than some other families had to spend on their own Christmas. You clearly say that you think even a $100 group gift is excessive.

Back to the card problem ... my guess is that the home room mom was probably thinking that it was fair to only have the kids sign the card who contributed toward the gift. That's the way it usually goes when people pitch in for a group gift. She probably didn't even consider that it might leave some kids out and hurt their feelings. That makes her clueless, not evil. We all agree that the card should be from the whole class including the kids who are sending individual gifts and those kids who can't afford $10.

I would suggest that you call her and let her know your concerns that (1) The $10 gift should be a recommended amount and not a requirement and (2) All children from the class should sign the card. It's better to set things right in first grade or you'll be back next year complaining that the same home room mom is pulling the same stunt.

 

[ThreeMusketeers]

{shrug} I don't know why you're arguing with me as we agree on this point.

It just seemed to me that by this post:



you were more upset that the teacher was getting more money than some other families had to spend on their own Christmas. You clearly say that you think even a $100 group gift is excessive.

Back to the card problem ... my guess is that the home room mom was probably thinking that it was fair to only have the kids sign the card who contributed toward the gift. That's the way it usually goes when people pitch in for a group gift. She probably didn't even consider that it might leave some kids out and hurt their feelings. That makes her clueless, not evil. We all agree that the card should be from the whole class including the kids who are sending individual gifts and those kids who can't afford $10.

I would suggest that you call her and let her know your concerns that (1) The $10 gift should be a recommended amount and not a requirement and (2) All children from the class should sign the card. It's better to set things right in first grade or you'll be back next year complaining that the same home room mom is pulling the same stunt.

I'm sorry, I am not arguing with you. I don't even know who you are.
I am just passing the time away btwn calls/msgs at work. And asking opinions on things. I have my own too. =)
And I am not complaining. .
My husband and I decided on the phone a few min ago we would contact her and contribute what ever was lacking so all the kids names could go on the card. As that is my main concern that all the children feel included. When the teacher is opening her gifts. I remember being one of those kids in school. It isn't easy

Have a good day.