Do you give to your school principal

[mommytobug]

Our company has a no gift policy....thank goodness. There are people who would really feel it necessary but could not afford. I am the boss and I dont expect people to spend their hard earned $$ on me.

 

[mickeylove2]

In my office there are 9 of us, our supervisor and our manager, and we also have an RN that works with us- not our co-worker but not our boss. The 3 of them make more than we do, but they do for us and we do for them all through the year. We all pulled together and for our 2 "bosses" we got movie tickets and a nice gc for a really good seafood restaurant near the theatre. For "Bob" we put together a nice wine gift basket, he doesn't live around here but about an hour away so we didn't want to do the gc thing and have him not be able to use it where he lives. In return the 3 of them are having bfast catered for our office tomorrow monring and then we are going to the Olive Garden for lunch on them. We were not expecting anything from them and had already put the other stuff in motion before they told us about tomorrow. I think it really depends on the relationship you have with your boss, all 12 of us are very, very close and have a great time working together, we routinely do impromptu pot luck luncheons, order takeout, bring in donuts and muffins, sometimes 1 or 2 people will pick up the tab on the takeout sometimes our manager will, he also lets us leave an hour early a few times a month, all this week we are getting out early, we all just have a great time together, I feel really blessed to work for a great person.

 

[solfan68]

I work in our company's support group. There's six of us, and the sixth guy, while not officially our boss, has been a mentor and good friend. Each year we take him out to lunch and get him some "holiday cheer". I also donate two or three bucks to the Department Head gift. He's making considerably more than most of us, and frankly, if everyone contributes even a few bucks will still get a nice gift. I feel much more strongly about showing appreciation to my mentor because he's there in the trenches with us and is always willing to lend advice - or a hand - as needed.

 

[horseshowmom]

In DH's school (did the same at the school where I used to teach), they take up about $10 from each teacher and use it to buy a gift for the principal, the secretary, and the custodians. Nobody is out a huge amount of money, and everybody is remembered. It's been that way for as long as I can remember.

 

[ddiva]

Our school has a voluntary ornament exchange (max of $8) set up like a secret santa. I've given treats to the ladies in the media center, secretaries, nurses (copy person), and custodians; All the individuals who make teaching just a little bit easier. My administrators will be getting a simple greeting card.

 

[BrerMom]

There's an envelope in the office of our school. You throw your donation in the envelope & sign the cards. Nobody keeps track of how much is given. A designated teacher takes the money, divides it in half, & buys gift cards for the principal & the assistant. I don't mind contributing at all because those two foot the bill for the annual Christmas party, even though I usually can't go due to conflicts.

If the principal weren't reciprocating with something for the staff, if they would know amounts, or if I were supposed to give a gift to them directly, I don't think I would feel comfortable at all.

 

[Soupermom]

so I thought I'd share our experience. Actually DH has been a classroom teacher for 17 years and just became Jr. Hi. principal this year. I am also a teacher, but in the high school. Our buildings share the cafeteria and are joined, plus we are a rural school. Average class size is around 80 (for total enrollment...not each individual class!)

I think each school/experience is different, but I've got to say my DH makes less money than several teachers in our district and actually took a pay cut when he became an administrator (had to give up all of his coaching positions). He works harder than anyone I know in either building and takes pride in our schools. We have several teachers who work just as hard.

My husband (well, me actually ) is providing lunch tomorrow for all of his staff members (30 people or so--homemade chili and soup with all of the fixin's). This is his gift to them; he also took his office help (2 ladies) out for lunch last week to the nicest restaurant in our area. Our HS principal (my boss) does something similar for us/his office help. Although I usually feel the secretaries and custodians are the hardest workers/most important people in any building, that can't be said for our custodians. Most of them sit around all night (it's on tape) and steal our lunches/fundraiser food from the fridge!
They will be included in the principal's luncheon/breakfast.

The faculty in each building in asked if they would like to donate money for a gift for the principal--usually a gift card--but it is optional. I believe people donate between $2 and $10. I gave $5 for our principal; he does a good job and is supportive of us teachers. He doesn't make all that much either.

I guess my point is...do what you feel comfortable with . If you like your principal, donate; if not, don't. My husband does A LOT for his staff and they all love him; many have already brought him little gifts (food) just to show they care. My principal does quite a bit for us and he is well liked, too. I think it all depends on your setting I guess. We are mostly all like family, so it's not a big deal.

Sorry this went on so long but I wanted to share the other side; it seemed like most principals were being slammed...

Happy Holidays!

 

[englishteacha]

We normally do a staff Secret Santa, but it was canceled this year due to lack of interest. Our principal/asst. principals have participated in the past. No one has ever had a "collection" for a holiday gift for them. One faculty member spearheaded a drive for "Bosses Day" and most people donated a few dollars, but everyone signed the card. I think I'll give our administrators and secretaries cards, maybe an ornament or something small (under $1). We aren't doing anything as a staff for the holidays, either. I like the folks I work with, and it would be nice to have some informal time to socialize without worrying about grades and students!

 

[Teacher510]

I think it is ridiculous for a teacher to routinely give a gift to a principal. I have only done so to show appreciation for exceptional kindness or granting of favors. This is rare and usually I give a gift at the time of the favor (as I do to anyone who has been kind or helpful).
I give Christmas gifts to all 48 of my students, the secretaries, custodians and class parents (these last 2 on behalf of the class). This is to show appreciation and affection, which is how I regard gifts from my students.
Our Sunshine committee (on which I serve) sends gift baskets to our principals and secretaries. These are from the staff.
We received a pen from the principals and a breakfast at school from them and the secretaries.

 

[mum4jenn]

I have to pipe in here on this one. LOL!!!

I have not read anything about anyone thinking about the ladies(or men) who cook breakfast and lunch everyday for the children and staff. We earn LESS than the custodians do and we can't sit around and only work when we want to (like most of the ones I have ever encountered). Those kitchens get very hot and there are daily deadlines which must be met or the kids don't eat. Lots of heavy lifting everyday (up to 60-80 pounds at a time) and standing on the feet for hours and many times in one place for a great length of time. I would guess that 98% of us do not even carry the insurance because they cannot afford it to come out of their checks. I have one lady in my kitchen who has worked in the kitchen since 1971 and she brings home less than $750 a month. THAT is low pay.

We do not ask for much. This is the work we have chosen (for me it is because I have more time with my dd because of the work schedule). We today for the first time EVER actually had a Mom bring us all a little gift. We were all given a small container of candy and a "thank you". Very simple and the lady who has worked at this kitchen since 1971...had TEARS in her eyes. She said this was the very first time a parent has given her anything!!! That is pretty sad that in 36 years this is the first time someone has been thoughtful enough to think of her.

So please....I know this will not do anything for the school where I work...but please do not forget about these ladies. They do not expect extravagant gifts at all...just something simple and a heartfelt thank you.


OK...I am done with my rant!! Go back to your plans of gifts for everyone else.

 

[Cindy B]

mum4juene--

Excellent post, BTW.

In our district, the food service is contracted out so they usually don't get the same people every day. Because it is contracted out, the lunch people make more than the teachers assistants/aides. The teachers aides/assistants need college degrees/college credits to work there.

I am encouraged that your district has not gone that route of contracting out services.. but it has been like this for over 5 years.

 

[december]

I have to pipe in here on this one. LOL!!!

I have not read anything about anyone thinking about the ladies(or men) who cook breakfast and lunch everyday for the children and staff. We earn LESS than the custodians do and we can't sit around and only work when we want to (like most of the ones I have ever encountered). Those kitchens get very hot and there are daily deadlines which must be met or the kids don't eat. Lots of heavy lifting everyday (up to 60-80 pounds at a time) and standing on the feet for hours and many times in one place for a great length of time. I would guess that 98% of us do not even carry the insurance because they cannot afford it to come out of their checks. I have one lady in my kitchen who has worked in the kitchen since 1971 and she brings home less than $750 a month. THAT is low pay.

We do not ask for much. This is the work we have chosen (for me it is because I have more time with my dd because of the work schedule). We today for the first time EVER actually had a Mom bring us all a little gift. We were all given a small container of candy and a "thank you". Very simple and the lady who has worked at this kitchen since 1971...had TEARS in her eyes. She said this was the very first time a parent has given her anything!!! That is pretty sad that in 36 years this is the first time someone has been thoughtful enough to think of her.

So please....I know this will not do anything for the school where I work...but please do not forget about these ladies. They do not expect extravagant gifts at all...just something simple and a heartfelt thank you.


OK...I am done with my rant!! Go back to your plans of gifts for everyone else.

My mama has been a lunch lady for 25 yrs, so I understand. I do give cards to the ladies in the cafeteria. They work hard, and have to put up with alot.

 

[karinbelle]

In my original post, I was also thinking of including cafeteria workers and teachers aides - I know they are also not paid near enough. I guess, though, the ones who impact my room and my teaching the most are the custodians who takes care of my room, and that's why I thought of them first.

Again, I really like our principal and think they are doing a good job -- but this year it seems so tight with money everywhere, I wish they would pass the $$ down. I guess I wish they would come up with it on their own to politely ask that the $$ be given to those who make less this holiday season. Nope. Didn't happen. Several of them sent a blanket e-mail to the entire staff. The others did not even acknowledge the gift yet.

In my district, the principal makes about double my salary.

I gave to my custodian instead of the principal, though I do worry that because my name wasn't on the card sent to the administrators, they will be less likely to honor my requests for class assignments, planning, and other requests - KWIM?

 

[ZPT1022]

I always thought you gifted down the chain of command, not up

I believe a better cause would be our custodians.

Yay for you for saying this. My DH is a part time custodian and while it is a nice enough job for a little bit of extra money some of the things he has to deal with I know that he would be quite appreciative if one of the teachers whose classroom he cleans everyday, honoring their special requests and moving furniture for them, etc....... left him even just a card saying "Thanks for all your help"

Now before someone jumps on me, yes, he is paid to do a job but a lot of the things (moving furniture, etc......) are really above and beyond his job of empty the trash and recycling and sweep and/or vacuum.

 

[mum4jenn]

In my original post, I was also thinking of including cafeteria workers and teachers aides - I know they are also not paid near enough. I guess, though, the ones who impact my room and my teaching the most are the custodians who takes care of my room, and that's why I thought of them first.

Hmmmmmm....I wonder how much your students would be impacted if they were all hungry????

 

[LizinSTL]

Hmmmmmm....I wonder how much your students would be impacted if they were all hungry????

Since when is anyone "required" to acknowledge EVERYONE in their lives (or their childrens'/students' lives) with a gift? Where does it end? The students in the classroom I work in come across more than 27 staff/faculty per day. That's per grade(though about half are across all 3 grade levels.) Should the classroom teacher acknowledge all 50+ staff people in the building who "help" her students?

My kids are in elementary school. I gave their classroom teachers gifts. I also gave the school secretaries each a candle. That's it this year. I'll tell the custodian's to have a Merry Christmas on Friday. I'll wish the lunch ladies a Merry Christmas when I see them this week. Same goes for any other staff person that I see.
Happy Holidays! Season's Greetings! Merry Christmas! Have a nice holiday break! is really all anyone should be "required" to say to anyone in a school setting...... stepping off my soap box carefully.

 

[kimsuenew]

I have to pipe in here on this one. LOL!!!

I have not read anything about anyone thinking about the ladies(or men) who cook breakfast and lunch everyday for the children and staff. We earn LESS than the custodians do and we can't sit around and only work when we want to (like most of the ones I have ever encountered). Those kitchens get very hot and there are daily deadlines which must be met or the kids don't eat. Lots of heavy lifting everyday (up to 60-80 pounds at a time) and standing on the feet for hours and many times in one place for a great length of time. I would guess that 98% of us do not even carry the insurance because they cannot afford it to come out of their checks. I have one lady in my kitchen who has worked in the kitchen since 1971 and she brings home less than $750 a month. THAT is low pay.

We do not ask for much. This is the work we have chosen (for me it is because I have more time with my dd because of the work schedule). We today for the first time EVER actually had a Mom bring us all a little gift. We were all given a small container of candy and a "thank you". Very simple and the lady who has worked at this kitchen since 1971...had TEARS in her eyes. She said this was the very first time a parent has given her anything!!! That is pretty sad that in 36 years this is the first time someone has been thoughtful enough to think of her.

So please....I know this will not do anything for the school where I work...but please do not forget about these ladies. They do not expect extravagant gifts at all...just something simple and a heartfelt thank you.


OK...I am done with my rant!! Go back to your plans of gifts for everyone else.

In the special needs school I worked at as a TA for years (until I left to go to college to become a teacher) food service made more than a teachers aide! They were on a higher pay scale, step by step. I am not saying it is not a hard job, but so is being a TA and we are lifting people, some older students being adult size, not boxes or food! My mom did food service for years, it is hard work without a doubt! And our schools one and only day custodian... he rarely even got his "union guaranteed" breaks in... let alone sitting all day. My sister is a Librarian at a school and she has commented about how hard her husband works, as he is a custodian there as well. Maybe your school is unique, but I cannot even imagine a school functioning with "lazy" janitorial staff that sit all day... there are to many toileting accidents, things that have broken, spills that have been made, cafeterias to clean, vomit to clean, stuff to lift or move, work orders, snow to shovel, salt to put down, ect... Over our PA all you ever heard was "Mr Smith, please go to Mrs. Jones room", "Mr. Smith please take a mop and bucket to _______" and so on! That is one job I would never want to do!

 

[kimsuenew]

Hmmmmmm....I wonder how much your students would be impacted if they were all hungry????

By law they cannot be (unless they would choose not to eat)! Theoretically a school could be dirty... an Art Class phased out... snacks not be given... but lunch (and in some places breakfast) MUST be served/given!

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

Since when is anyone "required" to acknowledge EVERYONE in their lives (or their childrens'/students' lives) with a gift? Where does it end? The students in the classroom I work in come across more than 27 staff/faculty per day. That's per grade(though about half are across all 3 grade levels.) Should the classroom teacher acknowledge all 50+ staff people in the building who "help" her students?

My kids are in elementary school. I gave their classroom teachers gifts. I also gave the school secretaries each a candle. That's it this year. I'll tell the custodian's to have a Merry Christmas on Friday. I'll wish the lunch ladies a Merry Christmas when I see them this week. Same goes for any other staff person that I see.
Happy Holidays! Season's Greetings! Merry Christmas! Have a nice holiday break! is really all anyone should be "required" to say to anyone in a school setting...... stepping off my soap box carefully.

ITA great post but I also give a gift to just about everyone we come across. I was out last night picking up things for people that slipped my mind. I do it because I want to and because we are fortunate to have enough to give but I shouldn't feel obligated.

 

[disynut]

Please know that not all principals are paid as highly as many of you believe--or maybe you know(I know in some urban areas the pay level is much higher), but I don't know of any in our area that make even close to $100,000. I don't think our superintendant makes that much. My husband is a principal and puts in a lot more hours than many others in our district who make a lot more than him(coaches).

I think, even in the US, it has become apparent in this thread that we just have different customs in different parts of the country. I can see the gift giving going down, but I don't get upset when I get the email that lets me know that our secretary is collecting for our principal, assistant, and guidance counselor. Of course, I think I read that some of you are told you had to give, and I would be offended by that(and I think that's probably not legal). In my case(a middle school) I'm glad to give the $5 for each one because I'd probably spend more on something if I bought something myself for them and they would appreciate the cash more anyway. With DH being a principal--I know they aren't exactly rolling in the dough and appreciate the sentiment.

I also see that our custodians and other support staff deserve something as well. However, I see them on the same "level" as myself. I've done things in the past, like bake cookies, etc. for those, but here's what I do now: I have a few friends in school that we always buy for(I consider them friends, not just coworkers) and then I have my gift bags that I fix, and anyone that gives me a gift, gets one back. I think that's part of the culture of the school--and I can't afford to buy 70+ gifts for everyone.
But that's just the way it is around here--we've always taken up a collection for our principal---kind of like a tradition that if we stopped, someone would probably be offended!