No gifts for teachers in Alabama

[tiggger1]

My daughter's school drives me nuts! I found out from another mom that teachers can except gifts ( and classroom gifts) but they all must be recorded and the price must be included.. and if it the total per child reaches a certain amount ($50 I think) they must contact the principal, who will contact you and tell you that the teacher cannot accept anymore gifts from you and that a note will be put in the child's file.

My dd's old kindergarten teacher only gets 1 box of paper a year and must supply the rest. that 1 box lasts about a month if you are lucky since everything is copied. I alway send in a box of paper to the class at Christmas but am afraid to send it this year because the box cost me about $40 and I that means I cant send the teacher a personal gift ( usually a Bath and Body Work Hand sanitizer basket and a gift card at the end of the year...which would be over the $50

 

[rentayenta]

I feel bad for those who teach the older kids. They work hard and most of the kids are not appreciative at that age. They hear from parents when there is a problem or concern. Even though my son is in high school, I plan on taking in small gift cards to the office for his teachers, just a little something to let them know that I am aware of and appreciate how hard they work.

I do too but I cannot afford 14 teachers.

 

[pixiemel]

I am so glad they are finally putting a stop to this. We used to live there and it was out of hand. I know for a fact that teachers expected a BIG gift card. And room mothers collected from everyone. I truly missed the days when our kids could pick out something that was FROM THEM. Maybe this will help get back to that-a gift from the student, from the heart.

 

[kymmyk13]

I am so glad they are finally putting a stop to this. We used to live there and it was out of hand. I know for a fact that teachers expected a BIG gift card. And room mothers collected from everyone. I truly missed the days when our kids could pick out something that was FROM THEM. Maybe this will help get back to that-a gift from the student, from the heart.

That is an awfully broad statement. I have live in Alabama for over 20 years and have never come across a teacher that expected anything. I have been involved in PTA and been classroom mom. Sure there are always going to be exceptions to everything but your statement insults every teacher in the state. DD6 is bringing her teacher a basket of school supplies and an ice cream basket(ice cream bowls, toppings, ice cream scooper, ect) because the teacher loves ice cream and has mentioned it several times in class.

 

[mjbaby]

That is an awfully broad statement. I have live in Alabama for over 20 years and have never come across a teacher that expected anything.

That's great - I'm glad you have had good experiences in this area. I am related to two elementary-level teachers, though, and I can tell you at these two (who aren't related to each other, so it's not a one-family thing) DO expect big money gift cards and presents. I have heard and been subject to conversations about whose parents are cheap, whose could have spent more, what gift cards "aren't worth it" and so on for years. One of these women relies on gifts from her students to comprise her gifting to other people and gets upset if her "take" isn't enough to cover her own gift expenses.

I try to think and believe the best about my kids' teachers when planning their holiday gifts, but with these experiences it's hard. This year, my kids' gifts are going to be maple syrup from a local farm, coffee beans from a local roaster and chocolates from a chocolatier in the next town, all bought at the neighborhood farm market. We're including a note to the effect that we wanted to support our teachers by also supporting our small businesses, and are hoping that these items bring cheer through the season whether the teachers are hosts, guests, or are enjoying time on their own.