Teachers...

[Danemom]

This is my first year with a child in middle school. It is so different to me that DD has 6 different teachers'. Quite honestly, unless there's some problem, exactly how do you go about getting to know the teacher or being involved in the classroom? We had conferences last month, was able to talk to each teacher for 10 minutes . How well can you get to know them in under 10 minutes?

Yes, your child is doing good, here's her scores for the past 6 weeks, she participates in class, a good student..and so on. It's not like elementary where you can volunteer in the classroom (egads can you imagine the embarresement ) or talk to the other parents in the class. As for what goes on in the classroom, well there's the agenda sent home showing a one or two word sentence about what was discussed and it's like trying to pull teeth to get an answer out of a 7th grader about what went on in class that day.

While the teacher's do have email, or set phone times, what exactly could I talk about with them if my child is doing fine in school and doesn't have any specific issues? Honestly, how involved with the teacher can you really be?

I completely agree. I'm also a first time middle school parent and I hate it! I've always been a very involved parent. Always on the PTA board (4 years as treasurer), always a room parent, know every teacher/staff member in the building - of elementary school. I have no reason/excuse to interact with DD's middle school teachers. No parties to coordinate, no volunteering in the classroom, she gets straight As so nothing to work on. I am going on a field trip next week, hopefully that will help me feel connected a little more. I think I've had more trouble adjusting than she has!

 

[TAKitty]

Going to conferences is a good thing! You will find that as the years progress, there will probably be more opportunities to "mingle" with your child's teachers. Teachers are at sporting matches, school dances, vocal and band concerts, as well as many other student activities. My high school has an academic boosters that is similar to the PTA. It is nice to see the parents helping the high school teachers as well. An elementary teacher as 25-27 students. I frequently have 150 or more students. I try just as hard to get to know each one individually.

 

[luvdmouse]

After 18 years of teaching over 100 students per year, I have seen a multitude of lovely presents. For the last six years (my twin naughty little boys are six) I have thrown a quaint get together with my dearest friends. We open yummy candy; they take home candles which I know my kids would set my home on fire with, and everyone goes home with some stationery. We all have different tastes and likes. We have so much fun. The big joke this year is that I have ALL of my friends children. Each mom keeps joking with me that they are going to give me " a lovely candle" each with the intent of taking it home later. LOL Over the years I've seen it all. I love the GC but each gift is given with love.

 

[daisyduck123]

Items many of us don't want or need more of:
ornaments
candles
picture frames
anything "apple" related


We love gift cards...even $5.00 ones.

 

[Dislifer]

Items many of us don't want or need more of:
ornaments
candles
picture frames
anything "apple" related


We love gift cards...even $5.00 ones.

Add coffee mugs to that list!!!

 

[daisyduck123]

Add coffee mugs to that list!!!

Oh Yeah!! You are so right. Thanks!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

One year my DSD had a young male teacher who had recently purchased his first new car. We found a nice turtle wax car detailing kit at Target (I think $20). She said he was really surprised and loved the gift.

 

[daisyduck123]

I think this was discussed before but my daughter is in middle school now with 6 teachers..how do you handle that? Buying each one something can get expensive although if I made it a $5 gift card for somewhere that may not be too bad...but would it look weird?

No, not in my opinion. I am a teacher & my DD11 is in middle school. She has 6 teachers & we will be getting each of them a $5.00 gift card to Starbucks (we have one about 5 minutes from the school). I always love receiving gift cards...no matter how small.

 

[teacher31]

I've been teaching for 15 years now. Yes, I agree stay away from candles, lotions, and I'm afraid of homemade foods unless I know the family really well. I"m weird. Here are some of my favorites:
1. Blockbuster gift cards - Best $5 gift I've ever received.
2. Bookstores!!!
3. Mall GC
4. Restaurant CHAIN GC - To make sure there is something that the whole family would like.
5. My class once put together a basket full of gourmet cookies, teas, cocoas, etc. Things I would never buy at the grocery because they were 'too expensive.' It brings a smile to my face this very moment remembering how much fun it was to open up those high end cookies and enjoy a few while relaxing over vacation. I guess this could be a real miss of a present, but I absolutely loved it. And so did my three kids...

Whatever you do, include a note thanking them for something specific that has made a difference in the life of your child.

 

[Claroquesi]

No mugs! How about a nice letter to my principal talking about the high quality education your son/daughter is getting under my care.....

 

[dcfromva]

This is a good thread! Thanks to the OP for starting it.
Just curious from the teacher's point of view: what is a good guideline to spend? (Could you give a range? Are there any rules? )
My DS is in High School, and we usually get B & N gift cards for Christmas for each of his teachers. (Yes, he does complain about how embarrassing it is in advance, but he after he distributes the gifts, he is always glad we did it. )
I was thinking about SWA gift cards this year, but he didn't think his teachers like to travel (or if they did, they wouldn't like SWA ). I thought the SWA gift cards would be a fun change (the cards can be used electronically towards a fare and they never expire). I thought I would ask for some input here. (Maybe we should just do the good 'ole standby: B & N)



-DC

 

[STHcruzer]

what do you NOT want your students to give you???

I know when I walk into my daughters class at the winter party, all I see on her desk is CANDLES . Give me some ideas that would be useful for a teachers gift. Thanks a million!!!

Something that you don't like.

 

[dgaston]

Some school districts don't allow presents! It broke my daughter's heart when her 4th grade teacher refused the carousel ornament (yes I know, but she collected carousel items) we had searched so hard for. Instead, I wrote thank you notes about something special my children had remembered from class. Those went over especially well.

 

[OhioGrumpyGirl]

I was thinking of making a small basket of stampers and ink pads. My son's kindergarten teacher stamps on every paper they do and I've noticed it's the same stamp over and over again. Do you think this is a good idea? It's something that she can use, the class will enjoy seeing different stamps (definately some Disney ones!!) and it won't take up much space in her desk.

 

[disneyfanz04]

Something that you don't like.

 

[disneyfanz04]

I was thinking of making a small basket of stampers and ink pads. My son's kindergarten teacher stamps on every paper they do and I've noticed it's the same stamp over and over again. Do you think this is a good idea? It's something that she can use, the class will enjoy seeing different stamps (definately some Disney ones!!) and it won't take up much space in her desk.

That is a really good idea...I think I may have to steal that one.

 

[ch261]

I was thinking of making a small basket of stampers and ink pads. My son's kindergarten teacher stamps on every paper they do and I've noticed it's the same stamp over and over again. Do you think this is a good idea? It's something that she can use, the class will enjoy seeing different stamps (definately some Disney ones!!) and it won't take up much space in her desk.

Great idea! Stamps are expensive! I'm sure she'll love it.

 

[PrincessLindy]

I am a teacher, but in a 'poor' school where we don't get gifts. Last year in my daughters class they took up a collection and gave her a gift certificate to a spa. She was very thrilled. Sounded good to me.

 

[Blueeyes101817]

I have worked at a day care center for the past three years and am going to school to be a kindergarten or first grade teacher...even at the d ay care, i have gotten a ton of candles...
I love when the kids write notes , especially becaus they are just starting to learn how to write--i keep them all!

one parent gave me a shower caddy filled with things iw ould need for college when i was leaving to start school...in it was a 20 gift certificate for CVS for things that i would need that i might forgot--it was very sweet!

 

[TallyLassie]

Ok teachers can someone give me an opinion on these gifts:

1. I know that many have said they don't like soaps and lotions, etc. But, what I usually buy is the anti-bacterial kind at Bath and Body. I also thought of that as the useful type of gift. I get the kitchen scents. Is that OK?

2. I was going to make some gift baskets with: fleece blankets, hot chocolate mix, and Christmas cookies. Sound OK?

3. The movie gift baskets several have mentioned - pop corn, block buster gift certificates, and some movie candy.