[AuntNi]

This is my DD's teacher's first year teaching 1st grade. I bet she spent an absolute fortune fixing up her room, because it is the cutest thing I've ever seen. It's like Martha Stewart decorated the room, but in a fun 1st grade way. For Christmas, I was planning to get her a g.c. for some place crafty like Hobby Lobby. Or the educational supply store.

But we got a letter from the school district Foundation. It says "your contribution will be used to fund grants for innovative programs throughout our district. Each year, teachers apply for grants that make it possible to help them to help their students learn in new and exciting ways . . . If you'd like to show your appreciation by honoring a teacher . . ."

Does anyone do this in lieu of a gift for the teacher? I definitely want to give her something useful, instead of clutter. Having just lost my job, I can only do one or the other.

 

[CarrieMF]

I wouldn't. It sounds like the money you donated would be put into a general fund for teachers so the teacher may not even get that specific money.

 

[cosmos]

Being on my kids' school foundation board, I think it is a great idea

and for teachers who are motivated and want to do extra things, thank goodness money is there to grant!

But I would also give the teacher a little something. I am giving my kid's teacher's organic chocolate bars this year and that's it (we also are down an income here). The end of the year is my time for acknowledging the teachers in a more substantial way. Let's keep fingers crossed the economy is better then

 

[AuntNi]

You guys articulated perfectly both my concerns. I would want her specifically to benefit. But if she *does* need grant money, my concern is that with the economy and property values, who knows what kind of budget cuts the school is facing next year.

 

[Tinkerszs]

Those grants can be very difficult to obtain. My advice is give her the gc. That way you will know the money will be used for her classroom directly.

 

[Oriole]

I think donating to foundation is a great gift "for the school". I teach, and I spend an incredible amount of y own money every year.

I started in September by updating our classroom library with almost $200 worth of books. I have since bought over $200 worth of board games for the daily enrichment block. My point is... the reimbursement forms are still to be approved. Including the workshops I signed up for (and still haven't gotten the money from the district) I probably have spent about $1000 since the beginning of the school year.

So... if you want the money to be spent in the classroom right now - I suggest you give it to the teacher.

On a side note, the best gifts I have received from students had nothing to do with money. I still treasure quite a few letters from kids.

:

 

[AuntNi]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oriole My point is... the reimbursement forms are still to be approved. Including the workshops I signed up for (and still haven't gotten the money from the district)

I'm really sorry you're not getting reimbursed! You deserve better than this.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oriole So... if you want the money to be spent in the classroom right now - I suggest you give it to the teacher.

It's not so much that I want my daughter to benefit. It's more that I bet my DD's teacher is in the same situation as you - having spent a ton of her own money to make this gorgeous classroom.