We have generally given teachers and daycare teachers a $10 giftcard. Our kindergartener is special needs, and the principal has worked with him considerably this year. Would you give her a giftcard, or is that weird?
We want her to know we appreciate the extra effort she has given to him, but we don't want to cross any boundaries.
What would you do?
I think I just wanted to make sure that an actual gift - beyond a Christmas Card - would be appropriate considering her position.
We have conversations with the principal often, as our son has had trouble adjusting. While we realize this is her job, but we want her to know that we appreciate the extra kindness she shows him. She takes the time to email us and call us and talk to us about things that are happening (good and bad). She gives him "high 5's" on good days, so she uses lots of positive reinforcement.
We just think she goes above and beyond the call of duty, so this seems like a nice time to say and extra "Thank You."
I think a card of appreciation is very appropriate. Teachers and administrators really do appreciate a genuine hand written thank you.
I don't feel it is necessary to give the principal a gift card.
I think a card describing how the kindness has helped your family/ what it means to you, and maybe a note from your child.
I truly think recognition is one of the best gifts.
We have some great teachers in our district, and I love hearing my kids talk about them. So all last year I wrote down the stories my kids told me their teachers did (fun projects, stories, jokes, etc). Then at the end of the year I wrote thanking them and letting them know these small things made a positive impact on my child and helped them learn. Just wanted them to know their hard work is appreciated.
I don't think that crosses any boundaries.. But why not just a card with an honest meaningful thank you note written inside?
I'm not sure why everyone recommends gift cards for teachers on here. Honest thank yous and appreciation are much more valuable to me than gift cards. I've saved every thank you note I've ever recieved because those people went out of their way to recognize me for what many others took for granted.
Just the card itself is thoughtful. Great idea! I'll do it, too.
Boundary wise, the principal earns the most in the school. If every family did that, well, . . .every family doesn't need to do it. Imagine cookies from every child. It could be awkward for him.
Donating your time is so appreciated. Are you able to do that? Every school could use that.
Merry Christmas
I have special needs kids too. I would probably write her a thank you card or get her flowers or something like that instead of a gift card.
I would get a blank card with a particularly beautiful photo on the front, and inside I'd write a message to the principal, expressing how appreciative you are of her kindness and consideration to your child, and how it has encouraged your family (or, of course, whatever comes to your mind when you think of how the principal's help has impacted your child).
I would also inform the principal that a donation has been made to something in the school that the principal values, such as the library, or the special needs classroom so the teacher can purchase supplies or a needed item, or a school project that is currently underway. And then I'd donate whatever you were thinking of giving to the principal to that worthy cause. I think a principal would really appreciate that.
You can give the principal a nice card and I think a small gift card is okay too. That's just a bonus though, I think they appreciate the acknowledgement most of all. And maybe an effort on part of your kindergartener, something he made, wrote, or drew.
If you feel awkward about the gift card you could also just bring in a coffee and a scone with the card, and "skip the middle man".
I work directly with the principal, and the ones I have known would not have thought it crossing a boundary at all to receive a thank you gift.
Honestly, I wouldn't. I think the principal is a high level administrator and not a day-to-day teacher. I think a heartfelt thank you for the personal attention is a great thing. If you want to do more than that, send a letter (or a cc of your thank you) to the district superintendent, who is the principal's boss. They probably get lots of complaints, many of them petty, and having something outstanding to put in the principal's file will put the boss in a good mood at professional evaluation time!
I would! I have a SN DD that is in 2nd grade and i am giving her SPED teacher, her homeroom teacher and her three para's each monogrammed tote's. Nothing expensive but they do so much for her throughout the year and they are so good with her! Personally i think it shows them how much we appreciate their hard work with our kiddos!
I think a just thoughtful card from you would be nice, but if you are inclined to give a gift with it, I wouldn't do a gift card. Maybe a little symbolic plant with a note about how you appreciate her "helping your child grow", or a picture your child drew for her to thank her.
How kind of the principal. I think a lot of people forget the amount of work that person takes on and how limited their time is, that really is great that this person has helped so much. Seeing what my parents went through with my brother who needed IEP's in the late 90's, I know how appreciative you are!!
I think a nice handwritten note is perfect. A gift care would be more than appreciated, but not necessary. I am not sure it crosses any boundaries either.
I would. But of course my daughter's principal is also her grandmother.
You could actually approach the principal and TELL her how grateful you are. Imagine that - actually TALKING to someone!
Why not just a Christmas card?
I always gave to the principal and vice principal as well as art, music, gym, regular teacher, speech teacher, crossing guard, janitors, secretaries, nurses and lunch room staff and past teachers when my girls were in grade school. Every teacher got a caramel apple from Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, the janitors, secretaries, lunch staff, etc. got a little baggie of chocolates, or two chocolate covered pretzel rods or something small like that. I know I was unusual, and it did cost a lot each xmas and end of year, but all those people were important to the school working wel. The class teacher got something additional, but by the time my daughter was in 2nd grade all the teachers were loving the tradition I had started. When my youngest left that school they all said, "and this is our last apple" very sadly.
