Originally posted by SHC: Last year some teachers thought our Parents' Association should have underwritten the cost of their big Christmas Party at a local country club and we nixed that idea pretty fast. We don't spend our hard-earned money on underwriting parties; the money goes to the needs of the school.
SHC
Yikes! I agree with you--the school needs money more than a party at a country club! Our group does not do a Christmas party for the teachers/staff--we have a big "Welcome Back" at the beginning of the school year with a catered lunch, and also a Teacher Appreciation Week with a brunch and gifts.
We do not really do anything for our teachers as a "group", as far as a gift. We did organize a day and supplied treats for the teacher's lounge one day--that's about it. They get SHOWERED by their students (our teacher is getting a $200 gift certificate from her class). We do lots for them during Teacher Appreciation week, though, in the spring.
Last year some teachers thought our Parents' Association should have underwritten the cost of their big Christmas Party at a local country club and we nixed that idea pretty fast. We don't spend our hard-earned money on underwriting parties; the money goes to the needs of the school.
THIS YEAR WE CATER DINNER FOR OUR TEACHERS FROM WALMART DELI. WE ALSO SO GAVE EACH TEACHER AND BUS DRIVER THROWS WITH OUR SCHOOL NAME ON IT . THEY LOVED EVERY SINGLE BIT OF IT. WE ALSO GAVE OUR TEACHERS A DUTY FREE LUNCH THAT DAY TO. AND ANY THROWS WE HAD LEFT OVER WE HAVE BEENING SELLING THEM FOR 15.00.
Boy do I feel cheap. I got our staff a "Survival Kit" and a pencil set (a cheap one too) from Positive Promotions. I actually went under budget because our budget is very tight. The fundraiser is down $3K from last year and we are fixing to spend money on our first ever Winter Fest. I will also be purchasing something for them in May for "Teacher Apprec. Week."
Our PTO does not give teachers Christmas gifts ( or holiday or winter solstice or whatever is PC this week). They do, however, have a committee that will take parent donations directed towards a teacher, principal, lunch lady, or custodian and buy the teachers gift certificates for Christmas. After all how many glass apples does one teacher need.
We do give the teachers a stipend to spend on classroom supplies.
The Principal funds a lunch for the teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week in the Spring. The PTO helps with planning, logistics and serving but none of the money comes from our budget.
The PTO does hold a teacher appreciation breakfast on the last day of school (or thereabouts). Parents donate the food - the PTO provides plasticware and such. We also give GCs (an sometimes flowers) to teachers and staff who are leaving the school or retiring.
