<p>Is it typical to give small end of year gifts to teachers/ advisor, or cards from the student? In middle school, we always gave token gifts to thank the teachers, but tend to think this may not be the case for BS...any insight much appreciated!</p>
<p>Friend who teaches at a very $$$$$ pre-prep said that if she got one more $$$$ dustcatcher she would scream. Another friend at a different $$$$$$$$$ pre-prep gives strict instructions - if it isn’t food don’t bother; no stuff. (Although he really did like that pressure washer that was delivered to his house.)</p>
<p>I give home-made jelly. And send occasional tins of cookies or brownies to the teacher just before review session for exams to share with the class.</p>
<p>Yummm home made jelly- sounds good! Good idea to give early so they can share with kids- that also saves them time if they would have baked something themselves for the kids!</p>
<p>My mom makes a huge origami flower bouquet for our favorites… teachers keep them in their classroom and they don’t need to be watered.</p>
<p>I think it depends if it’s the kid or the parent giving the gift. As a kid, I know very few kids of give all of their teachers gifts. If they do give gifts, it’s almost always for one of their favorite teachers, I think if it’s from the kid it means more than just thanks for doing your job, there’s something behind it. </p>
<p>On the other hand, if a parent gives the gift, I think thats way more mainstream and can be for near any reason. Just my thoughts.</p>
<p>I’d skip the gift and opt instead for a nice note, especially one that comes in long after grades have been submitted and, better yet, the student has graduated. I always felt a little manipulated when a parent sent me a gift – the worst/ best (depending on how you look at it) was the parent who ran into me at a private club during an athletic tournament and tried to press his club card on me “for any expenses” I might incur. Thanks, but no thanks pal.</p>
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<p>Yeah, I agree. I gave one person at my school a gift and letter after I graduated because her support for me deserved way more than just a thanks for doing your job because she did more than her job. But then again, I know there were other kids that did give most of their teachers and houseparents a little gift at the end of the year. I don’t think there really is a standard way to go about this in boarding schools.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your responses. Wish I had the talent to make jelly or an origami bouquet (that is really special and original)! Boardingdad – thanks for your insight as it sounds like you have experience as both a teacher and parent. I think a note from my son is also nice idea — though he’s only a freshman, so don’t want to put it off until graduation. But may be best after grades are out for the reasons you mention; though maybe a gift just for his advisor might be most appropriate - but I better figure it out soon, as he’s coming home on Saturday!</p>
<p>I think you tip waiters, not teachers. If you do do it, it has to come from the heart and not be viewable as condescending or as a “bribe”. Unless you know the teacher well personally it will be awkward and your intent ambiguous.</p>
<p>I think a thoughtful card/note and an inexpensive flowering plant would be appropriate and would not be misconstrued.</p>
<p>I don’t often get gifts from students, but the best ones are, of course, thoughtful thank-you notes. It’s nice to hear how the students feel about you as their teacher/advisor/dorm parent/etc.</p>
<p>Second to that are the very kind gift certificates (of any denomination) to the local coffee shop, bagel place, pizza joint, or (sometimes) nice local restaurant. When the kids leave for the summer, the dining hall also closes, and I am forced to fend for myself for food. Yes, I realize this is what normal people do every day! But b-school faculty get kind of accustomed to eating “off the line,” and I admit, my cooking skills have suffered greatly.</p>
<p>While I would never ask for or expect a gift of any kind, the food-related gift certificates I’ve received over the years are TRULY appreciated.</p>
<p>GemmaV – that’s really helpful to know, especially coming from someone with your perspective; sounds like a good solution to me!</p>