<p>This seems like a practice that is becoming more and more common at our high school. Kids will ask a teacher to write the letter of recommendation; teacher accepts; next thing you know, kid presents teacher with a thank you card including a gift certificate to local restaurant (this is before the letter has been written!). Same thing with early Christmas presents (to GCs) and “end of year” presents. I know teachers who receive certificates in amounts of $50 and $100 routinely. Since it’s a private school, there is no moratorium on gifts.</p>