Just wondering what other kids are doing to thank teachers who wrote recommendations for college apps, scholarships, etc. D is a junior, and last Nov/Dec had three teachers write recs for two summer programs she was applying for. In addition to hand-written Thank You cards, I suggested she gives small boxes of candies from our native country. It was just before Christmas, boxes were decorated with holiday motif, I thought it was ok.
Now she got two more letters for a scholarship, one from a new teacher (who did it last minute, so thanks definitely in order), one from the same teacher who did one before and could probably re-use his letter. Looking for some input, is it ok to give something small in addition to cards, maybe some tea or hot chocolate in nice packaging, or is this crossing some kind of a line? In my culture it’s customary to thank teachers, doctors, etc., with little things like that, especially when they go above and beyond, but in U.S… not sure. Thank you!
It would be a kind gesture, but not required. As long as the student wrote a thank you note, that is sufficient. However if she wants to give a small, inexpensive thing like candies, that would be fine. I think my daughter baked small loaves of bread for her recommendation writers. My son just wrote thank you cards.
Cash. Everyone likes cash. I worked for many years as a school volunteer. Teachers like cash. OP: maybe your candies are much more special. Most of the candy ends up in a food donation box in the teacher lounge and a volunteer like me drops it at the local food bank.
Thanks everyone! I too agree cash sounds too much like a bribe, especially since D will keep asking the same teachers for recommendations for programs. Re Starbucks cards - what do you think is the appropriate amount? Thanks!
Rather than giving anything with a denomination, such as a gift card, I’d stick to candy, chocolates, homemade treats, a small potted plant, or cut flowers.The most important thing is to say thank you.
I worked as a school volunteer for 10+ years. Duly noted @skieurope that you don’t want me to say the c word any more. A nice thank you card is always appreciated. Store bought candy and the like are mostly sent to the food bank. (I drive that delivery) Home made treats go in the trash. Flowers and plants go to the local senior centers. Again that is on me for delivery. Other than a heartfelt thank you most people do not want more stuff.
This is not to debate the cash gift. It is to point out that in MA, public school teachers are considered public employees. They need to comply with ethic rules set by the Ethic Committee that include receiving cash as a gift.
My D gave her two teachers and the GC hand written thank you notes and home-baked goods (DH is an excellent baker). They were well received.
A friend of mine is a public school teacher. He enjoys baked goods, gifts from his students.