Posted by
Christine Gates on Sunday, May 06, 2007 10:01:03 PM
This is one of the most offensive and self-serving “occasions” ever INVENTED by people who claim to have dedicated their lives to educating children! I work for an elementary school in rural North Carolina. This is EXACTLY what appeared in my Friday, May 4th, staff bulletin. -- Exactly as it appeared. --
Staff Appreciation Week – I know it is hard to believe, but it’s time to celebrate Staff Appreciation Week (May 7-11). Parents will be notified of this celebration with Friday’s newsletter, but I wanted to communicate the plans for the week to you also. Please note the following activities:
Monday—Shine a light on the subject!
Give the gift of a flashlight or candle with a note about how your child’s teacher sheds light on learning, lights up education, or enlightens us all.
Tuesday—Make it loud and clear!
Children either write or record a message to their teacher showing their appreciation.
Wednesday—If teachers were flowers, I’d pick you!
Show your appreciation with a bouquet of flowers or a pot of flowers to plant outside.
Thursday—Relaxation and Rejuvenation Day!
Surprise your teacher with some hand lotion, bath salts, shower gel, etc.
Friday— Random Acts of Kindness!
Parents and children choose a special way to show a random act of kindness to the teacher. Deliver teacher supplies, a gift card to purchase books or classroom supplies, a gift certificate for lunch or breakfast, etc.
The PTO will be providing goodies each day also. I wanted these to be a surprise to you so I am not giving details at this time. Enjoy these special treats!
I am embarrassed to go to school Monday, Shine the light on the subject day. Does this offend you, too? I asked a few staff members on Friday about the week of recognition, and they also felt it was a bit over the top. How does one react to a week of obligatory gifts? Do you thank them and let the kids and parents think they have done the right thing? On the other hand, do you refuse the gifts and offend kids and parents?
I was never asked about this “special occasion.” I never petitioned for such a week of recognition. I am certainly uncomfortable having the school layout a rigorous schedule of gift giving. It all sounds like extortion to me.
What about parents who truly appreciate my service? I do not feel they are compelled to purchase gifts for me at anytime. I earn a paycheck for my services. I am really bothered by this entire “occasion.”
Is your child’s school “celebrating” this way?