Wednesday, June 09, 2010

School

The end of the school year is close, and as usual I'm stressing about teacher gifts.
And honestly, I'm kind of just stressing about the end of kindergarten in general.
Matt will be done senior kindergarten this month.
I am honestly wondering where the time went. I'm also wondering how the heck I'm supposed to get some sort of teacher gift to thank the teacher that has done so much in Matt's life.
Two year's ago I met Matt's teacher, Miss K. I knew from the minute I met her that she was the perfect fit for Matt, and our family.
I was at a meet the teacher night. Chloe was really little (3 months, maybe) and Matt was 4. He was just out of daycare and at home full time with me. And everything was a challenge for him. His behaviour was out of control and I was terrified at the prospect of him going into school.
So I stuck around to talk to his teacher after we'd been told the classrooms, etc.
In about 5 minutes she made me feel at ease. And she said to me "I will work with you to make this work for Matthew."
And for the past 2 years she has done that.
I've seen Matt grow in so many ways.
This amazing teacher has not just taught Matt, she has loved him. He talks about her constantly. I know the other children, and parents, love her too.
I know that this is the best possible introduction to school my child, and I, could have ever asked for.
And now those 2 years are over.
And it seems like buying a gift card and a thank you note aren't enough.
I'm not sure what would be.
I'm not suggesting a million dollar gift. I just want something meaningful, something that says how much she means to us.
I was talking to Matt about it last night. He suggested that we either buy her a car or a zhu zhu pet.
Both good ideas.
But, I'm thinking they may not be quite what I'm looking for.
Any ideas?
Cuz I have nothing.

5 comments:

SciFi Dad said...

I've always found a goat is a well received gift.

In all seriousness, I think a gift card with a personal thank you note or card (maybe two - one from you, and one from Matt) is the best call.

Badness Jones said...

Check out this website, www.allisoriginals.com - it's a local business with the sweetest personalized silver jewellery and keychains, etc. It's not expensive, and you can pick something out that will say exactly what you want it to say. E-mail Alli and tell her when you need it by, I've found that she's really great about express orders. And I hope Matt has another great teacher for grade one.

lettuce said...

I know this might sound weird but what about a nice plant in a beautiful pot for her house (peace lilies are awesome - they grow beautifully and you really can't kill them - trust me, I'm no green-thumb but my peace lilies always look gorgeous).

The reason I suggest a plant is (a) it's something she can keep for years and years and (b) you could link it to how you've seen Matt grow in her classroom/she's nurtured him at school(not that he's a plant). It's something she could look at everyday and think of you guys.

This Mom said...

Hi there! First of all, I'm your newest follower!

Secondly, I'm a teacher, and a personal note is honestly THE best gift of all. Tell her specifically all of the things she has done for your son, how much he loves her, etc. Aim for tear-jerking. Many teacher gifts get used, eaten, thrown away...but those personal notes are saved forever.

If you want to buy a gift as well, nothing says "I'm a grateful and considerate parent" like a gift card. (Bookstore, restaurant, coffee shop, unless you know a more specific interest.)

I actually wrote a magazine article on gifts for teachers; there's a link in my sidebar if you're interested. I'm so glad to know your son has had such a great introduction to school!

Looking forward to getting to know you!

Kate @ This Mom Loves

Multi-tasking Mommy said...

I second what Kate wrote! 100%