In the coming weeks, families will hear from their Room Parents regarding end of year gifts for teachers. The PTO has worked with teachers, room parents, and school administration to develop an updated approach to gifting that is in accordance with state law and ensure that the generosity of our community is shared throughout the school.
Our approach had two goals:
- Ensure all Merriam teachers, aides, and employees (specials teachers, custodians, lunch workers, nurse, special education teachers and aides, etc) are included in this generous expression of gratitude from our school community
- Separate gift giving from classroom supply funding to: address teacher’s concerns regarding large differences in the amounts given by different classes, directly connect parents to specific requests and needs, and to be in line with general district policies.
So, what does this mean for our Room Parents and families who would like to contribute to classroom gifts for teachers and also to supplies?
As in the past, if families would like to provide individual gifts to their teachers, they are more than welcome to do so and are asked only to follow the state guidelines. For gifts from the whole class, the Room Parents can organize a group gift. There is an annual limit of $150 (set by the state of Massachusetts), so the general practice continues to be to coordinate a $75 gift at the holidays and a $75 gift at the end of the year. Contributions beyond the $75 limit will go toward providing a gift to each staff member in our entire school community. In December 2024, we were able to ensure that all school employees received a gift of $50, and all classroom assistants received $75. Room Parents are also still encouraged to work with their classes to create mementos for their teachers.
Moving forward, instead of only supporting classroom supplies at the holidays and end of the year, the PTO is encouraging parents to support classroom needs all year long. We have coordinated with the district and school administration to develop guidelines for teacher wishlists of desired classroom supplies. Many teachers have already created these lists and will likely be sending them out via Parent Square in the coming days.
At any time during the year, we encourage interested families to donate supplies. We know that our school community thrives because of the support and generosity of our families and are grateful for the many ways that you support Merriam!