She Threw Cold Water All Over My Warm and Fuzzy

Jonezie

Jonezie

Cathlete
Ugh! I came to work this morning filled with g-l-e-e because I have been shopping for a very unique and special gift to give my 16 children. These children are my beloved Student Council students...I am their advisor. And all you teachers out there understand what I mean when I say this year is just that special mix of all the best students who have filled my school days with happiness.

SO...I decided to spend a little money and find a gift that would be personal and meaningful to them throughout their lives...maybe a beautifully handmade Christmas ornament...or a group photo cut out with an inscription from me on the back. You know what I mean...the photos that they cut out and apply to a thick backing to make them appear 3 dimensional.

Anyway, my crabby office mate got one whiff of the plan and proceeded to explain that this was going to be nothing but a dust collecting piece o' clutter that they would throw out as soon as they go to college.

So...two questions...I am a minimalist who abhors clutter...but will there be something they will love and be able to look back on when they get older?

And...do you, parents, teachers and sentimentalists out there...do you have any ideas for a wonderful gift to give 16 darling future leaders?!?
 
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When I was in Grade 4, I got a a Christmas card from a very special teacher. She wrote some beautiful things about me (hard worker, loyal, sincere one of the best students in the world). I still have that card (35 years later) and still treasure it.

There is a Gallup book called How Full is Your Bucket that talks about the impact of these special notes from people.

I don't think I have kept any other gifts for the past 35 years, somehow this note is still very important to me as well as a note from my mom before she fell into the well of Alzheimer's.

I also kept a beautiful letter from one of my former employers when I went back to school. I have kept this for over 20 years.
 
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I am also an anti-clutter minimalist. That said, I think group photo idea is a great one. I think of photos as memories, not dust collectors...especially since they can be hung on a wall.

I think your students would appreciate that. I work at a college, and students seem to bring lots of pictures of home with them.

Beat crabby co-worker with a rolled up newspaper. ;)
 
Gayle said:
Beat crabby co-worker with a rolled up newspaper. ;)
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I agree with Gayle. When done administering the beating be sure to toss the paper in the recycle bin. You wouldn't want to leave clutter in your office.
 
Bundschuh...I LOVE that you have kept the letter from your teacher. Maybe I could write 16 different letters and frame them.

Gayle...I fantasize about hitting people with a rolled up newspaper! PS...I love Boxers!!! We must talk dog over the forums sometime. I speak Shih-Tzu and Pek-a-Poo but have two Boxers through best friend osmosis. What's your pup's name?
 
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I think your ideas are wonderful. My ds (college freshman) got some personal gifts in high school from teachers he worked closely with and his boss at work and I know the gifts meant a lot to him and always will.

Erica
 
Some people are determined to be unhappy and spread misery. Shake it off and go with one of your lovely ideas.

Even if they don't keep the gift, they'll probably remember your kind words fondly for years to come. Maybe it will even prevent them from becoming Negative Nancies like your coworker, who clearly never received a heartfelt gift from a teacher. Phooey on her.
 
Give em the evil stink eye and don't sweat it. Do the nice sentimental thing because it means something to you and makes you feel good about doing it. We can't always worry about the responses we get from doing something nice or giving a gift. My sister is awful about stuff like this, . . she gives a gift and expects the person she gave it to, . . .to worship the ground she walks on. It is truly annoying. I think gifts given from the heart and with a lot of thought are always appreciated.
 
Jonezie said:
Gayle...I fantasize about hitting people with a rolled up newspaper! PS...I love Boxers!!! We must talk dog over the forums sometime. I speak Shih-Tzu and Pek-a-Poo but have two Boxers through best friend osmosis. What's your pup's name?
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Elizabeth - That's Rascal. I'm always up for dog talk. ;)
 
My daughter is in 6th grade and on the student council this year. ANYTHING from her advisor would mean the world to her--especially something that recognizes her qualities and shows appreciation. She would treasure it and save it for a long time. And if the day came that she no longer had room for a knick-knack (which day may or may not come), she would still remember you, the thought, and the special gift all her life.

My daughter is a middle child and the only girl. She is very quiet and shy in public. She is hard-working, responsible, talented, and kind; but she rarely receives kudos for trying so hard. My praise doesn't carry much weight because I'm the "mom." But this student council opportunity has already meant so much to her because it is an opportunity based on her merits. You may not even realize what an effect you are having on the kids you work with, but I am sure it is tremendous. ANY gesture from you will have an impact on their lives that will continue to grow for years to come.

I worked as an office aid for a year in junior high. The two ladies I worked with gave me a small wood trinket box (very inexpensive but cute) with their names on the inside of the lid. I still have it--and I'm 42!

Please don't let one short-sighted person undermine the good that you can do. She can go rain on her own parade.:mad:
 
Elsie...I so loved your story about your darling 6th grader. This is the age of my SC students...6-8th grades. Your encouragement meant a lot...I WILL move forward!

Gayle...kiss Roscoe for me!! I'll show you a photo of my Willoughby if you give me a hint about inserting photos in these posts.
 
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