In addition to my reply above: The teachers association does their own retirement party at the end of the year when and if there are retiring staff members. It is done out at a restaurant and they all foot the bill individually. Whoever (staff) wants to attend, pays their own way. I happened to be invited 2 years ago because we do give a gift to any retiring teachers. I had a blast. They roasted the retirees. There were many in attendance, from the Board of Education members, staff, to family of the retirees. The food was great and it really was a nice time.
Do you have a teachers association at your school? They should be the ones who honor their peers. If they are coming to you to foot the bill, that is wrong. I am going to my last retirement dinner in June, we have 3 staff members retiring. I can't wait to go!
We were approached to do a retirement party for 2 teachers and we said no. To me the staff needs to honor their own co-workers and admin. too. We would be willing to make a dish as parents but not to foot the bill. Prez. was asked by admin. to buy ribbons to recognize the staffs efforts. She said yes (within her discretionary limit) but I disagreed with us paying for them to honor THEIR staff. We cannot be an open wallet !
Thanks for the advice. She has been there FOREVER! She supports us as long as we do what she thinks is best. Doesn't like to have people change anything. Have to say I am not sorry she is finally retiring. We need some fresh ideas for te school.
I think something from the kids would be best. I don't think the PTO needs donate money to her party in general. They never really gave me a dollar figure! I am not even sure what they are doing!
Tell the adults that you can't contribute to their party fund because your group is doing something on behalf of the students in the school. You could have an assembly where the students all do something (like make retirement cards and give them to the retiree); have local restaurants and grocery stores each donate sheet cakes and have a retirement party with the students and the honoree; purchase a truck load of daisies or carnations and have each student give one to the outgoing principal; have each class put together a small photo album and present it at an assembly; etc...
For the adult party? If you're going, contribute from your own pocket. If you're not going, you could still contribute from your own pocket. Take up a collection at your next meeting if you want. But to contribute from student funds? Nadda. Nope. No.
You could, howver, take or send a small gift on behalf of the students to the party... but I still think that it would be better at an assembly with the students present...
How much money are we talking? How long has the principal been at your school? We generally will give a retirement gift to any retiring teachers. The cost is usually around $50-70.
Did you all have a good relationship with the principal? Did he support your group in your activities? Those are some key questions. Also, there are times when things that do not directly go to the kids go to them indirectly. Supporting someone who in turn supports your endeavors usually ends up affecting the kids in the longrun.
The PTO was approached for money toward the retirement party for our prinicpal. I do not feel this benefits the children in anyway since they are unable to attend!
I feel as though the county and the teachers need to foot the bill on this one....am I wrong?
