12. The Lost Art of Thank You Notes – We are going to go on the honor system here! Write one to someone today! However, respond here briefly who deserves one and why.
I/my club actually wrote a thank you note to a staff member at our meeting on Monday. This fellow staff member steppped in to help run the club while I was out on maternity leave. She held a few meetings, ran a community event program and helped to distribute funds where needed. In the thank you, we gave her a small gift card to her favorite store. She came up to me and said that the thank you made her day and that she was not expecting anything from us at all. It was nice to catch her off guard since she is the type of person who steps up without hesitatation and does not expect anything from anyone at all.
Sounds like you chose the perfect person upon which to bestow thanks! Not that it's necessary, but it's always wonderful when the person we thank for touching our lives in a positive way also finds our words of thanks touching.
I just wrote out two thank you cards today for a parent chaperone and our school nurse for joining us on our field trip today. I always write a thank you card to each of my parent chaperones for taking time out of their day to spend it with us. Some parents have to take time off of work, and it means a lot to me that I can count on them to join us and the sacrifice they make to be with their child. My school nurse has to accompany me on field trips this year because I have a student with medical needs. I appreciate her coming because she is so good with the kids, very positive and always helping us get lined up or the many trips to the bathroom! Even though she has to come, you can tell she enjoys it and is so helpful!
It is great when you can trust someone with your students! Our nurses do so much and I know that they love being able to get out of the office for a day of fun too!
I love that you thanked the parent chaperone. Like you said, they take time off of work or from their busy schedules so it's great to make them feel appreciated. My son's kindergarten teacher did this for me last year on a couple of occasions, and it certainly was a thoughtful way to show her appreciation.
I chose to write a thank you card to my NCCC liaison in charge of overseeing my college level Spanish classes. She is among the kindest and most optimistic people I know. She is required to come observe my classes once per semester, collect a sample assessment or two, answer any questions I may have, and get an overall view of how my classes are run and running. I’ve spoken to numerous teachers in my building and in other districts who teach college level courses and none of their liaisons seem to come close to comparing to mine. While their liaisons show up for one class period (often late), sit in the back of the room, scratch down some notes, talk for a few minutes at the end of the period and leave, mine typically stays the entire day not only to observe my lessons for the day, but to team teach with me. I put her right to work every time and we have so much fun! In the Spring she’ll typically serve as my guest speaker, sharing her incredible insight on the value of learning about the world through language study and travel. Even at nine months pregnant, she was able to share her excitement and love for what she does in such a way that she not only inspired me, but many of my students were genuinely moved by their time with her. I am truly grateful for her dedication to her profession, her students, me, and my students. I definitely won the liaison lottery!
The IA in my classroom, Kathleen Gregg, deserves a thank you not- many of them, in fact. She tirelessly works with the toughest members of my group without complaint, brings them shoes, clothing, food, whatever they may need. She does this gracefully, all while battling stage 4 cancer. She is my hero. She is the definition of strength. I sent her this note on Friday- as she just recently took a leave of absence to fight even harder. She is one amazing person!
I wrote my note to my friend Amy. This year has been uncharacteristically stressful and Amy has been an unwavering support system for me. She makes time to listen to me vent no matter what she is working on at her desk or dealing with at home herself. She can always make me laugh no matter what and I so grateful for our friendship. Thank you Amy!
I wrote a note to my daughter's art teacher. She recently moved up to the high school from the middle school, and has been having a hard time this year with an especially difficult Studio Art class; students that are disrespectful, not wanting to be there, etc. Both of my daughters absolutely love her because she is an inspiring and passionate teacher, and just an all around great human. We were all sad that these students were giving her a hard time, so I sent in a note thanking her for everything she does for my kids and so many others. I wanted her to know that she was appreciated and "Nolite te Bastardes Carborundorum". We sent along a box of tea because I know that's one thing she enjoys and hoped that she could find some time to recharge and relax during a trying day. Sometimes all we need is to know there are people who appreciate us to help us find the strength to keep going in the face of adversity.
My aide deserves a thank you note! I thank her over and over again on a daily basis, but a note is a comin!! I am not sure what in the world I would do without her on a day to day basis. Not only does she make my job easier, she is always there to listen and never judge. That is a difficult quality to possess but she is unwavering. I can always ask questions, her advice, opinions, complain, share about home and school, and she always has the perfect words. I'm not sure where I would be professionally or personally without her. I don't know many others who say that about their aides! She truly is one of my best friends and I am so grateful for her.
I plan on writing a thank you note to my daughter's principal. I want to thank him for looking out for her this year as she transitioned to the Middle School building. There were some tough times involving another student and her family, but I always felt confident that her teachers and principal would help her if she needed it.
I too, am so thankful for the actions that teachers, librarians, administrators took to benefit my own children. Their small kindnesses have such an impact on kids.
I actually just sent a thank you note to a former colleague of mine, just because she took the time to help me work on something, I needed an extra artistic hand and she was more than willing to take the time to help me out. Every year I also send thank you notes to my son's teachers - because they deserve to know how much I appreciate the job they are doing with all of the kids. I have found that a little act of kindness can go a long way - so I try to incorporate that idea where I work as well.
It is exceptionally rewarding to get thank you notes for the various things we do for students. Each year I am asked by students to write letters of recommendation for their college applications. It is the rare student that writes a thank you note, but I do remember the ones who do.
Two years ago we bought our retirement home. Over the past two summers my wife and have been putting a lot of time and energy into renovations. One item we couldn't do ourselves was to install a waterline 900ft. from where the town waterline was to our house. I was given the name of a contractor who could do the job. Before calling him I wanted to have an idea how much it might cost. When he gave me the estimate it was half of what I was expecting. Since that time he has done a couple of other jobs for us as well. The other week when I was working, school is about two hours from our house so I only get home on weekends, my wife got the lawnmower stuck and she called our contractor/friend and he came right over with one of his workers to help her out. It's nice to live in a community where people are willing to help one another out. So that is my thank you.
Finding people like your contractor to do business with, and develop a relationship with is pure gold. So hard to find people you can rely on and trust.
I just wrote a thank you note to the principal at my son's school. She was kind enough to invite me in and have a discussion with me in regards to getting back into the teaching field. I had several questions and was looking for some insight; she went above and beyond in helping me and devoting so much of her time. I quickly wrote and mailed her a nice thank you. I am a firm believer in writing thank you notes, and I am strict on doing so as quickly as possible. I already make my 6 and 3 year old children write notes or draw pictures to show their appreciation when necessary. Never too young to start!
Usually, I write e-mails to the mentors of new teachers thanking them for their work during the year. A hand written thank you card will be perfect for them as they spend hours supporting their new teacher with advice, listening, planning, release time, and reflecting. A thank you note seems more appropriate for all their effort.
My wife and I recently celebrated out birthdays while on a family trip in Italy. Our tour guide made our birthdays very special and even purchased us Venetian glass blow figurines as birthday gifts/souvenirs.I chose Pino, our tour guide, as the recipient of a thank you note. He may not get it for a month, but I certainly appreciated the effort he made for my wife and I.
Although I think I just got off easy, I wrote one. I think I have to sit down soon and do this more often. I just wrote my wife a Thank you note. She has to put up with me more than anyone else, so she is definitely most deserving.
I write thank you notes and make sure to thank people through emails all the time. I do this because first the person did something for me and I would want them to help me again in the future, second I know what it feels like to do something for someone and not get a thank you, and lastly it's just polite. Recently, I have given an end of the year assessment to my students and need at least three teachers to help me score my tests. I will be sending out thank you notes to those that helped me score.
This is great - I just bought a fresh pack of thank you notes today! I want to write a thank you note to my friend that told me about the position that was open at her school and let her know how much I appreciate her faith in me and my future. It feels so good to feel like someone believes in me and my ability to be a teacher.
I/my club actually wrote a thank you note to a staff member at our meeting on Monday. This fellow staff member steppped in to help run the club while I was out on maternity leave. She held a few meetings, ran a community event program and helped to distribute funds where needed. In the thank you, we gave her a small gift card to her favorite store. She came up to me and said that the thank you made her day and that she was not expecting anything from us at all. It was nice to catch her off guard since she is the type of person who steps up without hesitatation and does not expect anything from anyone at all.
ReplyDeleteSo nice!
DeleteSounds like you chose the perfect person upon which to bestow thanks! Not that it's necessary, but it's always wonderful when the person we thank for touching our lives in a positive way also finds our words of thanks touching.
DeleteI just wrote out two thank you cards today for a parent chaperone and our school nurse for joining us on our field trip today. I always write a thank you card to each of my parent chaperones for taking time out of their day to spend it with us. Some parents have to take time off of work, and it means a lot to me that I can count on them to join us and the sacrifice they make to be with their child. My school nurse has to accompany me on field trips this year because I have a student with medical needs. I appreciate her coming because she is so good with the kids, very positive and always helping us get lined up or the many trips to the bathroom! Even though she has to come, you can tell she enjoys it and is so helpful!
ReplyDeleteIt is great when you can trust someone with your students! Our nurses do so much and I know that they love being able to get out of the office for a day of fun too!
DeleteI love that you thanked the parent chaperone. Like you said, they take time off of work or from their busy schedules so it's great to make them feel appreciated. My son's kindergarten teacher did this for me last year on a couple of occasions, and it certainly was a thoughtful way to show her appreciation.
DeleteI chose to write a thank you card to my NCCC liaison in charge of overseeing my college level Spanish classes. She is among the kindest and most optimistic people I know. She is required to come observe my classes once per semester, collect a sample assessment or two, answer any questions I may have, and get an overall view of how my classes are run and running. I’ve spoken to numerous teachers in my building and in other districts who teach college level courses and none of their liaisons seem to come close to comparing to mine. While their liaisons show up for one class period (often late), sit in the back of the room, scratch down some notes, talk for a few minutes at the end of the period and leave, mine typically stays the entire day not only to observe my lessons for the day, but to team teach with me. I put her right to work every time and we have so much fun! In the Spring she’ll typically serve as my guest speaker, sharing her incredible insight on the value of learning about the world through language study and travel. Even at nine months pregnant, she was able to share her excitement and love for what she does in such a way that she not only inspired me, but many of my students were genuinely moved by their time with her. I am truly grateful for her dedication to her profession, her students, me, and my students. I definitely won the liaison lottery!
ReplyDeleteIt's so great when you get to work with true professionals who are inspiring and into what they do!
DeleteThe IA in my classroom, Kathleen Gregg, deserves a thank you not- many of them, in fact. She tirelessly works with the toughest members of my group without complaint, brings them shoes, clothing, food, whatever they may need. She does this gracefully, all while battling stage 4 cancer. She is my hero. She is the definition of strength. I sent her this note on Friday- as she just recently took a leave of absence to fight even harder. She is one amazing person!
ReplyDeleteShe is amazing!
DeleteShe sounds like a superhero. That's awesome that you acknowledged her :)
DeleteI wrote my note to my friend Amy. This year has been uncharacteristically stressful and Amy has been an unwavering support system for me. She makes time to listen to me vent no matter what she is working on at her desk or dealing with at home herself. She can always make me laugh no matter what and I so grateful for our friendship. Thank you Amy!
ReplyDeleteAwwww it was so sweet! I didn't even know about the assignment. I felt very loved after reading your card! :)
DeleteI wrote a note to my daughter's art teacher. She recently moved up to the high school from the middle school, and has been having a hard time this year with an especially difficult Studio Art class; students that are disrespectful, not wanting to be there, etc. Both of my daughters absolutely love her because she is an inspiring and passionate teacher, and just an all around great human. We were all sad that these students were giving her a hard time, so I sent in a note thanking her for everything she does for my kids and so many others. I wanted her to know that she was appreciated and "Nolite te Bastardes Carborundorum". We sent along a box of tea because I know that's one thing she enjoys and hoped that she could find some time to recharge and relax during a trying day. Sometimes all we need is to know there are people who appreciate us to help us find the strength to keep going in the face of adversity.
ReplyDeleteMy aide deserves a thank you note! I thank her over and over again on a daily basis, but a note is a comin!! I am not sure what in the world I would do without her on a day to day basis. Not only does she make my job easier, she is always there to listen and never judge. That is a difficult quality to possess but she is unwavering. I can always ask questions, her advice, opinions, complain, share about home and school, and she always has the perfect words. I'm not sure where I would be professionally or personally without her. I don't know many others who say that about their aides! She truly is one of my best friends and I am so grateful for her.
ReplyDeleteI plan on writing a thank you note to my daughter's principal. I want to thank him for looking out for her this year as she transitioned to the Middle School building. There were some tough times involving another student and her family, but I always felt confident that her teachers and principal would help her if she needed it.
ReplyDeleteI too, am so thankful for the actions that teachers, librarians, administrators took to benefit my own children. Their small kindnesses have such an impact on kids.
DeleteI actually just sent a thank you note to a former colleague of mine, just because she took the time to help me work on something, I needed an extra artistic hand and she was more than willing to take the time to help me out. Every year I also send thank you notes to my son's teachers - because they deserve to know how much I appreciate the job they are doing with all of the kids. I have found that a little act of kindness can go a long way - so I try to incorporate that idea where I work as well.
ReplyDeleteIt is exceptionally rewarding to get thank you notes for the various things we do for students. Each year I am asked by students to write letters of recommendation for their college applications. It is the rare student that writes a thank you note, but I do remember the ones who do.
DeleteTwo years ago we bought our retirement home. Over the past two summers my wife and have been putting a lot of time and energy into renovations. One item we couldn't do ourselves was to install a waterline 900ft. from where the town waterline was to our house. I was given the name of a contractor who could do the job. Before calling him I wanted to have an idea how much it might cost. When he gave me the estimate it was half of what I was expecting. Since that time he has done a couple of other jobs for us as well. The other week when I was working, school is about two hours from our house so I only get home on weekends, my wife got the lawnmower stuck and she called our contractor/friend and he came right over with one of his workers to help her out. It's nice to live in a community where people are willing to help one another out. So that is my thank you.
ReplyDeleteFinding people like your contractor to do business with, and develop a relationship with is pure gold. So hard to find people you can rely on and trust.
DeleteI just wrote a thank you note to the principal at my son's school. She was kind enough to invite me in and have a discussion with me in regards to getting back into the teaching field. I had several questions and was looking for some insight; she went above and beyond in helping me and devoting so much of her time. I quickly wrote and mailed her a nice thank you.
ReplyDeleteI am a firm believer in writing thank you notes, and I am strict on doing so as quickly as possible. I already make my 6 and 3 year old children write notes or draw pictures to show their appreciation when necessary. Never too young to start!
Usually, I write e-mails to the mentors of new teachers thanking them for their work during the year. A hand written thank you card will be perfect for them as they spend hours supporting their new teacher with advice, listening, planning, release time, and reflecting. A thank you note seems more appropriate for all their effort.
ReplyDeleteMy wife and I recently celebrated out birthdays while on a family trip in Italy. Our tour guide made our birthdays very special and even purchased us Venetian glass blow figurines as birthday gifts/souvenirs.I chose Pino, our tour guide, as the recipient of a thank you note. He may not get it for a month, but I certainly appreciated the effort he made for my wife and I.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I think I just got off easy, I wrote one. I think I have to sit down soon and do this more often. I just wrote my wife a Thank you note. She has to put up with me more than anyone else, so she is definitely most deserving.
ReplyDeleteI write thank you notes and make sure to thank people through emails all the time. I do this because first the person did something for me and I would want them to help me again in the future, second I know what it feels like to do something for someone and not get a thank you, and lastly it's just polite. Recently, I have given an end of the year assessment to my students and need at least three teachers to help me score my tests. I will be sending out thank you notes to those that helped me score.
ReplyDeleteThis is great - I just bought a fresh pack of thank you notes today! I want to write a thank you note to my friend that told me about the position that was open at her school and let her know how much I appreciate her faith in me and my future. It feels so good to feel like someone believes in me and my ability to be a teacher.
ReplyDelete