Alexandria Mom's Calendar of Events

Thursday, May 26, 2016

End of Year Teacher Gifts

So, it's that time of year again, time to thank the teachers for putting up with your kid for another year   teaching your child.


Here are some that we have put together as a class over the last few years - (I know preschool is easier than grade school)

Its been easy - we just ask about $10 from each family to contribute towards this "themed" gift.  Some families only give $10, some give more, whatever they can and want to contribute.  We pool the money and get each teacher a themed bag.  We usually tailor it to the teacher's interests.   It's great and it looks like so much more than just a gift card from each family.


-Large pool bag filled with flip flops, buckets, gift cards to book stores, plastic drink glasses, visors, sun screen, beach towel, etc.

-Large tote bag filled with gardening items - shears, small shovel, gloves, gift card to Home Depot, packets of seeds, etc.

-Large tote bag filled with cooking items - measuring cups & spoons, apron, gift card to Williams Sonoma, hand towels, cook book, etc.

-Large tote bag filled with children's books (for the just out of school teacher starting their library) - having some of the books autographed by the authors is great!

-Large tote bag filled with pet items - leash, balls, squeaky toys, rain boots for the owner, gift cards to pet supply stores, etc.

-Tote filled with camping items - mosquito spray and netting, flashlight, batteries, hiking guide books, pillow, water bottle, etc.

It is great if you can get the kids to decorate or personalize the bag - hand prints on the bag or write their names.


Other items that have been "hits" with teachers:

  • note cards
  • thank you notes
  • children's books signed by the author
  • various gift cards to Amazon, Great Harvest Bread store, St. Elmo's, Dairy Godmother, AMC Movie theater, etc. 


Some of the things that teachers have said they don't like or appreciate (have too much of) - anything with an apple or teacher on it.




What are some of the gifts you've given?

Monday, May 23, 2016

ACPS Seeks Input

ACPS Seeks Input on ACPS 2020 Strategic Plan

For Immediate Release: May 20, 2016
This school year Alexandria City Public Schools launched its new strategic plan, ACPS 2020, with the mission of 'Every Student Succeeds.' ACPS would like to request that you spend between five and ten minutes to help ensure the success of our school division and the ACPS 2020 Strategic Plan by taking a short survey to give your feedback about several important issues that affect our schools and the facilities, activities and communications in our community.
You can take the survey at tinyurl.com/acps2020. The survey is available online in English, Spanish, and Arabic. An Amharic translation of the survey will be made available at your local school in paper format
You have until June 5 to share your feedback.
Your responses are completely confidential. We have partnered with independent research and communications firm K12 Insight to administer the survey and compile the results. No one at the division will know if you participate or will be able to connect you to your answers. K12 Insight’s final reports will share only the overall results, not individual comments or responses.
ACPS 2020 envisions a positive future for our schools and our students. By sharing your perspectives you can help make that future a reality. Thank you for stepping forward and making your voice count.
Should you have any questions regarding the survey, contact the ACPS Office of Accountability at 703.619.8032.