Dear Parents,
As we approach the Christmas and holiday season, I would like once again to share with you some important thoughts on the sensitive topic of gift-giving and expressions of appreciation that are so much a part of this time of year. I raise this issue not in criticism, but out of respect for our school’s collective commitment to balance, good judgment, and service to the larger community.
Throughout my career I have had the pleasure of witnessing many meaningful gestures from parents and students wishing to demonstrate their gratitude for dedicated and caring teaching. This is a wonderfully affirming part of the profession and in virtually all such cases the cards and gifts have been richly deserved. Yet, somewhere along the way, the gifts of homemade cookies and handwritten, heart-felt cards have been replaced by an ever-increasing level of extravagance, a phenomenon that in the end has the potential to create the opposite effect for which it was intended.
On many occasions I have watched students and parents bring arm loads of gifts for their teachers at Christmas-time. My initial appreciation for these well meaning and genuine displays of gratitude and affection has unfortunately been countered by the powerful realization that many families are not able to keep pace with the continually escalating expense of gift giving. Unfortunately, but unequivocally, this generous and heartfelt custom has put mounting pressure on parents, embarrassed certain children whose families cannot afford to give, and in some cases created awkward moments for teachers.
Beginning this year, I would like to suggest that we take a different approach, one that is far more consistent with our mission and identity as an Episcopal school. Consider directing our generosity, in honor of that special teacher or staff member, toward one of the many worthwhile programs and charitable organizations supported by our school community. As we witnessed last year in the aftermath of the terrible devastation inflicted by hurricane Katrina, we have the ability to come together as a community in powerful and meaningful ways to make a deep and lasting difference in the world around us. The list of possibilities is broad and deep and includes our own school-connected programs such as Special Camp for Special Kids, Corazon Housebuild, and Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano as well as larger community efforts such as Head Start, Habitat for Humanity and Project Dignity, to name a few. In the end, of course, this is your choice, but I encourage you to give this serious thought and if appropriate to speak directly with specific members of our faculty and staff and gain some insight into the organizations and programs that matter to them.
I realize full well that this is a sensitive and delicate issue and I very much appreciate your thoughtful consideration of these suggestions. On a related note, please know how grateful we are for the presence of your children and the wonderful spirit and enthusiasm that have permeated the school this fall. Best wishes to you and your families a joyous Christmas and holiday season.
Fondly,
Marcus D. Hurlbut