End of Year Gift Policy

We wish to remind parents at this time of year that the PTO discourages both solicitations for the purpose of giving gifts to a teacher or staff member, as well as the act of giving giftsto school personnel.  School Committee policy states, “When families, students, or otherswish to express personal appreciation to a teacher or other staff member, the School Committee urges them to find modes of expression that do not involve personal gifts.”  More importantly, there are state ethics regulations that prohibit public employees from accepting gifts of cumulative value exceeding $50.
 
It is difficult to predict if a gift or gifts will constitute a conflict of interest in the eyes of the law, which may subject the employee to legal action by the State Ethics Commission.  To avoid putting our valued teachers and coaches at risk, please choose more appropriate options for expressing gratitude to school personnel.  Preferred gifts of nominal value include something made by a student; a letter of gratitude to a teacher or staff member; or a donation to a school cause in their honor (i.e. Kasiisi School, a book through the PTO Gift Book Program, or some other item benefiting the school community).  To utilize the PTO Gift Book Program, go to the Weston PTO website to download a form westonpto.org