Teachers reject 'lame' 'gift that was a 'small way to say thanks' from school

“After eating that at room temp, I'd call in sick the next day."

A school’s attempt to show gratitude to staff has aged like milk (or in this case yoghurt), with social media slamming the gesture as “unacceptable.” 

 

Despite the best intentions to acknowledge the hard work of its teachers, many questioned why they even bothered at all.

A video posted to TikTok shows the gifting spirit, unironically set to the heartbreak anthem My Heart Will Go On. Nothing says appreciation like a ballad of loss. 

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"Please enjoy this treat - it’s just a small way to say THANK YOU!"

The now viral video was captured by a staff member, who was clearly moved by all of the ‘gratitude.’ The video has amassed over 2.2 million views and thousands of comments.

The note from the unnamed school reads: 

“Happy staff appreciation week!

“To our incredible school staff: we appreciate your hard work, passion and dedication every single day. Please enjoy this treat - it’s just a small way to say THANK YOU!

“With heartfelt gratitude, Central Office Administration.”  

The small treat in question? A sad lineup of five granola bars, some lonely napkins, a plastic bag of fruit and a dozen or so unrefrigerated pots of Activia yoghurt.

@the_viper79x

Admin shows appreciation #teacher #teacherappreciation #admin #superintendent

♬ Titanic flute fail - Kate McKenzie 🩵

What was meant to be a sweet gesture quickly curdled into an online roast session. 

“Nothing says thank you like a room temp yogurt,” one person wrote.

“I’d call in sick the next day blaming the warm Activia,” another suggested.

A third added: “Sometimes it’s better to just say nothing.”

“And no spoons is also crazy work,” a fourth noticed.

The school's attempt at a thankful gesture to teachers didn't go as they likely expected it to. Image: TikTok/ the_viper79x

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"Last year for teacher appreciation week I got a ziploc bag of AIR" 

Some commenters even turned up to the comment section with their own teacher appreciation horror stories.

“Last year for teacher appreciation week I got a ziploc bag of AIR labeled “one deep breath” from admin,” one teacher shared. 

A second wrote: “The year I worked in public school, they gave us a “you’re a life saver!” card with a single mint lifesaver taped to it. One.”

A third raised the bar entirely: “we got a MASSEUSE! And three catered lunches this week. Not even a humble brag - just a brag. Best teacher appreciation week ever! You deserve better!” 

One commenter offered a glimpse into the possible reason behind the underwhelming spread.

“I hate to tell you guys but administration pays for all this stuff out-of-pocket. I’ve spent over $2000 this year on stuff for my staff. I don’t have that kind of money either,” they wrote. 

Maybe next year they’ll just send an email. 

Originally published as Teachers reject 'lame' 'gift that was a 'small way to say thanks' from school