What are proactive student?

Graduation gift for a soon to be former student?

• I'm a high school teacher and I know that we're not supposed to have favorites, but we all do. I work hard to remain objective in my grading and in class, but there is a one student that has become particularly special to me this year. This was my first year teacher and she has been such an encouragement this year. We immediately clicked at the beginning of the year and over time she has started to confide in me more. She told me that I have been such an important influence in her life and she sees me as a big sister. She's an only child and I know it took a lot for her to say that. I have been very proactive about being professional with her this school year and I have promised to go out to lunch with her when she graduates. Furthermore, I gave her permission after graduation to call me by my first name. Her parents are very sweet people and we have met several times this year. At our last meeting her Dad invited me to her graduation party. I know that I have to bring a gift for her and I wanted to give her more than a gift card or a card full of money. I was thinking about framing a poem or possibly getting her the book "Oh The Places You'll Go". I worry about somebody else getting her the Dr. Seuss book because it is so popular though. Does anyone have any ideas about what I could get her that would be inspirational??? I know right now she is struggling with future plans and I would like to give her something meaningful to keep. I was thinking more along the lines of a framed quote or poem. Ideas are greatly appreciated.

• Answer:

  I like the idea of a simply-framed poem. I don't think you are obligated to bring a gift to the graduation party, and to bring anything of monetary value would suggest that you are playing favorites. Remember that it is likely that she won't be the only one of your students present at the party, and you don't want to give her something that makes them wonder why you would spend money on her and not on them. I've attended graduation parties for a few of my former students, and I've invited teachers to some of my own graduations, and I don't remember any exchange of gifts at any of those occasions.