DEAR ABBY: I am a junior high school teacher. Throughout the year, I receive many gifts from my students. These gifts sometimes include cards from the parents expressing gratitude for the work I have done with their child.
Is it appropriate to write a thank-you note? Sometimes the gift is a combination Christmas present and thank-you gift, so the correct response is confusing. -- TEACHER IN MONTANA
DEAR TEACHER: Confusing? Regardless of who gives a gift -- or for what reason -- the giver should receive a written thank-you from you, acknowledging his or her thoughtfulness. You will be setting a wonderful example for your students to follow.