A few years ago, we asked our teachers whether we should consider discontinuing the feedback process so as to make things easier on them. Teachers overwhelmingly and emphatically stated that they appreciated the feedback process as 1. An opportunity to teach the practice of thank-you note writing, a vital habit when young people from all walks of life interview for jobs, and 2. A literacy exercise where students are far more engaged in their writing than they would be if working on a regular assignment.

Many students also express their surprise that someone who does not know them cared enough to help out their classroom. I think it’s an important lesson — that the public is concerned about public schools, and about philanthropy. We’ve had a number of teachers tell us that after writing their thank-you notes, their students have gone on to do their own giving and community service.

While many of our donors greatly appreciate hearing back from the classroom they chose to help, I certainly understand your point of view. An “opt out” function is under development. In the meantime, should you choose to keep giving, make your donations less than $100 and you won’t get any thank-you notes.

Thanks again,

Mike Everett-Lane