Students share their traditions
SLIPPERY ROCK — Slippery Rock Elementary fifth graders have a variety of favorite things about Valentine's Day, from candy hearts to football valentine cards, and even tacos.
Trading valentines and candy, and slipping them into decorated shoe and tissue boxes of other students, has been a longtime elementary school tradition.
“We've had some over-the-top boxes” over the years, said Desi Burtner, a fifth-grade teacher.
She recalled one student who made a valentine box out of PVC piping. Others have made robots. Fellow fifth-grade teacher Barry Skodak recalled a University of Pittsburgh football helmet that was once made.
“I liked the one I made in third grade,” said fifth grader Riley Bowser. “It had cute diamond sparkles. It was just a shoebox, but then I made it different.”
Some of the classes set up a taco bar in addition to trading cards. It's something that parents and teachers usually contribute to, like a potluck. Many students look forward to the occasion.
Other years, the classes also had grilled hot dogs.
“Our classroom plans to eat tacos and then we will give out valentines,” Riley said. “People will come around and put them in your boxes.”
While most students opt for store bought valentines with a theme they like, such as sports teams, crazy animals or boy band One Direction, some students still make their own by hand, Burtner said.
It's also the last classroom holiday party the students will have because Slippery Rock fifth graders move onto the middle school next school year.
“This is their very last party,” Burtner said. “They have things to look forward to in middle school, but its their last party.”
That makes the classroom Valentine's Day parties that much more special.
“I love how joyful it is. I also like the football cards and stuff like that,” said student Logan Arblaster. “I don't really have a favorite candy or box, but I really do love the holiday.”“My favorite candies are the conversation hearts,” said student Gianna Bedel. “I also like the box of chocolate that comes in a heart shape.”“I usually love to get Fun Dip,” said student Samantha Meredith.In addition to the party, valentine-themed curriculum is usually integrated into the week.There also is a bulletin board hanging in the hallway covered with handwritten valentines some of the students wrote.While the holiday may seem more lovey dovey to students, some said there were other lessons to be learned about the Valentine's Day, too:“Don't go date at this age,” said Ella McDermott.“Say something nice to someone you have never really talked to,” said Samantha.“Don't eat too much candy,” Riley said. “That's a lesson everybody needs to learn.”“Always be loving and caring,” Logan said.
