When Jefferson Art Teacher Monte Klein let his Second Grade students know of their project for the day, he said that they totally understood what their mission was — to make their very best Valentine’s Day cards and greetings which were going to be shared with someone they didn’t even know, and that they’d be putting a smile on the faces of very special elderly persons.
Mr. Klein said that with the help of Jefferson’s Para-Professionals and others, the students had fun cutting out hearts, drawing hearts and writing messages of love and kindness on
paper, and putting together red, pink and white cards with a whole lot of TLC and loads of excitement and enthusiasm. Mr. Klein said that, “My students are very loving in general, but
with this project, they couldn’t be stopped once they got started! In fact, they made so many Valentine’s cards, they had extras to take home to their families, too!”
Each of the students were so very proud of their creations, which were bundled up and delivered to Ms. Keri Carlson, MAPS Director of Nutrition Services, who, along with the
Manistee County Council on Aging Meals on Wheels Executive Director Sarah Howard, and Volunteers, were “in” on the caper. On Thursday, February 11, the Jefferson Second
Graders’ Valentine’s Day cards were delivered to the Meals on Wheels Recipients along with their noontime meals spreading happiness and love, and bringing about smiles from the recipients as they received their very own Valentine.
Commented Mr. Klein, “Valentine’s Day is the best holiday celebration for schools — there’s love for everyone!” And we all know that when you give love, you receive love. Following
yesterday’s meal deliveries to our Senior Friends, this project of kindness and love came full circle. Jefferson Principal Julia Raddatz and Administrative Assistant Connie Miller received
phone calls from some of the Seniors who said they were overjoyed with their Valentine’s handmade by the Second Graders. The L’il CHIPS certainly put their hugs around the
hearts of their Senior Friends through their extra special Valentine’s Day cards — a true labor of love!
