“Calling all students and teachers!” read a January Facebook post by Congressman Mark Takano, Representative of California’s 41st District.
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Accompanying the post was a video asking elementary teachers and students to participate in Valentines for Veterans (also known as Valentines for Vets). Coordinated by Congressman Takano’s office, the yearly program allows students to thank veterans by making them Valentine’s Day cards, which are then distributed to local veteran organizations.
This year, instead of requesting physical cards, Congressman Takano asked that students record and submit short videos showing their appreciation for veterans.
“I’m looking forward to seeing all of these wonderful, creative messages,” he said.
Jurupa Unified has participated in Valentines for Vets for several years. Though the format was different this time around, teachers and students remained excited to participate.
Katy Schulz, a 1st grade teacher at Del Sol Academy, put together a PowerPoint presentation of her class’s valentines. Her students made digital cards on Seesaw or sent in videos holding their handmade cards. Some of the slides included pictures of the veterans in their families.
“Many students talked about the veterans in their own families when we celebrated Veteran’s Day and we decided to include their pictures, too,” shared Mrs. Schulz. “It makes for a more personal connection.”
Though Mrs. Schulz is glad her students participated, she looks forward to making Valentine’s Day cards in class again, citing the important discussions that have taken place in years past while students have created their cards together.
On February 16th, a brief
video compilation of submissions was released via Congressman Takano’s social media accounts. Featured were JUSD students Max Castillo (Stone Avenue) and Miriam Lopez (Ina Arbuckle).
“I wanted to make [veterans] feel that we all care,” shared Miriam, on why she created her video.
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Despite the change in format, veterans within the district were still able to receive physical Valentine’s Day cards, including Hilbert Castro, a Campus Supervisor at Ina Arbuckle, and Robert Garcia, a JUSD Board Trustee.
“[Valentines for Vets] plants the seed of kindness in service to others and instills in [students] a sense of patriotism,” said Mr. Garcia, a Navy Veteran. “It’s a reminder of hope for our future.”
In a statement to JUSD, Congressman Takano shared the following: “Every year that my office has organized Valentines for Vets, I’m always amazed by the creativity and thoughtfulness of the elementary school students in my district. Veterans have made great sacrifices and have risked their lives to defend our country and protect our freedoms, and as Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, it is my responsibility to be a strong advocate for these heroes and ensure that they get the support they need. I greatly appreciate students’ help in this mission and their desire to celebrate Valentine’s Day by creating handmade cards to thank veterans for their service, make them feel appreciated, and put a smile on their face.”
