SAUGUS — Nick DeJesus learns how much his classmates care about him as they keep an age old, sweetheart inspired tradition alive.
“I think all my friends gave me these gifts because they care about me,” said first-grader Nick DeJesus. “I care about everybody, too.”
Students of all grades at the Oaklandvale Elementary School spent their Wednesday afternoon playing Valentine’s Day-inspired games, singing along to their favorite songs, and exchanging handpicked Valentines with each other.
“We talked about how Valentine’s is a day is that we show that we care for one another,” said Oaklandvale first grade teacher. “We show that in different ways throughout the year but today it’s the day where you let people know.”
Last week, teachers sent parents the names of their kids classmates to ensure students had a Valentine for everyone in their class. After hand picking their gifts and cards, the students spent Wednesday morning decorating white paper bags with whatever doodles and trimmings their hearts desired.
Third grade teacher Alexa LoRe admits chocolate may be one of the best parts about the love-infested holiday, but nothing compares to the smiles that her students bring in.
“I love them, they’re good kids, so it’s fun to be able to kind of stop the curriculum and take a break and just have them acknowledge each other, which is important,” LoRe said.
Third-grader Jaedyn Encarnacao was all smiles as he opened his bag full of Valentines, which he decked out all by himself. He was most excited to share the cards he handpicked with his favorite creatures on it.
“My favorite is getting gifts from loved ones but I think Valentine’s Day is about all kinds of love,” he said. “I picked out zombie Valentines for all my friends because I love zombies.”
Celebrating his first Valentine’s Day, first-grader Faris Kamyab, who recently moved to the U.S. from the United Arab Emirates, may not understand the definitive meaning behind Valentine’s Day just yet, but he was more than happy to give and receive gifts from his classmates.
“I don’t know what Valentine’s Day means but this is my first one and it’s pretty cool so far,” he said.
Ava Newbury, a first-grader also in Ricciardelli’s class, was all dressed up in heart-covered clothing as she opened her Valentines. Chocolate may be delicious, but handpicked gifts from friends is what it’s all about, according to her.
“I love the presents, especially the My Little Pony that Faris just gave me,” she said. “Valentine’s Day is all about love and hugs, I think.”
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