If so, how do you enforce it? We are only allowed to do a small card exchange the last 10 minutes of the day and there won't be any treats or "party." We are supposed to "downplay" the whole thing as much as possible and we have to send any notes home through the office first. The "suggested wording for parents" was "we will recognize valentines day in the last 10 minutes of the day on Feb. 14th." I think they didn't like how people went into to much detail about why we weren't having a halloween party and it got parents into even more of a fuss. I really want to tell them that if they choose to participate they need to bring a card for everyone and I want to include a class list with the letter. Is that asking too much? I have had issues with bullying in my class before... I have some real "mean girls."
I don't require the kids to bring cards, but I tell them if they do, they should bring one for everyone. Actually, our school handbook says that they can't pass out things like cards, party invitations, etc without giving one to every child in class.
I have always sent a letter home that says that Valentines should be brought for everyone (if students are choosing to participate). I include a class list (first names only) on the letter. I talk with the class about it also, and have never had a problem with students being left out. However, if you only have 10 minutes-I would consider not having them write names on the Valentines. I think it has always taken my class more than 10 minutes to pass out them out.
It's something that is difficult to enforce if students are really sneaky. You aren't going to count all the valentines that each student receives, nor are you going to read them all. I would leave it at suggesting that if they if they choose to send in Valentines, they send in one for all students in the class. Just as a thought, it will take longer than 10 minutes to get 20 something students to pass out all their valentines. Either make sure you have a little extra time or have really thought about how they will pass these out.
In my opinion, that is certainly fine. If you have e-mail for the parents, I would also e-mail them that their child will be going home with a letter regarding Valentine's Day celebration. That way they know to look out for it.
I've never had to request students bring a valentine for everyone... that's just always happened. I'm really surprised that in some places, it has to be stated to bring a card for everyone! I do remember when I did my student teaching in grade two, one student brought a little heart-shaped box of chocolates for a boy that she really liked in the class. Unfortunately for her, the boy didn't really read into it what he was supposed to, and was just so excited to have a box of chocolates.
Making the valentine-holder in art class was one of the very few highlights of elementary school. It hung over the front of my desk and students put valentines in it starting a few days before the "unveiling." Wouldn't something like this turn that ten minute Valentine un-party into a simple opening-and-looking-at the cards? "All valentines must be brought and distributed the day before" or something like that. Just a thought. Another thought: I think it's really, really sad that so much of what made school fun is now forbidden. "My personal beliefs are violated!!!" Seriously? Your beliefs are that fragile and easily toppled? Grow a pair.
I like the idea of passing out the cards throughout the week! I'm sure your admin wouldn't go for it though, but mine would.
Yes, I have them bring a Valentine for everyone. In 20+ years in grades 2-5 I have never had a student complain about this policy.
The principal uses excuses such as "Valentine's day makes some people sad" That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard. It is the ONLY moment of the year where I see all the children 100% happy. It is the only moment that all students give items to all children, and all students get a gift (a Valentine) from everyone. There might be a day when they are in their 20s where they feel sad about Valentine's Day, but it sure isn't when they are in 3rd grade.
Just to let you know, it usually always took my kids about 15-20 minutes to pass out Valentines (and no one went back to their desks to look at what they were getting). It just always seems to take them forever to find each person's desk!
