NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
February 13, 2012 Walnut, CA 91789
Valentines for Veterans
A project teaching respect, gratitude, admiration, and poetry
DIAMOND BAR, CA—Chaparral Middle School Language Arts Teacher Christy Passoth developed Valentines for Veterans as a way to help her students realize that “freedom is not free”.
It has taken the determination and sacrifice on the part of our country’s most respected military personnel, she said.
The service-learning project combines poetry writing and character building skills.
About 150 - 7th graders recently made valentines with heartfelt poems for disabled veterans conveying just how much their service is acknowledged and appreciated.
"You know who you are, a hero full of grit, who did everything without any personal benefit," wrote by Joshua Pei.
"We honor the sacrifices you have made, and the price for freedom you have paid," penned Helen Huh.
After making a rough draft and final copies of the respectful, yet rhyming poems, students constructed valentines to display their meaningful words.
The valentines were boxed and sent to the spinal cord injury ward at the Veterans' Hospital in Long Beach just in time to be distributed and lift the spirits of these American heroes on February 14.
“Their poetic writing skills illustrate their values of character. Our students truly are making a difference in the world,” Passoth said.
Shown:
Chaparral Language Arts Teacher Christy Passoth with 7th grade students Lauren Stanley, Anthony Hao, Abigail Weed, and Adeline Lee making Valentine’s for Veterans.
The Valentines for Veterans from Passoth’s five Language Arts classes were boxed and sent to the Veterans’ Hospital in Long Beach.
Mrs. Passoth with students Sandra Miller and Noelle Murphy showing off their valentines.
Students used scrapbook paper and decorations to make their personal poetic projects.