Valentine exchange program lets BCS students share their love of learning

February 12, 2023

Traditionally, classroom pen pals are a way for students to connect with other students across the country.

But Mrs. Watson’s second grade class has been excitedly participating in a twist on the traditional practice of exchanging notes with kids in other schools. Instead of each student sending an individual letter, Mrs. Watson’s students joined forces to compose and prepare a special Valentine to send around the country. The project is part of the annual Valentine Exchange for Elementary Teachers.

“We made 23 Valentines,” Mrs. Watson explained. “We did a little map and we marked Butler. I had them sign every letter.”

Mrs. Watson, who found the program online, showed her students how to compose a special letter about Butler Catholic and decorate copies to send to schools in their group. As part of the exchange, other schools are sending letters and artwork back to her class.

Every time a letter arrives in the mail, Mrs. Watson makes sure to open and read it for her students before hanging it up in the classroom.

“They enjoy listening to the stories,” Mrs. Watson added. “When they get the letters, they are so excited!”

One of things Mrs. Watson particularly likes about the project is it gives students an opportunity to learn new writing and art skills beyond their usual class lessons. Her students love talking about how they contributed to the class Valentine.

“It included art,” Dash Bicker said.

“We got to make a bee!” declared Dean Aufman.

The class received 10 letters the week before Valentine’s Day, though there are still several to go. So far, the letter that’s come from the farthest away was from a class in California.

As her class continues to collect Valentines, Mrs. Watson is keeping track of where each message comes from with a special wall display. It’s important for students to be reminded how far a kind word—or note—can reach!