Sending a little love

Students make valentines for troops

Feb. 13, 2007

By SHARON G. McBRIDE

Frontiersman

WASILLA - Creating cards in the classroom with a little extra love to send to deployed troops on Valentine's Day is how students spent an afternoon recently at John Shaw Elementary.

The students were participating in Valentines for Troops, and with a little financial help from the local branch of Liberty Tax Services, plan to mail the homemade cards to troops before the holiday.

&#8220We have a lot of students whose parents are deployed and this is all part of acknowledging that,” said Genie Siedler, who teaches a combined class of fourth- and fifth-graders at Shaw.

Besides encouraging creativity, it's a great way to sneak in a social studies and history lesson, she said.

&#8220It was just a couple of years ago what was happening in Iraq and Afghanistan was common knowledge,” Siedler said. &#8220Our students aren't so aware anymore that our country is part of all that. Creating these cards brings it home to their level.”

The students didn't seem to mind the extra lessons as they cut, glued and created unique cards filled with inspirational quotes on honor and

bravery.

&#8220Why do we want to offer our troops words of encouragement?” asked Siedler as everyone got into the project.

&#8220To make them feel better because they are in the middle of a war,” said Fischer Summers, fifth-grader. &#8220And to help them not to miss home so much.”

All the children agreed creating the cards was &#8220cool” and the &#8220right thing to do.”

&#8220It's really fun,” said Cheyenne Tiedy,

fifth-grader.

&#8220It's good, too, because they deserve it and we'll make them have a good day when they read our cards.”

Valentines for Troops is national program that will continue up until Valentine's Day.

Those interested in participating can go to www.valentinesfortroops.com for guideline and information on mailing, or contact Liberty Tax Service at 357-FAST.

Contact Sharon G. McBride at 352-2522 or sharon.mcbride@frontiersman.com.