This week, from February 9 through February 13, our classrooms are filled with joy as we celebrate Valentine’s Day at Granada Day School. While the decorations, cards, and sweet moments are always exciting, our focus goes much deeper. At GDS, Valentine’s Day is a celebration of God’s love expressed through friendship, kindness, and generosity.
Throughout the week, students are participating in age-appropriate classroom celebrations designed with intention and care. From creating special Valentine boxes and bags to preparing for class exchanges, each activity is an opportunity to practice thoughtfulness and community. These moments may seem simple, but they are helping children learn how to love others in meaningful ways.
Learning Love Through Action
As students exchange Valentine cards, share lunch with classmates, and enjoy special classroom activities, they are learning more than just holiday traditions. They are practicing kindness, inclusion, and gratitude. Teachers guide conversations about how loving others reflects the way Jesus loves us.
For our youngest learners, this might look like learning to say “thank you,” offering a smile, or sharing a treat. For older students, it may include writing names carefully on cards or helping a friend feel included. These small acts are powerful lessons in empathy and Christ-like love.
Building Belonging and Community
Valentine’s celebrations at GDS are also about belonging. Each child is seen, valued, and included. When students receive cards from their classmates and share in the joy of giving, they experience what it means to be part of a loving community.
This week reminds us that learning happens not only through academics but also through relationships. Social and emotional growth are just as important as cognitive development, especially in the early years. By creating environments where children feel safe and loved, we help nurture the whole child spiritually, socially, and emotionally.
A Celebration Rooted in Our Mission
At Granada Day School, everything we do is rooted in our mission of growing hearts and minds for Jesus. Valentine’s Week reflects that mission beautifully. Through simple classroom celebrations, students are learning that love is not just something we talk about. It is something we practice.
As we continue celebrating throughout the week, we are grateful for the friendships, laughter, and kindness we see each day on campus. Most of all, we are thankful for the opportunity to point our students to the greatest love of all, the love of Christ.