Special delivery: Morris Bye Elementary students note appreciation for service, practice literacy and leadership skills

You’ve got mail! Students and families from Morris Bye Elementary School recently noted their appreciation for service by crafting Valentines to be sent to Veterans this week by assembling over 250 cards. 

A buddy system: The project took on a special mentorship role as students in grades K-5 worked together as partners to design and write the cards. Students also worked on the project with their family members supporting the cause at the school’s annual “I love learning” family event on Monday, Feb. 2, ensuring that veterans throughout the congressional district feel honored and valued. The cards were sent to the office of Minnesota Third Congressional District Representative Kelly Morrison for the "Valentines for Veterans" outreach program, an annual initiative connecting local schools with the veteran community, delivering hand-crafted messages of gratitude to those who have served.

Love letters: The collaboration served as a practical application of the school’s "Leader in Me" curriculum, which focuses on developing leadership and life skills in every student. By leading their younger peers in this service project, the fifth graders practiced essential habits of empathy and community stewardship, and reading and writing skills.