Pleasant Valley students spent Valentine’s week celebrating a week of positivity and connection. February 12-16, Spartans participated in themed days aimed toward promoting violence awareness and cultivation of love.

On Monday Feb. 12, students were encouraged to wear purple. The color is recognized nationally as being the front in fighting violence. 

Historically, purple represented royalty, strength and power. Women used purple in their campaign for the right to vote. The Purple Heart is awarded to those wounded in service. Purple has long represented courage and survival, so students showed their support by adorning the national violence awareness color.

Spanish teacher Kathryn Buchter spoke on the themed day. “I think when you do things that are visual, like wearing certain colors for certain days, the kids can see it and they instantly recognize it, and that is helpful,” she said.

Tuesday Feb. 13 was all about letting others know their value. During fifth period SSR teachers encouraged students to write personal letters to their friends and other teachers.

The love continued on Wednesday with the nationally recognized day of love. Students shared their spirit by dressing in pinks and reds. 

In addition to the dress-up opportunity, Valentine’s gifts were exchanged. Spartan Assembly sold valentines to be delivered in students’ third period classes. All proceeds were donated to Family Resources to aid the community. Students filled the halls carrying flowers, crush cans, and sparkly heart-covered cards.

In light of the recent school shooting at Perry High School, students gathered in the cafeteria on Thursday, Feb. 15 to write cards to affected students and families. Students made dozens of cards to support the local school after the act of violence.

On Friday, Spartan Assembly capped off their week by hosting a self defense class open to the community. Martial arts instructor Travis Tarpein led numerous activities and exercises aimed towards helping personal safety. The event was quite successful, bringing in over 30 participants. 

State Council Officer and PV sophomore Ishika Desai spoke on the importance of bringing anti-violence awareness into schools. 

“With more schools making initiatives to address this issue, we can take steps forward for change in Iowa. With Spartan Assembly’s involvement we hope that we can raise awareness about combating violence and promote positive change for students and the community,” she said.

Buchter shared her perspective on violence awareness in schools. “I think that it [violence] is definitely more present in our community than we realize, and getting that information out to students and faculty is important,” she said. 

Pleasant Valley made a stride towards a safer community last week. Overall feedback denoted that the spirit week was well received and effective in its effort to spread awareness on violence in the community.