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1st Elem. Basketball Home Game-Feb. 13th

Valentine's Day-Feb. 14th

Wear Red Day-Feb. 14th

President's Day (No School)-Feb.17th

Home Basketball Game-Feb. 20th

Parent/Teacher Conferences-Feb. 20th & 21st

Community Circle-Feb. 21st

Love Ball- Feb. 21st

Wear Yellow Day-Feb. 21st

Black History Program-Feb. 25th

Wear Black Day- Feb. 28th

Book Fair-Feb. 24th-March 5th

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Teachers and students were asked the following questions. These were their responses. We asked....you answered!

What's the best Valentine's gift you ever got ?

_ United warriors action figure made out of six transformers.

_ A box of chocolate.

_ A ring with my initials on it

_ A dozen roses

_ A gift card with a lot of money

-Engaged on Valentine's day

What gift do you want for Valentine's day?

_ Make my kids happy.

_ The gift of being with your family

_ Love

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Which is better to receive for Valentine's, chocolate or flowers?

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Upcoming Lions Sporting Announcements

Elementary Boys Basketball 2024-25 Season coming in HOT! I've seen some pretty promising prospects on the court. From swishing 3 pointers, to making layups, and swinging that rock. Hopefully, these young bucks can carry on the torch of the LIONS PRIDE in their upcoming games. GO LIONS!

Also, we have MORE elementary sports. We have our very own LPCS Pom Squad! Cheering on our boys, the Pom Squad will showcase fierce tenacity, captivating dance moves, rumbling stomps and claps, STRONG lion spirit, and much more you can expect from our girls! Make sure to tune in, you will not regret it.

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When I think of Valentine's Day, I think of gifts that show a lot of love. What is the perfect gift to you? In my opinion a teddy bear is the perfect gift because it is something that you can keep forever. Flowers die, candy gets eaten. All of us want something that will last forever to show love. As Valentine's Day comes, which gift are you hoping for?

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“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” – St. Valentine

As we celebrate Valentine’s Day, let’s remember that love comes in many forms. Whether it’s the love we share with our friends, family, or partners, each act of kindness and affection adds a little more light to the world. Keep spreading love and positivity, and remember that the smallest gestures can make the biggest impact.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

From your Valentine, The Leader’s Lens

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Where Did Valentine’s Day Come From: Who Was Saint Valentine?

Every year on February 14th, we celebrate Valentine's Day, a day filled with love, flowers, hugs, chocolates, and more. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this heartwarming holiday? Let’s all take a WILD journey back in time to unravel the mysteries of Valentine’s Day and explore the fascinating history dedicated to the day of love.

The Man Behind the Day: Saint Valentine

Valentine’s Day is named after Saint Valentine, but the true identity of this enigmatic figure remains cloaked in mystery. According to historical accounts, there were several early Christian martyrs (someone who faces persecution for their beliefs) named Valentine. The most popular legend revolves around a priest named Valentine who lived during the third century in Rome.

Emperor Claudius II had imposed a ban on marriages for young men, believing that single men made better soldiers. Going against the Emperor, Valentine continued to perform secret marriages for young lovers. When his actions were discovered, he was arrested and executed on February 14th, around the year 270 AD. Before his execution, Valentine is said to have written a letter to a young girl he had healed from blindness, signing it “From your Valentine,” a phrase that has been valued through the centuries.

From Pagan Festivals to Christian Celebrations

The origins of Valentine’s Day can be traced back to the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalia. This fest was celebrated in mid-February. This pagan festival was dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and included rituals of purification and fertility. One such ritual involved the sacrifice of a goat, followed by young men slapping women with the goat's hide, a practice believed to ensure fertility.

As Christianity spread throughout Europe and the Roman Empire, the church sought to replace these pagan traditions with Christian ones. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th as Saint Valentine's Day, a day to honor the martyr Valentine and celebrate love.

Valentine's Day Through the Ages

Valentine’s Day as we know it began to take shape in the Middle Ages. By the 14th and 15th centuries, the day had become associated with romantic love, largely thanks to the influence of Geoffrey Chaucer and his contemporaries. Chaucer's poem “Parliament of Foules” (1382) is one of the earliest references to Valentine's Day as a day for romantics.

The tradition of exchanging love letters and tokens of affection on Valentine’s Day began to flourish in the 18th century. The first commercially printed Valentine's cards appeared in the 19th century, making it easier for people to express their love.

Modern Day Romance: How We Celebrate Today

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated worldwide, with people expressing their love through cards, flowers, chocolates, and romantic gestures. It's a day to cherish not only romantic relationships but also platonic relationships and familial bonds.

An Exciting Valentine’s Experience

Why not make this Valentine’s Day extra special with a few fun activities?

- DIY Valentine Cards: Get creative with homemade cards. Use colorful paper, stickers, and heartfelt messages to show your loved ones how much you care.

-Love Letter Scavenger Hunt:  Hide love letters or notes around your home, leading your partner or friends on a romantic adventure.

-Cooking Together: Prepare a special meal or bake heart-shaped cookies together. It’s a great way to bond and create lasting memories.

-Share the Love: Spread kindness by doing something thoughtful for someone who might feel lonely on Valentine’s Day. A small act of love can go a long way.

Submitted by Yuri Brooks

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Want to be part of the Leader's Lens??

Join us on Tuesday, February 18th at 3:45 for our next meeting. You too can let your voice be heard!