This Valentine’s Day season, Melissa Kelly’s kindergarten class at Islip’s Wing Elementary School participated in Hearts Across America. This project seeks to receive valentines from all 50 states, each with a fun fact about that state.

In January, Kelly sent a letter home with students to circulate among family and friends, asking for valentines or postcards from their state, each with a fun fact about where they lived. The class began each lesson with the song “Fifty Nifty United States,” and then read aloud some of the postcards they received. The students took time to learn about each state, where it was on the map and how far that was from where they live.

“It was such an exciting project, and the kids couldn’t wait to see what state we would receive next or what loved one might be sending a card in to the class,” Kelly said. “I initially thought we’d receive a few cards from the Tristate area, but the project quickly grew. We received over 300 cards from 42 out of 50 states as well as postcards from Italy, China, Taiwan, Germany and the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. Our favorite facts we learned were that Florida is the state with the most golf courses, and New Jersey is the state with the most diners. We are sad to see our project leave us, but are so thankful to all of the friends near and far who took time out to send some love our way.”

Date Added: 4/1/2024