On Feb. 14, a sudden knock on the classroom door would typically mean one thing – a small group of choir students has arrived to serenade a student. The Valentine’s Day grams are a popular fundraiser for choir in their efforts to be able to continue their activities domestically and overseas. The grams are bought by one student for another and delivered during periods one through four.
Although many students may look forward to the event, teachers have their lesson plans interrupted for a couple minutes for the choir to sing to the gram receiver. Even though it can be a distraction to the students, teachers expressed that the students love to watch the choir perform.
Biology teacher Erika Williams said, “Sure, it’s a disruption to have them come in and sing and then you have to get the class on task, but the kids like it and I think it’s cool to see them on display and listen to them sing.”
Some teachers are able to incorporate the interruptions to their schedules or find that the couple minutes used are not a big loss. However, there are still concerns regarding plans for the classes. An issue may arise when students are unable to receive their gram due to a test planned or activity. To the teachers, this becomes a disadvantage as students lose time and focus for their test.
Math teacher Thomas Ngo stated, “Sometimes [Valentine’s grams] do [take away class time] when you have a test plan and some kids can’t get their Valentine’s Day grams because they are taking a test and they want to max out their time.”
Still, teachers showed appreciation for the choir fundraiser and performances. The flustered students become an enjoyable sight to the staff and seemed to raise a type of fun spirit around the school.
“I think it helps build the culture here as a fun atmosphere,” said Douglas Wilton from the English department. “It’s kind of fun watching some of your students get slightly embarrassed by receiving a Valentine’s gram and having a group of other students sing to him or her.”
Some teachers had possible suggestions for the gram system, but found that it would change the personal effect or efficiency. However, the organization for this year improved when only a couple grams came to sing in each period instead of multiple interruptions.
“I think it’s gotten better through the years when they just come in twice. But in the past you had multiple different performances in one class period,” Williams said.
The gram performances of different medleys were also perceived to be entertaining and showcases the talents of the school’s choir. It also sometimes gives teachers opportunities to see their own former students again and watch them sing.
“I always think [Valentine’s grams] are so fun especially when i get students that were in my class and are not in my class anymore,” said math teacher Marianne Karp. “They come back and sing in my class. I think it’s really fun to see them again.”
