Preston Public Schools Asks Parents Not To Bring Their Kids Valentines To School

No broken hearts at Preston Public Schools if they can help it.

For more than a decade, parents have been asked not to send gifts to their kids or have kids bring gifts for a specific person on Valentine’s Day.

Every parent News On 6 spoke with on Monday said they agree with this policy and that it creates a safe space for their children.

Preston High School Principal Scott McCullah says it doesn't make getting a valentine any less special when a child gets it at home.

Libby Jefferson, a Preston Public School mom of a kindergartner, says she remembers going to school on Valentine's Day and what it was like to watch other kids get gifts at school.

"When I was in school, there were parents who sent large extravagant gifts for their children, and that didn't happen for everyone, and you can see the expression on children's faces," said Jefferson.

Libby Jefferson says even though her son is young, he would still understand not getting something, and this policy ensures he won't get left out.

"I would have to hear when I get home, like ‘Mom, why did you not send me something,’ even if it was my intention or my heart behind it. He knows for whatever reason he didn't get it," said Jefferson.

Preston High School Principal Scott McCullah says the district doesn't want its students to feel embarrassed, unloved, or unworthy.

"I don't want any kid to feel that way at my school,” he said. “I want them all to feel important, I want them all to feel a part of, you know, this school, and being a part of it is we're pretty much all equal."

Kellie Kimzey has three children at Preston Public Schools, and she agrees with McCullah.

"I feel like it's a good policy,” Kinzey said. “Preston Schools cares about each kid and they don't want any kid to feel left out, and so I think it's good we can always give to the kids whenever they get to the house."

"You sending something doesn't mean you love your child more or less; it just means you were financially able to," said Jefferson. 

Preston Public Schools says Pre-K through 4th grade will have a small party at the end of the day, but if someone wants to bring something, they have to bring it for everyone.

The staff is also not allowed to receive any gifts at school.