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A Howland greeting card from 1875.

Different stories say that Valentine was killed because he freed Roman people who were in prison. We may never know why Valentine died, but he sent out the first ever Valentine greeting.

Valentine Celebrations

Valentine’s Day is celebrated on February 14^th. Many people write love letters, or are secret admirers. People also give gifts, flowers, or chocolates. These gifts  represent the care or love for that person.

Cupid

Cupid with his bow and arrow is part of the myth as to why, on Valentine’s Day, two people fall in love with each other. Cupid was the Roman god of love. The Greeks called him Eros.  He was the son of the beautiful goddess Venus (the goddess of love).

Valentine Greetings

As you know Saint Valentine sent out the first Valentine greeting. Valentine messages started as early as the Middle Ages. The first written greeting was from 1400. It is displayed at the British Museum. In 19^th Century Victorian England, the decorated valentine reached a high art form. The first greeting cards in the U.S. were manufactured and sold by Esther A. Howland, an American printer and artist.  Howland  is known as The Mother of the Valentine.  

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Rust, Heat, and Ducks Win the Fair
By Julia W.

On February 5, 2005, Peacock hosted this year’s science fair.  For the first time, the fair was open only to Peacock students. There were 48 students participating: 12 from 6^th grade, 16 from 7^th grade, and 16 from 8^th grade.

Kristen Anderson and Roi Kawai, science teachers from Arlington Heights, judged the twenty-six projects. The projects varied from fast food nutrition to how TV affects grades to how much grease is in cheese.

It took about two hours to complete the judging. And for the first time, a Golden Test Tube was awarded to a winner in each grade.

The winners were: 6^th grade/Kaitlynn N. and Jenna S. for "What Makes Rust?;" 7^th grade/Jennifer L. and Julia W. for "Heat Retention: Which Holds the Most Heat: Salt Water or Fresh Water?;" and 8^th grade/Jessica T. and Kristyna Z.for "What is the Difference Between Chick and Duck Development?"

First, second, and third place ribbons were awarded to the student exhibits. Everyone who participated in the Science Fair did a great job.  It was a good way to learn something new, while getting extra credit in science classes. Also, it is a lot of fun to do with a friend. Hopefully, more students will take part in next year’s fair.   

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