The reason for their excitement came from Kulie Runyan, the school’s K-4 and special education teacher and her “Hearts Around the World” project. Runyan has led the effort for the past three years.

It started when she taught third grade, which is when students typically learn about community. Since Tidioute is a small community, Runyan said she knew it would be an amazing experience for her students as they used the project to discuss different places around the world and how fast word travels through social media. Runyan then wanted to keep a tradition going and turn it into a whole school experience. The project enables the students to learn about how mail travels, how weather differs across the world, and the importance of kindness and connection.

Runyan creates her own lessons around each of the places they receive from. The class also discussed how generous and thoughtful others were in helping make this project such a success.

“The kids love seeing the hallway filled up with cards from friends and loved ones all over the world. While the project has officially concluded, the students are still happily accepting cards. Our class received cards from 36 states and six different countries,” Runyan said.

Countries from which cards have been sent include the United Kingdom, Kenya, France, Netherlands, Australia and Canada.

Even though the class did not receive cards from all 50 states, students were excited each day to open the mail.

“This experience created meaningful learning moments and lasting memories for our students,” Runyan said. “It continues to bring joy and love not only to our classroom but throughout the school hallways each year.”

The students would love to continue to receive cards. They can be sent to Miss Runyan, Tidioute Community Charter School, 241 Main St., Tidioute, PA 16351.