John Read Middle School Students pen love letters as classic couples

Written by Kaitlin Bradshaw/ The Redding Pilot
Thursday, 09 February 2012 11:00

Seventh and eighth grade students in Mrs. Sheehan's class at John Read Middle wrote joke love letters in honor of Valentine's Day.

Students penned letters as different characters from literature, movies and television.

Nikki Zaia, a seventh grader, wrote a letter to Daisy Duck from Donald.

Dear Daisy Duck,

At first I was going to tell you how I feel about you, but then I realized nobody can understand what I say so I wrote this letter instead. The first time I saw you, you 'ab-duck-ted' my heart. You have such a graceful waddle, and you always smell as fresh as a daisy. My love for you grows like a flower, and I will always stick to you like duct tape. I always find myself ducking my head to avoid the eyes of the other birds, because none compare to you. I remember our first date at Duck Pins Bowling Alley; it was amazing even when I got the bill. Just thinking about you ruffles my feathers. Although you may think I am just an old quack, I will always love you.

Happy Valentine's Day,

Donald Duck

Seventh grader Liam Sheahan wrote about two classic characters from The Wizard of Oz.

Dear Dorothy,

I'm standing in the department store looking for something to go with your Ruby Slippers. I don't need a house to fall on me to know that I love you. My head might be full of stuffin', but my heart is full of love for you. You are the 'scare' to my 'crow,' babe! Let's ditch the other two heartless and cowardly 'crows' we're traveling with and skip off down the Yellow Brick Road! I'll meet you at the 'Poppy Field Cafe' where we can sip a milkshake, the straw's on me! My thoughts are busy hatchin' a plan for the two of us to be matchin'. So grab that little dog of yours and polish up your slippers, we're going to paint the town 'green!' Catch you later, doll!

Love,

The Scarecrow

Alexis Schachter, an eighth grader, penned as two of Disney's affectionate animals.

Dear Lady,

Yesterday eating spaghetti with you was a 'ball.' You caught my eye all the way from the other side of town. Your pampered and 'obedient' personality 'unleashed' another side of me that I never knew. What can I say; a life without you is simply a 'dog's life!' Whenever we 'bark together' and 'dash for felines' I 'drool' all over you. I know when there is something wrong. I can count on you to see 'paw to paw.' My friends Trusty and Jock say it is just 'puppy love,' but I think our relationship is more. Sometimes we hit the 'dog pound' when we get in a 'brawl,' but I always know at the end of the day you're 'all ears' for what I have to say. When I'm 'sick as a dog,' you tend to my every need. You have a 'coat' full of sheer beauty, and have you not gone a day without getting 'groomed.' I just wanted to say I 'woof' you very much Lady and Happy Valentine's Day!

'Waggingly' yours,

Tramp

Josh Friedland, an eighth grader, wrote his letter after reading The Old Man and the Sea in class.

Dear Marlin,

You are my biggest catch. I would gladly go another 87 days just to reel you in. Even though you put up a fight we are hooked. Pull and thrash all you want, but you continue to drag me along. Finally you took my bait, and quickly you swam into my heart. My love for you is stronger than any current, and I would give a 1,000 tuna just to have you. You are my prize catch; my affection for you breaks the scale. I believe you are 'cod's' gift to me, and I no longer need to fish for attention because I caught you. You are the only fish in the sea for me. I will love you until the tides separate us.

Love,

Santiago

Seventh grader Ryan McNamara took an athletic twist with his letter writing as the National Basketball Association.

Dear WNBA,

As I sit here, trapped in this seemingly endless lockout, rattled by the bickering of the greedy owners and prima-donna players, I can only watch in longing as your players rule the summer. Ever since I ran past you that day, my heart has been dribbling for you. When I first met you, I wanted to take a shot at love, but I was afraid you would block it every time. However, you stole my heart, so I had to make my move. You slam-dunked my heart, and I know we will spend every quarter together, until the shot clock strikes zero.

Sincerely,

NBA

Libby Albanese, seventh grade, penned her letter as a book to a bookmark.

Dear Bookmark,

When we first met, my life turned a page. We were introduced on Chapter Two in the library. Our first conversation was excellent because you hung onto my every word. Then when we went on our first date on the kitchen table, you started a new chapter in my life. You have always been able to read between my lines, and I adore your tassels that hang from the top of you. If we ever part, then I will be in a binding until you are with me again.

Love,

Book

The students wrote and presented their letters and poems to the rest of their classmates. The classmates voted on which was their favorite. This exercise helped the students with their creative writing, said Mrs. Sheehan.