When I began my teaching journey, I found myself in uncharted waters. Assigned to teach Psychology without a textbook, I relied on my background as a Social Science major and a handful of college courses. Among the units I crafted—ranging from psychological disorders to major personality theories—one stood out: the Psychology of Love.
My inspiration drew from thinkers like Leo Buscaglia, the “Dr. Hug,” who championed the power of affection as essential to well-being; Alfred Adler, whose work underscored the human need for connection; and Marianne Williamson, who, long before her political pursuits, authored A Return to Love, a book that resonated with the concept of love as a spiritual practice. Most significantly, Erich Fromm, a neo-Freudian psychoanalyst, provided a framework I knew students could relate to. In his seminal work, The Art of Loving, Fromm identified four fundamental elements of true love: care, responsibility, respect, and knowledge. He emphasized love as an active process, explaining that “love is the active concern for the life and the growth of that which we love.”
Fromm’s insights and his delineation of love into categories—brotherly love, motherly love, erotic love, self-love, and love of God—inspired me to create “Love Week” at Loara High School. What started as a classroom lesson evolved into a campus-wide initiative that continues to thrive decades later. In recent years, I’ve added Gary Chapman’s book “The 5 Love Languages” that I was introduced to from Phil Boyte during one of our Conferences. This booked opened my eyes more into how we express and experience love, and we’ve used the online quiz for kids to kick our week off.
The Origins of “Love Week”
Initially, my goal was simple: extend the joy and spirit of the holiday season to all students, especially those for whom school is a refuge. Statistically, the holiday season can be isolating for students dealing with housing insecurity, foster care, or financial hardship. While the myth linking this time of year to increased suicide rates has been debunked, it remains true that many students lose their vital connection to friends and caring adults during the winter break.
“Love Week” became our way of bridging that gap. By placing it just before winter break instead of Valentine’s Day—a commercial holiday that often excludes rather than includes—I hoped to cultivate a sense of belonging and community that reached every corner of our campus. When looking at other weeks, this one we felt focused more on the true meaning of love, where our other weeks like dude.benice (Kindness) weeks and others focus on acts of being human. (as an aside, Loara High School hosted the first dude.benice project over 10 years ago, see the video here)
What Happens During “Love Week”?
At its core, “Love Week” is a traditional Spirit Week with a twist:
- Themed Dress-Up Days
- Past themes have included nostalgic favorites like “Care Bears” or “My Little Pony,” encouraging participation with fun and inclusive dress-up prompts like Pajama Day or character-themed outfits.
- Campus Activities
- Thank You Card Stations: Students can write heartfelt notes to peers, teachers, or staff.
- Photo Booths: Fun and creative setups bring friends together for memorable snapshots.
- Friendship Bracelets: Crafting stations allow students to make and exchange tokens of friendship.
- The Wall of Love: A wall adorned with paper hearts, each bearing a student’s name. The joy of finding your heart—and those of your friends—creates a sense of connection and belonging.
- Winter Wishes
- The highlight of the week is the Winter Wishes program, where students can submit two wishes: one for themselves and one for a friend. Wishes range from small gestures, like lunch with a friend, to life-changing gifts like a computer, tickets to Disneyland, or even dental care for a family member.Using community donations and platforms like Amazon Wish Lists, we work to make as many of these wishes come true as possible. Names and identifying details are anonymized during the selection process to ensure fairness. The program exemplifies the spirit of unconditional care and generosity.
- Community Outreach: Bag of Hope Project
- In partnership with a local outreach program that I learned about by Scott Wilmoth at Katella High School we started working with the “Bag of Hope Project,” students and staff collect essentials for families facing housing insecurity in Anaheim. This effort reinforces the idea that love extends beyond campus and into the wider community.
Ideas for Activities Directors and Teachers
For schools considering their own “Love Week,” here are some suggestions:
- Spirit Activities:
- Host a “Gratitude Day” where students share what they’re thankful for during announcements or via a school-wide display.
- Organize a “Compliment Challenge” where students aim to give three genuine compliments each day.
- Create a “Kindness Bingo” with small tasks like holding a door open or writing a positive note to a teacher.
- Classroom Lessons:
- Psychology of Love: Teach Fromm’s four elements of love, encouraging students to apply them to friendships, family relationships, and self-love.
- Kindness Journals: Have students track acts of kindness they give and receive, reflecting on their impact.
- Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Discussions: Facilitate conversations about the importance of empathy, gratitude, and community in fostering mental well-being.
The Impact of “Love Week”
Over the years, “Love Week” has grown into a beloved tradition at Loara High School. It’s a time when students, staff, and the community come together to create a space where everyone feels valued and loved. For incoming freshmen, it’s a memorable introduction to what makes Loara special. For seniors, it’s a cherished capstone to their high school experience.
Ultimately, the message of “Love Week” is simple yet profound: every student deserves to feel cared for, supported, and seen. Whether it’s through a heartfelt note, a granted wish, or a shared laugh, we have the power to create a culture of love and connection that lasts far beyond a single week.
