By Carrie McKim,
Staff Writer

There is a lot of freedom at Reynolds, but the one thing students had better not be caught doing is hauling around sweets or gifts on Valentine’s Day.

Despite what many may imagine, there was never a bitter principal way back who decided to ban Valentine’s Day at Reynolds forever. The rule about gifts being sent to the office mostly is due to the fact that gifts can be a huge distraction during the school day, particularly the kind of ridiculous items love-struck couples may purchase for each other.

“It could be a distraction for you if the kid in the seat next to you is wrestling with a half-dozen balloons or a giant talking bear that says things like, ‘I love you beary much,’ ” English teacher Nikél Bussolati said.

Valentine’s Day is traditionally a time for teddy bears, boxes of chocolate and public displays of affection, better known as PDAs. The only problem is, because these tokens of love are not allowed at school, the items will generally be confiscated. Students can pick up any presents that were confiscated from Susan Gordon in the office at the end of the day.

While some students are initially outraged at the limitations put on being able to display affection on this holiday, many come to understand why these rules may be necessary.

“I guess I agree,” sophomore Lindsay Fadel said. “I think for some students it might be distracting, but I think most high school students are mature enough to deal with it for one day.”

Another sophomore, Caroline Li, agreed that gifts can be difficult to deal with.

“I got five large mangoes from one of my friends and I could not carry them around throughout the school day,” Li said. “It’s distracting.”

Also, as Gordon pointed out, not only are gifts distracting, but they can be ruined if something happens to them during the day. She said she remembered what it was like in high school to receive a gift and said she would have been upset if anything had happened to it. Leaving them with her keeps them safe throughout the day.

“I’m the protector of the Valentine’s love gifts,” Gordon said with a smile.

On the bright side, these seemingly stiff rules may provide safety for those in a happy relationship. Carrying around tons of candy and stuffed animals broadcasts the fact that someone is one of the “lucky ones.” High school hallways are often filled with those fresh out of a relationship or those who are envious of the blissful couples, so being loaded down with presents could made someone the target of Valentine’s Day jealousy, which can include snarky comments and hurt feelings.

But just because a student can’t always show his or her love for friends or significant others at school doesn’t mean the holiday must be completely ignored. The easy option is to give something that can easily be put away in a backpack or locker until the end of the day. Great small gifts include cards, bracelets and other things that will not cause distractions for others. Steer clear of anything in the candy realm, because although this can be put away, it is tempting throughout the day.

Bussolati even offered a way for those less enthusiastic about the holiday to celebrate.

“I would recommend that students watch ‘Romeo and Juliet’, ‘Catfish’, Katie Couric’s Manti Te’o interview or any other cautionary tale,” she said.

This way, students won’t feel too bad if they don’t have someone to share the day with.