Secret Exchange Program helps unify students and teachers

Everyone loves to get spontaneous presents on special holidays, which is exactly what the Secret Exchange Pal Program allows students and teachers to do. This program, created last year by the ASB, is being continued this year by ASB secretary Pamela Lee to keep this tradition going in an effort to promote more school spirit.

Lee sent teachers e-mails in the beginning of the school year with questions about their ideal presents. Organizers gave students their corresponding teachers’ surveys to make specialized gift bags and baskets during major holidays such as Halloween, winter break, Valentine’s day and spring. In addition, teachers receive a list of a students’ interests and prepare presents for their own student, who is chosen by luck. Gifts are simple, ranging from mostly $5 to $10.

Secret Pals has gotten more and more participants. So far, 22 teachers have replied to Lee’s e-mail. In addition to teachers signing up, many students have signed up as well.

“I did Secret Pals last year, and it’s just a really nice break from school. It’s a relief giving and receiving presents on occasions,” said senior Nina Mohanty.

The many exchanges made during the major holidays are completely anonymous, but at the end of the year, there is a luncheon where students and teachers reveal who their secret pals are.

“This is just a fun system,” said assistant principal Karen Hyde. “I get so excited to go to the store and buy my pal their present!”