HEART ON HIS SLEEVE— Rocco Leader of Oak Park displays the card he created for a soldier serving overseas. Photos by SYLVIE BELMONDAcorn Newspapers Children who attend the Rancho Simi preschool in Oak Park are sending colorful Valentine’s messages to the soldiers on the Afghanistan front lines.

The preschoolers completed their valentine cards under the supervision of Karen Harris, director of the preschool and a teacher for 33 years.

“We were talking the other day about weapons and how the school is a weapon-free zone and how we thought the only people who should have weapons should be soldiers and police officers. So we decided to say thank you to them by sending them Valentine’s Day cards,” Harris said.

Harris said she tells children at this age level that soldiers work to keep people safe.

Several children were anxious to show their artwork.

In addition to expressing love for the unidentified recipients who are on the frontlines overseas, Ian Korb wrote: “You are cool and brave.”

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL— Leonardo Amoretti really gets into his work. Joshua Perukkonil said, “Be careful you are so brave.” Their messages were written on bright pink cards decorated with shiny hearts.

Kanoelani Green of Westlake Village said her father also has a gun because he’s a police officer.

The preschool was established almost five years ago. Harris has one assistant, Christine Meshki, who is present whenever class is in session.

The preschool program at the Nature Center behind the Oak Park Community Center on Kanan Road is open to 4- and 5-year-olds.

It operates from 9 a.m. to noon, with an optional extra hour for lunch. It follows the Oak Park Unified School District calendar Mondays through Thursdays.

Although the class can accommodate up to 24 children, the preschool director said she prefers to have only 20 so she can provide individual attention to her pupils.

I HEAR—Assistant preschool teacher Christine Meshki listens to Jacob Dang of Agoura Hills. Harris, a certified preschool teacher, said she enjoys working with young children because they’re innocent, pure and eager to learn.

She has developed her own curriculum to prepare students for elementary school in a fun environment.

This summer she will offer specialty camps with various themes.

As children gathered around her last week, Harris said that her current group includes two bilingual children and one trilingual boy, Leonardo Amoretti, who can speak English, French and Italian.

The preschool has a waiting list. For additional information, call the Oak Park Community Center office at (818) 865-9304.