By HOLLY GASKILL
’Twas the last day of school, when all through the class, every student antsy, and ready for Christmas.
Southern Wells Little Raiders teaching assistants and students circled together on the classroom rug Wednesday for a story, just like any other day. But on that particular morning, teacher Allison Blevins got a long-distance phone call with a special notice from the North Pole. “They say to look out the window!” Blevins told the students.
The kids scampered over to the window, standing on their tip-toes to get a peak. A UTV with Rudolph and the Grinch standing in the back rounded the corner of the parking lot. Just behind was School Resource Officer Chad Bradley’s vehicle with flashing lights.
Pulling up to the school’s entrance, Santa Claus, elves Buddy and Jovie, and Junior/Senior High School Principal Kim Conner exited the police vehicle with gifts in tow.
The celebration marked the first Christmas for the preschool.
Southern Wells Little Raiders Preschool began this fall to address the need for childcare and early childhood education in the southern part of the county. The preschool also partners with a class in the high school, where senior high students learn about and model teaching with the preschool director.
Mid-fall, however, the previous director resigned to take care of an ill relative. Since the new preschool director won’t start until January, Conner cooked up an idea to make the most of the holiday for the “littles.”
The school fundraised for weeks. Junior/Senior high school students donated $1 to participate in Christmas-themed dress-up days or to play songs in the lunchroom. Money was also collected at athletic events.
A resounding $1,234 was raised in total. Each student — 22 between both the morning and afternoon sessions — received roughly $50 in gifts bought by the high school students.
The first of the presents began with those brought for one another. The next came from Santa himself, otherwise known as art teacher Josh Heim. Reaching for their cubbies’ stockings next, the students realized they were mysteriously missing — “You stole the stockings!” student Tinsley Spriggle pointed accusatorily toward the Grinch, English teacher Ron Cherry.
The Grinch sheepishly lifted them out of his bag with a few gifts inside to apologize. He was quickly forgiven.
“Don’t tell my mom — I don’t want the Grinch to get in trouble,” MacKenzie Miller bargained with Blevins.
Rudolph also brought a book for each student.
“The preschool kids are a breath of fresh air some days,” Conner said. “They love to see you and talk every time I visit them. It’s just great to get to see them learn more and more each week.”
“It’s been a great opportunity to learn more about working with kids and building a good schedule for kids,” said Tessa Maul, a senior at Southern Wells. Maul plans to study children’s ministry at Huntington University.
By the end of the commotion, the classroom was completely overtaken with giggles and gleeful screaming while each student tested out their toys alongside their special guests.
As it came time for the special guests to go, each new friend was greeted with hugs and thanks for the special occasion. And closing with a sugar cookie and some time outside to play, Blaine Huffman called it all a “Fun day.”
holly@news-banner.com
