Hearnes Elementary students celebrate holidays

Saturday, January 3, 2015
Margery Waller directs the Hearnes Choir at Charleston Manor. (Submitted photo)

CHARLESTON -- From decorations on every wall to children singing Christmas carols, the holidays at Hearnes Elementary bring fun activities and excitement for students and staff alike.

During the week before Christmas, students in Kim Wells' Kindergarten class participated in their room's "Parent Involvement Christmas Tree Contest." The activity was based on the book, "The Littlest Christmas Tree," which discusses the importance of everyone, no matter how big or small they are. After reading the story in class, students were challenged to take a Christmas tree drawing home and decorate it with their parent.

In an effort to reach out to members of the community, the Hearnes Choir, led by music teacher Margery Waller, went caroling at Charleston Manor. Students sang carols and handed out Christmas cards, bringing joy to some appreciative residents.

A festive fundraiser was held to help pay for Hearnes Field Day, which takes place in May. The Hearnes Climate Committee sold paper circles to students for a quarter each. These circles were then placed on a wall in the Gray Gym in the shape of a tree, and the grade with the most circles won. Over 1,200 circles were sold, making this a successful venture.

The Christmas season at Hearnes Elementary would not be complete without a visit from Santa Claus, who visited each grade level and gave each student a candy cane.