Submitted article
Many families will take the time to read many Christmas books and watch Christmas movies during the holidays. One timeless classic, “Polar Express,” came to life for kindergarten students at the Galion Primary School Dec. 12.
The day’s festivities started with students watching the animated movie in each of their classrooms. Following lunch, students and teachers participated in a sing-along in the Primary gymnasium. Led by Mike Holtzapfel, students sang along to many great Christmas songs in preparation for their experience aboard the “Polar Express.”
“We’ve been doing this activity since moving in to the Primary School six years ago,” Kindergarten teacher Cheryl Walter said. “The kids really enjoy this activity because it is something special, and they get to really enjoy the Christmas spirit all day.”
The students walked from the gymnasium to find the kindergarten hallway lined with chairs, two seats per side. Once the students took their seats aboard the “Polar Express,” the train’s conductor came through punching tickets and talking to the students. Gary Frankhouse, Jr. played the role of the train’s conductor again this year.
“Gary has really been a wonderful conductor for our activity,” Walter said. “He embraces the role of the conductor and the students really enjoy his cheerfulness and positive energy.”
A very special visitor made an appearance before the students disembarked the train and returned to their classrooms. Much to the delight of the students, Santa Claus made his annual appearance aboard the Primary School “Polar Express” to greet each of the students and wish them a Merry Christmas.
“Our kindergarten teachers do a fantastic job every year organizing a wonderful event for our students,” Primary School Principal Cindy Voss. “This is a memory that these students will carry with them forever.”