Holiday activities close school year
RUSSELLVILLE — Tharptown Elementary School marked the days leading into Christmas break with a full slate of holiday activities that blended classroom learning, family involvement and long-standing school traditions.
The activities included themed dress-up days, a Christmas lunch that welcomed families to campus, a schoolwide Christmas musical and classroom parties. Each grade level presented a song, dance or skit as part of the program.
Fifth graders performed “The 12 Days of Christmas,” acting out the song while intervention aide Byron Gann sang the piece a cappella. The program concluded with students standing together on the floor to sing “Feliz Navidad” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” joined by the audience.
Dawson Tharp visits the Grinch at TES.
Principal Brooke Harris said the musical is a longstanding tradition at Tharptown Elementary.
“We do the Christmas musical yearly, and each grade level performs a song with motions, dances or skits,” Harris said. “The gym was packed. People were standing against the walls because there were no more seats.”
Third-grade teacher Brianna Gray said preparing for the musical gave students a chance to grow and take pride in their efforts.
“We’ve been practicing the musical, and seeing their growth from the beginning to now was just so great,” Gray said. “Seeing their faces light up was really special.”
Ella Ridley enjoys Pajama Day during the TES Polar Express event.
Gray said her thirdgrade students performed “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and responded positively to the experience.
“They danced, they sang, and they came to school talking about how excited and proud their parents were,” she said.
Teacher Taylor Royce said the musical provided an opportunity for families and staff to come together.
“The musical was an absolute blast,” Royce said. “Every student put in tremendous effort, and the final performance was truly impressive. This memorable evening not only highlighted the students’ artistic talents but also reinforced the connections within our community,” she said.
Christmas parties also took place, along with a morning greeting for students featuring faculty members dressed as holiday characters during the bus and car lines.
Characters included Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, the Grinch, a gingerbread man and woman, the Nutcracker, elves, an inflatable reindeer and a puppy.
Aria Diaz enjoys a dress-up day at TES.
Dress-up days were built around themed activities, including Grinch Day, Polar Express Day, Reindeer Day, Snowman Day and Tree Topper Day. Teachers incorporated books, crafts and short videos into classroom lessons connected to each theme.
“A lot of times we’re busy learning and doing work, so when we get a few days that we can celebrate and do fun activities, it’s a special time for the kids,” Harris said.
