After reading the classic holiday book in their classrooms, faculty at two Connetquot Central School District elementary schools recently brought the spirit of “The Polar Express” to students and their families through grade-wide events.

At Sycamore Avenue Elementary School, kindergartners eagerly listened to holiday stories and participated in crafts, bingo and dreidel activities. According to teacher Danielle Wille, “Everyone enjoyed a festive morning, rotating through holiday-themed stations in their cozy PJs.”

At Edward J. Bosti Elementary School, teacher Nichole Johnson and her colleagues decorated the school’s atrium with a locomotive, a passenger car, an oversized bell hanging from the ceiling and railroad images adorning the tables. Pre-K students sang holiday songs and even received a surprise visit from a special friend — Santa Claus! After Santa handed out books and treats to the children, Connetquot Central School District Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lynda G. Adams joined Principal Laura Kimball to thank the students and their families for a fun afternoon and wished them a safe and joyful holiday season.