Winter may not have officially started, but you would never have known, as Bayville Primary School was turned into a winter wonderland on Dec. 13. With a Christmas tree, a mailbox for letters to Santa, hot chocolate, cookies and holiday crafts, the school’s all-purpose room was transformed into a scene from a holiday postcard.

Students in kindergarten, first and second grade returned to school after dinner in their pajamas, some with their favorite stuffed animals, and listened to Assistant Principal Dorothy McManus read “The Polar Express.” Following story time, the children colored holiday photos, wrote letters to Santa and enjoyed their snacks and time with each other.

Ms. McManus said the annual Winter Wonderland, sponsored by the Bayville PTA, is an opportunity for the children to enjoy the holiday spirit with their friends. 

“Creating a feeling of community surrounding the holidays promotes a sense of belonging, which benefits the students at home and in school,” she said.

Each year, through Winter Wonderland, the Bayville PTA supports a local charity. This year, Matthew’s Toy Drive of the Matthew Fetzer Foundation was the recipient of the generous donations made by the Bayville Primary School family.

Holiday cheer is for spreading and that’s why students from Bayville Elementary School are ensuring that those who may not have much to cheer about feel the holiday spirit. Carolyn Morales’ second-grade class at Bayville Primary School joined forces with Maureen Pederson’s fourth-grade class at Bayville Intermediate School to create handmade cards for patients at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. With the help of pianist and orchestra teacher Christine Hujber, the group also sang holiday carols and created a video of the songs.

“It was heartwarming to see the students truly get into the real meaning of the holidays,” Mrs. Pederson said.  

Mrs. Morales agreed and added that the efforts of all the children will make a difference for those less fortunate this holiday season. “Both classes worked together quite well to create beautiful cards and a video that will touch the hearts of many young children,” she said.