1st Graders in JT go 'Around the World at Christmas Time'

The students of the First Grade classes of the L.B. Morris Campus of the Jim Thorpe Area School District took hundreds of gathered relatives and friends on a trip "Around the World at Christmas Time" on Friday afternoon in the school's gymnasium.

This flight of fancy was achieved by the students through short stories and songs illustrating the many different ways and traditions in countries all around the world that people celebrate not only Christmas, but also other holidays at this time of the year such as Hanukkah.

The whirl-wind world tour started with Mrs. McAndrews' class describing the traditions of Christmas in Mexico and Hanukkah with stories and songs such as the "Welcome Song"; "The Pinata Song"; and "Hanukkah is Here".

With Mrs. Bonser's class, everyone traveled to England with songs such as "Christmas is Coming"; "Deck the Halls"; and "Here We Come A-Caroling".

Mrs. Babcock's class took the visitors on to Germany, Poland, and Africa with the songs "O Christmas Tree"; Merry Christmas Polka"; and "Santa's Usin' Zebras Now".

The last stage of the world-wide tour took everyone on to Ireland, Italy, and France courtesy of Mrs. Cerimele's class with "Christmas in Killarney"; "Buon Natale"; and "Pat-A-Pan".

Finally, the entire combined First grade class gathered together for a chorus of "Up on the Housetop/Jolly Old St. Nicholas"; "Christmas is for Cowboys"; "Mele Kalikimaka"; "Around the World at Christmas Time"; and "Home for the Holidays".

The First grade students Annual Christmas show concluded with a reading of the poem "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" followed by a big round of applause from a very appreciative audience.