Smiles, laughter and tears of joy filled the halls at Academic and Behavior Schools East and West this week as students participated in their annual Winter Holiday Program. The events culminated holiday celebrations that included the reading of a classic children’s fantasy book, The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg, and the entire campus dressing in their favorite holiday pajamas.  

On Dec. 17, ABS West staff members turned their cafeteria into the North Pole for a winter program that left Special Schools leadership beaming with pride. Elementary behavior students stole the show with their sing-along, while middle school life skills classes rocked out with a dance battle that got peers and teachers alike on their feet. High school thespians-in-the-making closed the program with a skit inspired by the holiday story, The Night Before Christmas.  

Down the 610 Loop, ABS East elementary and middle school children wowed parents, district staff and educators with a holiday concert on Dec. 20. Each class performed timeless holiday tunes like “Jingle Bells,” “Frosty the Snowman” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” The program wrapped with a student-written skit about the naughty and nice list inspired by RUN DMC’s “Christmas in Hollis.”  

Each campus also received a special delivery from Santa Claus with presents from the Be An Angel Christmas Gift program. Educators utilized grant funding from the Be An Angel nonprofit organization to purchase gifts for more than 100 students from underprivileged families. They picked items like new shoes, reading materials, toys and sports equipment. For students with less mobility, staff chose sensory-friendly toys.   

These annual holiday programs and initiatives remind us that our Special Schools are equipping students with valuable social-emotional skills and public speaking techniques that will benefit them upon return to their home districts. Additionally, you can always spread some holiday magic with a couple of smiles and a show!