With the winter break right around the corner, the halls at Academic and Behavior Schools East and West were filled with holiday joy as students participated in their annual Christmas programs on Dec. 18. The celebrations put an exclamation point on holiday activities.

ABS East students wowed parents, district staff and educators with a holiday concert, with each class performing timeline holiday tunes such as “Frosty the Snowman” and “Wish You a Merry Christmas.” There were dance performances and a few Christmas readings as well. Campus also decorated the hallways for the “deck the halls” competition. Over at ABS West, staff transformed their cafeteria into “Whoville” while the Grinch met program attendees on their way in. Each grade level took their turns performing for the audience, while the staff choir belted out joyous tunes.

That set up the grand finale – Santa appeared to help students receive presents from the Be An Angel Christmas Gift program. Educators utilized grant funding from the Be An Angel nonprofit organization to purchase gifts like new shoes, reading materials, toys and sports equipment. For students with less mobility, staff chose sensory-friendly toys.