Holiday happenings at Saugus schools

SAUGUS – The Saugus schools kicked off the holiday season on Dec. 3 with the annual Holiday Stroll, where students and their families browsed countless tables of gifts, crafts and tasty holiday treats.And while the stroll was a big success, it was only the beginning of the seasonal festivities.The weeks leading up to December vacation are packed with holiday music, cheer and, of course, kindness.The Lynnhurst Elementary kindergartners are doing their part to make things a little bit easier – and warmer – for others this winter with their annual “12 Days of Holiday Giving” project.Lynnhurst students are encouraged to bring in gloves, hats, mittens and scarves for needy families until Friday.The students then take turns going around to the classes each morning to collect the donations, which will be divided between the Saugus Fire Department?s clothing drive, local churches and a shelter for homeless families.The items are counted daily and the progress is tracked on a large mitten at the front of the school.Kindergarten teacher Francene Lindquist – who volunteers at a local homeless shelter and organizes the project – said that the students take away important life lessons that go beyond gifts and gloves.?Starting around Thanksgiving, we talk about the things the kids have to be thankful for and what they wish for others during the holidays. These 5-year-olds realize that some kids don?t even have a home or other basic needs, and how lucky they are to have nice houses,” Lindquist said. “It?s not about the stuff. It?s about instilling values and being helpful to others who are less fortunate.”The students are hoping to collect 300 items, but Lindquist anticipates that they will surpass that goal. By the end of the first week, the count was at more than 200.?They love collecting. It?s a good experience, and what I would consider to be some of the most needy families in the school are the most generous,” she said.Lynnhurst Elementary students will also have the chance to purchase gifts for their loved ones and friends during school at the annual Holiday Workshop on Friday.The members of the Lynnhurst PTO have shopped all year for special gifts ranging from $1 to $5 for women, men, children and pets. The items will be on display at the workshop and each class will have 20 minutes to browse around. Once the students have chosen the perfect gifts for the people on their list, volunteer parents will help them wrap, label and package the gifts to be sent home.The goal of the workshop is not only to help the children with their shopping, but also to teach responsibility, budgeting and the fulfillment of giving during the holiday season.The teachers and students of the Saugus High School Fine Arts Department are spreading holiday cheer while helping those in need this holiday season.The concert band, choir and quartets presented “A Holiday Concert” for friends, family and fans on Wednesday.The performers asked attendees to bring a nonperishable food for the Saugus Food Bank, rather than paying admission.Belmonte Middle School also held three concerts in celebration of the holiday season.On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the school held two consecutive chorus concerts – one for the fifth and sixth grade, and one for the seventh and eighth grade. The Belmonte band then held their concert on Tuesday.On Friday, Saugus High School Drama Club will present their final improvisational performance, “A Very Merry Improv,” in the Saugus High Auditorium. The show starts at 7:30 p.m.Admission is $5 and a portion of the profits will be donated to the Saugus Food Bank. Community members are encouraged to take part in the fun, while helping those in need this holiday season.Jessica Trufant can be reached at [email protected].