Veterans 5th graders put on holiday show

SAUGUS – The Veterans School fifth-graders showed their teachers, parents, and fellow students the true meaning of the holidays with their performances of “The Christmas to Remember” this week.Written and directed by fifth-grade teacher William Palmerini, the play tells the story of two families who invite four homeless people to their Christmas dinner, adding an interesting twist to the giving season.?The moral of the story is that everyone is the same, and it?s important to make everyone feel welcome,” Palmerini said.Four classes were involved in the production, which included more than 25 roles and several sets that transformed Palmerini?s classroom into a mini theater.All fifth-graders participated in the play, either on stage or behind the scenes, and preparation took about two weeks. With countless lines, songs, and scenes to memorize, Palmerini?s students have had a busy December.?I don?t stop teaching, so we work on it between lessons and during any free time,” Palmerini said. “It?s a lot of work for them, and a lot of extra homework. So it?s a killer, but they love it, and they learn a lot from it.”The students performed “The Christmas to Remember” several times on Tuesday and Wednesday, giving all of the kindergarten through fourth-grade classes a chance to see the show. Parents were also invited.Plus, Veterans Principal Kelly Moss and Assistant Principal Marie Bridges popped in to see the performances.Moss said Palmerini and his students always put on great productions for the school.?He does a play every year, and a big part of his English curriculum and independent reading revolves around theater. He always brings culture and performing arts into the classroom,” Moss said.Jessica Trufant can be reached at [email protected].