BY TOYNETT HALL Staff Writer
HOWELL – The Ardena School’s kindergarten and first-grade pupils were dressed in their pajamas alongside their parents as they waited anxiously to get their magical tickets clipped to board the Polar Express.
“The Polar Express,” written by Chris VanAllsburg, is about a magical train ride on Christmas Eve that takes a boy to the North Pole to receive the first gift of Christmas from Santa Claus.
In an effort to promote reading and to celebrate the holiday season, Colleen Tondi, kindergarten teacher, has coordinated monthly book readings over the last four years as an extension of the school’s book club.
This month Tondi chose a Christmas story not only to excite the students about reading, but to capture the Christmas spirit.
During their trip on “The Polar Express” the children listened attentively to the animated sound of Tondi’s voice while they watched illustrations from the book being projected onto a screen in the auditorium.
After the reading the auditorium was filled with little voices chanting “I believe, I believe.” The youngsters’ enthusiasm and belief in Santa Claus magically conjured up the visitor from the North Pole – and he came bearing gifts. All 60 children in attendance received a red ribbon with a silver bell attached to it, just like the boy in the story.
After the assembly there were refreshments waiting in the cafeteria. The sound of bells filled the hallway as the happy children ran to a room that smelled like chocolate.
Parents, teachers and children congregated in the cafeteria sipping hot chocolate and eating brownies. They socialized with each other, happily discussing holiday plans.
According to school personnel, the annual assembly was a gift to the children.
“We started the book club four years ago,” Tondi said. “The kids come in and they share their favorite stories, we have themes each month. But this one is our magical night to give back to the children. It’s our chance to read to them and share with them one of our favorite holiday stories in an effort to bring us all together as a family. This particular story is all about the season and believing.”
According to Principal Deborah Pennell, this program has grown from a handful of children to just about the entire kindergarten class.
“It is because of Ms. Tondi’s love of reading. She brings that love and excitement to the children,” Pennell said, adding that the teachers volunteered their time for the event.
While parents sat in the auditorium listening to the story with their children, Laura Andersen of Howell captured the experience in one word, “precious.”
“For the teachers to do this for the children, it just shows their dedication to them,” she said.
In addition to the holiday theme, Andersen said the emphasis on reading shows the school’s commitment to teach every child that basic skill.
“In Ardena, reading is No. 1. They really encourage the kids to do a lot of reading and I think the children see what books have to offer and the imagination they can take with them. It is just such a great experience for them,”Andersen said.
Although itwas said that everyone in the school made an effort to make the evening magical, Tondi received the highest praise.
Suzanne Brennan, an Ardena parent who has children in grades one, three and five, said Tondi has enthusiasm and a wide range of creative ideas.
“Anyone can think of something special or creative to do for people, but it takes a special person to actually do it,” Brennan said. “The reading component is wonderful andMs. Tondi brings books to life. This program makes a difference, it reinforces the importance of reading, and the love of books. I also try to assimilate that at home with my children. My theory is that if you love to read and you have self-confidence, the world is yours.”
Kim Shalloo, the parent of 6-year-old Isabel, shared the same sentiment. She said, “This was such a lovely evening. These types of programs foster a love of books, especially for my daughter. Ardena is very good at encouraging the children to read and making it enjoyable, and something that they want to do. My daughter has become an avid reader and she reads on her own.”
Shalloo credited the school staff with encouraging what she called a “family environment.”
“This event fostered a really nice family environment for the school. Although the parents see each other at other functions, this function is a no pressure kind of gathering. It’s nice to just get together and not feel like we have to do anything, other than just enjoy the time together.”
