12 Days Before Break turns into holiday tradition at schools
by Laura Whitaker
As the long, dark winter days continue between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the time can seem to drag in school classrooms as everyone begins to look forward to the holidays and winter vacation.
But following the success of last year’s first 12 Days Before Break countdown, the staff at Smith Elementary and Heritage School teamed up again to bring back the event. This year, the Jr./Sr. High School joined in the festivities and the appreciation for staff went across the whole district.
“The community is really who we need to thank to make all of this possible,” Laura Whitaker said. “When we asked for people to help us, we were blown away by the generosity of our district organizations, like the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation and PTO, our school board members, numerous parents, and local businesses such as Boyd Heating and Cooling, Mugg & Bopps, the Sweet Spot Bakery, and the Painted Owl.” Whitaker coordinated the events at Smith Elementary with secretary Misty Welch.
The staff and students continue to push forward from the effects of the past few years, such as navigating through the pandemic. Being able to leave for break and start the new year fresh is the continued goal of putting on the different events throughout December. The staff gets to look forward to different gifts or fun activities, and the students enjoy seeing what kind of silly antics are going to happen. For example, the school secretary dressed up as the Grinch to visit classrooms and deliver Christmas socks to all the staff in the building.
Kim Killinger, who helped organize the days at the Jr./Sr. High School this year, stated, “The staff response was overwhelmingly positive! They absolutely loved all of the special surprises each day. We were excited to piggyback off of the idea and all the work that was put into creating it.”
Heritage staff members also enjoyed their 12 days with the help of Lisa Bolton and Nicky Borowy as coordinators of the events. Borowy shared that they had multiple staff members express their delight and gratitude as the stretch from Thanksgiving to Christmas can feel very long. Fifth grade teacher Amber Robidou said, “It has been so uplifting having something to look forward to each day as we make it to the finish line!”
As the schools wrap up 2022, the planning committee members already have ideas to continue the tradition for next year. They send wishes to all of the Stockbridge Community School District and community for a wonderful holiday season!
