KEY COMMUNICATOR -  HOLIDAY SPIRIT AT WEBUTUCK HIGH SCHOOL

As you think back to Christmas morning when you were a child I hope a smile comes to your face. I remember coming down the stairs with my three brothers and being amazed at the wonder and sight of stockings filled to the top and gifts pouring out from under the tree. It's sad to think that there are children in our community that aren't able to enjoy the same feelings of utter joy and happiness as they unwrap presents left there the night before. In an effort to increase community awareness and social responsibility the High School students and staff began a community service effort to ensure that children from less fortunate homes in our local community did not go without gifts during this holiday season.

This year each advisory group in the High School, along with several Middle School students, the kitchen staff, and the District Office staff agreed to provide Christmas gifts for at least one child from our community. Social Workers Mrs. Nancy Bayersdorfer and Mrs. Janice McSpiritt supplied us with the ages and sizes of students in our district who would not be having a very Merry Christmas without our help. There were a total of 26 children "adopted" by the advisory groups at the High School ranging in age from 4 months to 12 years. The High School students were very excited about shopping for their "child". Some advisory groups collected money and then one or two people from that group went out and purchased age and gender appropriate gifts. Other advisory groups generated a list of gifts and students brought in what they could afford or were willing to purchase on their own. Each advisory group did a tremendous job in providing gifts from stocking stuffers to clothes and toys.

This altruistic effort is a source of pride for all of us here and it is refreshing to see how the students and staff gave unselfishly of themselves to help others who are less fortunate.

With the kind of effort that was demonstrated this year we are confident that this anonymous Santa program will continue and grow larger with each holiday season. Every child should know the wonder of Christmas and thanks to the efforts of our students and staff many more children will know that the magic of Christmas is alive and well here in the Harlem Valley.

Kenneth H. Sauer, Principal

Webutuck Middle/High School