Mae Stevens in Copperas Cove holds drive-through visit with Santa
By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
The prekindergarten students at Mae Stevens Early Learning Academy were able to celebrate the campus’ annual Santa Night on Tuesday, with some modifications that still let them enjoy fun activities, pick up a free book, along with getting a photo with Santa Claus himself.
Santa Night was held outdoors in front of the campus, with teachers and staff providing live musical entertainment with a guitar, and vocalists singing Christmas songs.
In past years, the school’s hallways would be packed with students and their families as they went from activity to activity, students performing songs in the gymnasium, and everyone lining up for a photo with Santa.
This year, it the campus held a drive-through format.
“We had to put our heads together and think of something,” said MSELA’s principal, Leah Miller. “Our parents, they’re really feeling the need to connect more with the school. There’s a disconnect just because of the unprecedented times that we’re in. We really debated about how to have it.”
She described the weather on Tuesday evening as “perfect,” with the parking lot out front having two lanes where families could drive through.
When finished with the stops, families could park on the side and get out for a quick photo opportunity with Santa Claus.
“This is actually our literacy night; we like to tie everything to academics. They are playing a snowball game and get to take a book home with them,” Miller explained. “Next stop is for some reindeer food to attract reindeer, and they also get a candy cane, and a pencil.”
For the stop to see Santa near a decorated tree, one bench was for students, with a bench behind for Santa Claus.
“We’re lucky because our Santa Claus is amazing, he is on board with, ‘Yes, we want to be healthy, but I also know kids need interaction, they need to see that Santa is still there.’
“We also have our carolers. Everybody jumped in and said, what can I do to make this a fun night? It’s as much fun for the staff as it is for the kids. Our staff, all teachers, are working themselves to the bone this year. Every chance they can, they are here. They are trying new things.”
Nights like Tuesday’s Santa Night, as well as the campus “Kooky Spooky” night, which was math focused, are also important for other connections. Miller said that there are 60 virtual learners with the campus of 235 four-year-old prekindergartners.
“Our virtual teachers are here and the virtual learners have come tonight, and I can hear them saying, ‘Oh, I get to see you,’ because they’ve only seen each other through Zoom.”
Even with the weight of the new way of doing things this school year, there is some fun involved.
“We’ve especially tried these past few weeks to put some laughter into the school and a little more fun for them,” Miller said.