Watson students experience Polar Express

By NATALIE SCOTT

nscott@vindy.com

Students in one first-grade Watson Elementary School classroom were given a special Christmas treat Dec. 14 when Sen. Joe Schiavoni appeared at their school to read “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg.

The class had first seen the movie and then had a day to experience “The Polar Express” in their own way, with train tickets, cookies and hot cocoa. To add to the effect of being a part of “The Polar Express,” students were asked to wear their pajamas to school, just like the children on the train.

When Schiavoni arrived, he first asked students to guess his job and what all his job entails. Students then had the chance to tell him what they had asked for from Santa Claus. Finally, the students settled down on their reading carpet and listened to Schiavoni read.

“I enjoy reading to the kids, especially when it’s stories that mean something,” said Schaivoni. “I like to read stories that really encourage children to love one another and enjoy their childhood because it passes way too quickly.”

Every student was given a bell and told that they should always believe in the magic of the holidays. Sugar cookies shaped and decorated to look like the tickets to get on the Polar Express were served with warm hot cocoa, complete with snowman-shaped whipped cream.

“I liked the story,” said Ben Miller, a first-grade student at Watson. “First they were on the train and went to the North Pole and they found Santa. It was a really good story.”