Concho School celebrates Christmas

Karen Warnick — The Independent

Parents and visitors look over the beautiful display of entries in the gingerbread contest at Concho School. The gingerbread houses were part of the school's Christmas program Dec. 18.

CONCHO — In this age of not offending anyone and politically-correct speech, many schools have taken Christmas out of the holiday season. Concho School is not one of the them.

A survey last year of what parents wanted to see incorporated into the curriculum was overwhelmingly for a music program, said administrator Leon Buttler. Kaylene King was hired as the new music teacher and the school board approved buying instruments. The results were a wonderful Christmas music program held on Dec. 18 at 9 a.m., the first music program performed at the school.

Besides the music program, the school held contests for door decorating and gingerbread building, and Christmas decorations were abundant throughout the school.

The gingerbread entries filled several long tables in the gym where the program was held. With entries from individual students, group students, classrooms, families, individual staff and group staff, the results were amazing.

A blue and white quilt that was made of student art was raffled off for the Concho Community Clothe-a-Child program. Over 120 kids received new clothes this year thanks to the donations by parents, staff, the Concho Fire Department, Stanford General Store, TEP and others. The money from the raffle will bring the total to about 200, said a staff member. The program has been in existence for about 10 years and has grown over that time as the needs of residents have grown.

The music program began with a military tribute and a song called “This is My Wish,” sung by Sherilyn Jessop, Angelina Anderson, Elliott Emerson and Emma Sullivan.

Other performances included songs by the kindergarten and preschool kids, the fourth and sixth grade choirs, the chamber orchestra, the concert choir, first, second and third grade violin students, and solo performances by a variety of students.

The gym was packed with students, staff, parents and visitors, and the joyousness of the season was in full swing.

The program ended with the announcement of winners in the contests and a visit from Santa.

Reach the reporter at kwarnick@wmicentral.com

© Copyright 2013, White Mountain Independent, Show Low, AZ.

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