Preschoolers at Acorn School share holiday spirit with parents

LOCK HAVEN -- With just a few days before Santa Claus arrives, students at Lock Haven's Acorn School got into the Christmas spirit with an outdoor concert for their families.

The concert was held outside to keep everyone safe and socially distanced. As trucks whizzed along Walnut Street, the students belted out some holiday favorites. They performed classics like "Jingle Bells," "Frosty the Snowman" and "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" -- complete with red noses for the number.

"We had planned on doing something inside and with COVID, we tried to switch things up," said education director Melissa Litz, "and we still wanted to get something done. We figured out in the parking lot, even though it's a little chilly … at least everybody is far enough away."

Parents and families spaced apart in the parking lot, snapping photos and taking videos as a memory of Christmas 2020 -- truly a Christmas unlike any other.

"It wasn't the best thing, but I think it turned out pretty great," Litz said. "We did what we had to do. It seemed like everyone had fun and the parents enjoyed it."

Seven students took part in the concert -- Lucas Barclay, Rilynne Conway, Beckett Foltz, Charlotte McCloskey, Bethany Powell, Eli Raymond and Cohen Smith.

Litz said the preschool students will definitely be on Santa's "nice" list. She said they have been very good with social distancing and masking.

"We take mask breaks when we get our snacks and we space them six feet apart. They have some time with their masks off, but they don't seem to mind wearing the masks," Litz said. "They're all used to it and they've been really good about it."

The concert put a bow on the end of the 2020 school calendar. The Acorn School will be back in session on Monday, Jan. 4, 2021. The preschool students attend classes Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Litz said.