Grades 1-4 entertain and fill hearts with Christmas spirit
By Jim Beers
CHESTER – Students in grades 1-4 at Chester Grade School entertained a very large crowd Thursday December 12 at the 2024 CGS Elementary Christmas Program. The event was hosted at Chester High School’s Colbert Memorial Gymnasium on Rocky Bridges Court.
Sue Colonel, CGS Band and General Music Director, organized and directed the event and did a wonderful job as usual. The program began at 6:30 p.m. and lasted approximately one hour, much to the pleasure and enjoyment of a very appreciative crowd.
The concert was arranged to feature each grade level individually, and in combination with the next level above or immediately below that level, as well as with all four levels joined together.
The amazing program was directed by Sue Colonel. Principal Tim Blair provided a brief welcome and Assistant Principal Dr. Kristin Petrowske was on hand to help supervise the event. Vicky Beers was the live accompanist. Several songs featured canned or recorded accompaniment monitored by Steve Colonel, CHS Band and Choral Director.
The event began with all four grade levels, Teachers, Para-Professionals, Administrators and the large audience in attendance, standing and singing the National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner”. The concert immediately followed with all four grades singing, “The Santa Claus Rock”.
The First Graders were then featured performing, “S-A-N-T-A”. The Second Graders joined the First Graders for the third song of the show performing, “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”. The combined effort was well-received and very entertaining.
Grade 3 was featured in the fourth song titled, “Let it Snow”. This popular tune was a real crowd-pleaser. All four grades then combined once again for the next production of another very popular Christmas song, “Winter Wonderland”. The entire group was approximately 200-plus vocalists and really filled the air with joy and fun.
Grade 2 then took center stage for its first feature of the evening. The Second Graders sang, “Old St. Nick, He Had a Sleigh.” The First Graders joined the elder Second Graders for the 7th song of the program titled, “The Snow Man on the Lawn”. This cute and comedic song added a bit of light humor to the event.
The senior members of the cast, the Fourth Graders, were featured in song eight with their performance of, “Oh Where Have You Been Mrs. Clause.” The 3rd and 4th grade singers joined forces for the next song titled, “No School Tomorrow if it Snows”. This song was a crowd favorite and the children enjoyed the thought of getting a day off school due to snowy conditions!
Santa Claus appeared at the beginning of the next performance as the 3rd and 4th graders once again remained center stage to sing, “There’s Someone in the Chimney”.
Guess who was the person in the chimney? IT WAS SANTA CLAUS!! He narrated the entire song and answered the frequent question, “Who’s in the chimney?” Following the completion of the song, Santa promised to stick around and pass out candy canes following the conclusion of the concert.
To close out the show, the entire cast of first through fourth graders sang the final two songs, “White Christmas”, and “Have a Happy, Happy, Holiday”. Those two songs really put a Christmas holiday spirit in the air and closed the program on a warm and friendly note!
Mrs. Colonel thanked all of the teachers and para-professionals who worked with the students in the classrooms in the weeks prior to the program to help make it such a huge success. Mrs. Colonel taught all of the students during her regularly scheduled General Music Classes for all 1st thru 4th graders.
Teachers included: 1st Grade: Alli Craig, Lindsey Hargis, Rachel Marshall, and Priscilla Martinez. 2nd Grade: Karson Colvis, Patricia Handel, Alisa Herrell, and Amanda Middendorf. 3rd Grade: Becky Gielow, Stephanie Kennedy, and Mandy Moore. 4th Grade: Stephanie Jany, Meg Schnoeker, and Sarah Surman. Other teachers included Sir Alex Abino, Sir Hansel Penira, Ms. Sheryl Hagan, and Mrs. Rachel Francis.
Para-Professionals included: Shelly Farris, Gina Hafertepe, Kim Gross, Autumn Ogle, Montana Rose, and Lisa Ketchum.
In closing, Mrs. Colonel thanked everyone for attending the program; announced that Santa Claus would be passing out candy canes; and gave instructions to parents regarding picking up their children. The event was a great success and sent attendees home filled with the Christmas spirit!
Jim Beers Report
Mrs. Sue Colonel, Chester Grade School Band and General Music Director introduces the song, “There’s Someone in the Chimney” to be performed by the 3rd and 4th Grades at the 2024 CGS Christmas Program Thursday December 12. With Mrs. Colonel is Santa Claus who narrated the song. Guess who was the one in the chimney? Jim Beers Photo
Jim Beers Report
Chester Grade Schol Principal, Tim Blair, welcomes everyone to the 2024 Chester Grade School Elementary Christmas Program Thursday December 12. Jim Beers Photo
Jim Beers Report
Chester Grade School 3rd Graders perform, “Let it Snow” at the 2024 Elementary Christmas Program. Jim Beers Photo
Jim Beers Report
CGS 2nd Graders sing, “Old St. Nick ,He Had a Sleigh” during the 2024 CGS Elementary Christmas Program Thursday December 12. Jim Beers Photo
Jim Beers Report
These excited 4th Grade Boys sing, “Oh Where Have You Been, Mr. Clause” in the 2024 Chester Grade School 1st through 4th Grade Elementary Christmas Program. Jim Beers Photo
Jim Beers Report
This elementary Chester Grade School student is enjoying his performance at the 2024 CGS Elementary Christmas Program that took place Thursday December 12. Jim Beers Photo
Jim Beers Report
These young elementary girls are really getting into their singing at the 2024 Chester Grade School Elementary Christmas Program Thursday December 12. Jim Beers Photo