December 6, 2022
By: Dwayne Page
Northside Elementary School has added a Drama Club and Chorus Club to its after-school programs this year and these groups have been working hard during the first semester preparing for a special performance to be held Thursday, December 15 called “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever”
The presentation will take place at 6 p.m. that night in the NES gym and the community is invited to attend.
Two NES student cast members of the presentation, Kimber Davis and Jack Howard, recorded a public service announcement promoting the event for WJLE which can be heard at the link below
https://www.wjle.com/north-side-elementary/
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever follows the outrageous shenanigans of the Herdman siblings, or “the worst kids in the history of the world.” The siblings take over the annual Christmas pageant in a hilarious yet heartwarming tale involving the Three Wise Men, a ham, scared shepherds, and six rowdy kids.
Ralph, Imogene, Leroy, Claude, Ollie, and Gladys Herdman are an awful bunch. When the Herdman’s show up at church for the free snacks and suddenly take over the Christmas pageant, the other kids are shocked. It’s obvious that they’re up to no good. But Christmas magic is all around and the Herdman’s, who have never heard the Christmas story before, start to reimagine it in their own way. Come watch as the Herdman’s learn about the meaning of Christmas.
The new clubs are part of the Lottery for Education or LEAP’s Program. The overall goal of LEAPs is to provide Tennessee students with academic enrichment opportunities that reinforce and complement the regular academic program. Although LEAPS is not new to the school district, it has been expanded this year to include these new clubs at NES. LEAPs activities are offered after school until 5:30 p.m. and the school has a Breakfast Club that meets before the start of the school day.
“Over 130 students at Northside Elementary School participate in the program which includes a breakfast club and afterschool classes,” said LEAP’s Site Coordinator Amanda Mathis. “The LEAPS schedule includes time for homework, support, a healthy snack, physical activity, and socialization. Participants also have regular opportunities to engage in enrichment activities connected to science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM). We believe these activities are important for developing curiosity, thinking, and fostering a love for learning,” said Mathis.
“LEAPs plays an important role in helping students develop positive relationships between students and their teachers and peers outside of the regular school day. Participants also benefit from academic support and opportunities to engage in fun, enriching activities in a safe, supervised environment. Together, these opportunities help students develop positive attitudes about learning and school,” Mathis continued.
“Family and community involvement are an important part of our program. The community is encouraged to come and see the performance of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” from our drama and chorus clubs on Thursday, December 15 at 6 p.m.,” added Mathis
For additional information about the program, please contact Mathis.