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Reviving a tradition

Washington students sing carols at The Arbors

The reedy voices of children echoed softly down the hallways of The Arbors assisted living home on Seventh Street Wednesday afternoon as Washington Elementary School revived a Christmas tradition.

The fifth-grade and kindergarten classes at the school walked to the facility, broke into small groups and stopped at the doorway of each room to sing carols for the residents and deliver them handmade Christmas cards.

“It used to be a tradition, but we haven’t caroled there for several years,” said fifth grade Washington teacher Amelia Jacobs. “They’re songs from the Christmas program and we’ve been practicing those since November.”

The trip took up much of an afternoon for the students, who walked several blocks from the school to The Arbors on a cool, sunny day. They sang “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and other holiday songs at the doors of residents who were awake, and quietly left cards and drawings by the doors of those who weren’t.

“We made some cards, and came to visit them and cheer them up,” teacher Allison Roberts said.

The kindergarten and fifth grade students, Jacobs said, have a special relationship aside from singing together.

“We’re trying to promote tech in our school district and we’ve started taking kindergartners to the computer lab to get them familiar with the basic operations,” she said. “The fifth grade offered to come down and help them get started, walk them through it. Now they have kind of a buddy system, they even enjoy each others’ company at recess.”

After the singing, fifth graders Ella Patterson and Darby Cartmell stood outside the building, each holding a hand of kindergartner Nora Higgins, who stood between them.

“We enjoyed making people smile,” Cartmell said. “It made everybody’s day.”

“It was awesome,” substitute teacher Mandy Montano said. “I used to work in assisted living, and I know some don’t get many visitors.”

Jody Lindsey, director of admissions for The Arbors, said the children were a welcome change for those who live there.

“They enjoy seeing the kids, and it breaks up the monotony for them, and brings them joy,” she said. “It’s always good when the community comes in.”

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