This has been an interesting week. Two dress rehearsals for the primary Christmas Concert, three concerts, snow & rain, and several power outages.

The Christmas concerts were very successful. Thanks to everyone who helped with the event. From planning, organizing tickets, practicing with the actors, practicing with all the classes, rewriting songs, organizing the tech crews, playing piano, organizing our runners and other student volunteers, providing props and costumes, getting the program ready, setting up the gym, cleaning up the gym, picking up extra microphones for our actors, supervising students, etc. What a busy month, and from all the happy faces we saw this week, it was worth it.

Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.

Yesterday was our final showing of Survival Santa, and it was interesting. The students performances were excellent, especially in light of the many blackouts that happened during the show. Six power outages and complete blackouts in a gym filled with 470 students certainly add an interesting element to the show.

Our first power outage happened around 8:00 am, and we had only a few people in the building. It lasted a couple of minutes, and then the power come on. The next outage came just after our senior classes were seated for the morning’s concert. They did not handle it well. In any emergency situation, we teach children to be silent and wait for directions from the adults who are with them. The older students needed some reminders.

We then brought in the rest of the school, and we got one with our show. And what a show it was. Before we began, I took the time to review what would happen if the power went out and what part students would play in keeping everyone safe and calm (remain seated and quiet, and wait for directions).

The show began, and we made it through songs, and then the power went out. The gym went completely black, the audience remained silent, and the staff sprang into action. Flashlights were turned on, outside doors were opened, and the children on stage kept on singing. The power came back on again rather quickly, so we reset, and begin he song again.

The next time the power went off, a new group of children were one stage. They didn’t miss a note, nor did our piano player. The staff did their thing (lights, doors) and the concert did not stop. Later, during a third power outage, the students on stage didn’t even stop dancing.

To the Cleveland parents out there, please pass along me compliments to your children. They did such a great job in how they reacted (by not over reacting) to the gym going completely dark. In the event of a real emergency, I am confident that they will respond appropriately and follow directions. Thanks kids.

The play ended, students went outside for recess, and the day continued. Many students helped me clean up the gym (thanks), and classes started back with their regular routines.

Our actors have put away their scripts. Reindeer antlers have been found (Rudolph’s?), and the Christmas tree has been put away. The stage has been packed up, and we are now getting ready for our winter break.

Have a wonderful holiday season.

Take care.