Barnhart School Christmas Tree Trimming 2007

On Monday December 3, the Christmas season truly began at Barnhart School with the annual tree trimming and visit by “Santa Claus” during a school wide chapel service.  Students, staff, and parents were treated to Christmas carols sung beautifully by members of Barnhart staff’s “Von Trapp Singers.”  The students then trimmed the tree with their own, hand-made ornaments.  The kindergartners and first graders sat with their seventh and eighth grade buddies who helped them place their ornaments on the tree as Santa watched from his place of honor.

The “buddy” program at Barnhart School is a long-established tradition.  Not only does it support the development of leadership with the Middle School students, it makes the younger children quickly feel comfortable and a part of the Barnhart Family.  In September each kindergarten student is matched with a seventh grader who remains his or her buddy for two years.  They meet at least once a month to eat lunch together, read stories, create art projects, or play games.  Holidays offer an opportunity for the middle school students to introduce the little ones to a true Barnhart Halloween celebration, Christmas tree trimming and the annual Easter Egg Hunt.  In the spring, the seventh graders write and illustrate stories starring their buddies.  These end of the year gifts are treasured for years to come by the younger children and their parents alike.  This is just one of the many special programs that make Barnhart School a family.