By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY—Wednesday, Dec. 16 was no regular day at Inverness Elementary School. Santa Claus delivered Christmas magic to the school, dropping by to eat breakfast with students, greet families during carpool and listen to kindergarteners’ Christmas wishes.

“This is some our children’s only time to (sit down) with Santa,” IES kindergarten teacher Debbie Slawinski said. “They loved him, they just had the best time.”

Each kindergarten class spent time preparing for Santa’s visit, decorating T-shirts and writing Christmas letters to share with Santa.

“We have a writing block every day, its something they have been working on for a while,” IES Assistant Principal Jeff Norris said, noting the time and effort the students put into their letters.

This year, Santa said many students have asked for bicycles and traditional toys, such as trains and trucks. This is Santa’s fifth year visiting the school, and he said he keeps every letter the students have written to him.

“I have about four boxes of letters,” Santa said with a laugh. “These children are so well behaved, it’s been really nice.”

The week leading up to Christmas vacation is a special time at IES. Teachers often work educational holiday activities into their lessons, Norris said. Dec. 15 was Polar Express Day at the school, each class read “The Polar Express,” worked on themed activities and enjoyed hot chocolate and donuts while watching the movie.

Norris and IES Principal Christine Hoffman also visit each classroom throughout the week to read Christmas stories.

“We try to include as many fun experiences for the students as we can,” Norris said. “It’s always fun.”