By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Helena Elementary School students were excited to get to school on the mornings of Dec. 3-4 as the school got a surprise visit from a familiar face seen around the Christmas holidays.

Santa Claus made a surprise visit to Helena Elementary School to take pictures as well as to share breakfast with students before classes began for the day.

“Santa came and he parked his reindeer and sleigh back behind the school,” said Helena Elementary School Principal Mary Cooper on the visit from Santa. “Students can enjoy breakfast while getting their picture made with Santa.”

HES first grader Jack Goodwin was excited to see Santa and he shared what he wanted the most for Christmas.

“My favorite thing was seeing Santa today and I’m looking forward to getting Skylanders for Christmas,” said Goodwin.

First grader Madelyn Sirmon was also in the cafeteria eating breakfast with her mom, and she was happy to see Santa.

“Seeing Santa was my favorite part and I’m asking him for a pet vet kit,” said Sirmon.

Shelby County Schools will be off for the Christmas Holidays after Friday, Dec. 18.