Ridgefield students spread Christmas cheer
RIDGEFIELD — Taking a cue from their beloved friend, Buddy the Elf, fifth graders from Veterans Park Elementary School spread Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear.
After class was dismissed on Monday, more than 50 fifth-grade students walked from school down the block to Town Hall to give a special outdoor concert for the community. The young singers were accompanied by their teachers Michael Faloon, Matthew Hoey and Kelly Rivera.
Dozens of spectators gathered at the corner of Main and Bailey avenues in anticipation of the performance.
“Because we are the in-town school, we’ve been wanting to be a part of the community in a way that brings us outside of school,” Principal Ellen Tuckner said, “so this was one way we thought would be fun and bring joy to the town.”
Music teacher Ryan Dunne had wanted to host a concert in town even before the pandemic began. He explained that since students spent time in isolation with remote learning and quarantines, building that community became even more important.
“It also gives the students a real-world experience of performing in public,” he said. “Even though they were wearing masks they were smiling with their eyes.”
The fifth graders performed such classics as “Frosty the Snowman,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Holiday Lights” and “Auld Lang Syne.” They also offered a sneak peek of one of the songs they’ll be performing at Veterans Park’s chorus concert on Jan. 5.
“We’re just thrilled to be able to do it and so happy that everybody came out and participated with us,” Tuckner added.