2013 has ended, and I feel like I've barely blinked. December was full of lesson plans, girl drama, and bell ringing with my Junior Ambassadors. I still can't believe how much has changed in a year.
During one of our December meetings, the WIS Junior Ambassadors decided they wanted their December activities to be caroling and bell ringing for the Salvation Army. (They had many more ideas, but we were slightly time-constrained.)
In order to simplify things, I asked them if it would be okay to sing carols while ringing bells. Of course they unanimously agreed that it was a great idea! I made a few phone calls and did some scheduling research, and McFarland's Pick 'n Save graciously said they would allow us to sing in the store while ringing bells. I signed our group up for two 2-hour time slots the week before Christmas. I didn't know what kind of turnout to expect, and I was even prepared to beg coworkers to ring bells with me in case the kids didn't show up. But not only did they show up- they blew me away!
In order to simplify things, I asked them if it would be okay to sing carols while ringing bells. Of course they unanimously agreed that it was a great idea! I made a few phone calls and did some scheduling research, and McFarland's Pick 'n Save graciously said they would allow us to sing in the store while ringing bells. I signed our group up for two 2-hour time slots the week before Christmas. I didn't know what kind of turnout to expect, and I was even prepared to beg coworkers to ring bells with me in case the kids didn't show up. But not only did they show up- they blew me away!
Our first group (above) showed up Monday evening in the middle of a snow storm. I left a school meeting early in order to get to the store in time, and I was so nervous that no one was going to join me. I had four packets of (school-appropriate) carols and didn't think I would need any more than that. Instead, I ended up having to make 3x that for the second evening! -->
We had multiple staff members come visit us and even stay for a few songs. (I decided that an hour was the perfect length for carols, because by 1.25 they kids were getting a little silly. Unfortunately, this was when many staff members stopped by.)
The kids did an AMAZING job both evenings, and I have to say that the kettle was SO full after their 2-hour caroling sessions. How awesome is that experience?
We had multiple staff members come visit us and even stay for a few songs. (I decided that an hour was the perfect length for carols, because by 1.25 they kids were getting a little silly. Unfortunately, this was when many staff members stopped by.)
The kids did an AMAZING job both evenings, and I have to say that the kettle was SO full after their 2-hour caroling sessions. How awesome is that experience?