676’s new and improved holiday party

PS 676 had their holiday gift giving party after the last day of school before Christmas vacation ,but this year it was an even bigger event.

The 2019 gift giving-party for the kids was held in the gym for everyone in the school and their siblings, according to parent coordinator Marie Hueston. This was so that there would be more space for games and other activities.

When the event began at about 4:15, there were arts and crafts and games for the kids until Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived.

The first organized activity was a competitive game of musical chairs, organized by the YMCA staff. Winners earned stuffed animals, which they were excited to receive.

The next activity, which was for the older kids, was a Christmas-themed word search game. A $25 gift card went to the winner.

The first guest that received a lot of attention was Baby Shark. When Baby Shark walked in, the popular song played and the kids got excited.

When Santa (Robert, from Dyker Heights, who is in his first year being Santa), Mrs. Claus (Principal Figueroa) and an elf (Assistant Principal Perry) walked into gym, the kids all gathered in front of them and prepared to get their gifts.

The gifts were provided by Redemption Church and Superintendent Anita Skop’s office, as well as another donor. Assemblyman Felix Ortiz came and took pictures with the kids, who also posed for photos with Santa.

“Make sure you remain nice for the rest of the days at home with your parents, and thank you for joining us today,” Figueroa told the kids. “Parents, enjoy your lovely children for the next 10 days. I can’t wait to see them on January 2.”

Some of the gifts that were given were board games, basketballs, and dolls. There was plenty of food for everyone, as well as a raffle where gift cards and a box of chocolate and candy were given away to lucky winners.

Nathan Weiser