Austintown students chat with Santa, thanks to the PTA

AUSTINTOWN

As Austintown Elementary School student Bryan Fleshman stood in line to meet Santa Claus, he confessed he was a little nervous.

“I’m not ready for Christmas yet,” said Bryan, a red Santa hat perched on his head and green face paint coating his cheeks.

The second-grader was one of about 1,000 of the school's students who got to meet Santa on today, thanks to the school’s Parent Teacher Association. An annual Santa Claus visit is a school tradition.

“We try to bring in any kind of fun or educational activities that we can,” said PTA president Bethany Martinez. “Some of the kids, it’s the only time they’re going to get to see Santa.”

A flurry of holiday happenings took place districtwide over the last few weeks. The intermediate school also got a visit from Santa this week, thanks to the PTA there. AIS and AES both hosted a “Santa’s Shop” for students.

Also, the Fitch High School band and choir have performed throughout the district in the lead-up to winter break, which begins Friday.

At the AES event, Santa visited each class, where students got to sit on Santa’s lap and tell him what they want for Christmas. The classes then gathered for a group photo with Saint Nick.

Read more about the events in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.