Black Butte School hosts winter program

The Camp Sherman community packed the Community Hall last Wednesday evening to see the Black Butte School students perform their end-of-year winter program. The students brought the joy of the season with song, which included a mix of traditional Christmas carols, a tribute to Hanukkah, a Hawaiian Christmas carol and a Mexican Christmas carol.

BBS upper class students started the evening with "Let It Snow." Students sang a hearty rendition of "Jingle Bells" and followed it up with a jazzy "Jingle Bell Rock."

The younger students became Snow People, dressed all in white from their heads to their feet. One of the children told some of the students he heard a rumor Snow People dance whenever they hear music. He turned on some music, but the Snow People remained frozen.

"I guess the rumor was wrong," he announced and the children walked away. As soon as the children were out of sight, the Snow People partied, but later froze when the children returned.

Ethan Barrons, who teaches K-3 at the school, began rehearsing the younger students about three weeks ago.

"The kids came up with the songs they wanted to sing and a lot of the choreography," Barrons said. "The kids like to dance and like listening to music. Nancie helped a lot with the songs."

"I help with piano," said volunteer Nancie Carmichael. "I've done this since Toni (Foster, head teacher for many years) was here."

Teacher Carol Dixon introduced the Camp Sherman students attending Sisters High School. Dixon read the accomplishments of four freshmen, four sophomores, two juniors, and two seniors. Many of the students, Dixon proudly announced, take her English class. Special thanks were given to the volunteers for the winter program and the recent holiday bazaar.

Santa arrived with a flurry with treats for the kids.

"Boy is it wet out there," said Santa coming in from the rain. "I told Rudolph they just better deal with it, because, after all, they're reindeer."

Fourth-grade student Ethan Morgan said students practiced for nearly three weeks. Of all the songs they performed, "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" was his favorite song. All he wants for Christmas is a good Christmas and a happy Christmas.

First-grade student Christopher Lundgren wants what all children want for Christmas. He hopes to get lots of toys this year.

Has he been naughty or nice?

"I was nice this year," said the first-grader. "I clean up when I have to clean up and I listen the first time."

Parent Kathleen Mayfield was proud of her children.

"All four of my children were in the performance," Mayfield said, "It's very special to have all my children in a two-room schoolhouse performing at the same event.

"Performing in front of a crowd refines their social skills. This is the perfect environment for them to use in front of family and community," Mayfield said.

Parent Shane Lundgren brought his grandmother Evelyn Lundgren to the program.

"She played piano at Black Butte School in the '40s, '50s and '60s when it was a log cabin. She's 95," Lundgren said. "My father may be the oldest student here today who graduated from BBS.

"If anything gets you in the holiday spirit," Lundgren said, "it's this."