MARMORA — “They were so excited, pointing everywhere and saying ‘look, look,’” teacher Mark Neuman said of Upper Township Primary School students, who returned Monday, Dec. 19, to find a group of hard-working elves had decked the halls, courtyard and other spaces with festive displays.
Fellow Elf Squad leader Tracy Paskalides said the group must have arrived Friday night and likely returned Saturday to complete the elaborate and extensive transformation.
One hall is lined by snow-topped conifers leading to the entrance to the North Pole, where an antique lamppost served as a way-finding sign.
Another section is designated the Sweet Spot. A hall with red and white striped walls decorated with candy canes and lights leads into Candyland, where lollipops, wrapped mints and gingerbread kids shared space with shelves of penny candy alongside an old-school cash register. Paskalides said she suspects more than a couple of chocolate chips have gone missing.
Across the way is a castle, perhaps belonging to the Sugar Plum Princess, along with handmade snowflakes, no two alike. Outside the library, Santa’s bedroom was set up with a soft bed covered in festive quilts, a pretty poinsettia and a decorated tree, as well as a cozy chair and the “nice” list that includes the name of every student in preschool through second grade.
Santa’s workshop is next door, where all kinds of toys from building blocks to Hess trucks lined the shelves.
Paskalides said there was a large group of volunteers this year, but instead of the numerical advantage easing the load the elf union decided to spread the joy further.
“It’s gets bigger every year,” Paskalides said.
Outside in the courtyard, wood pallets collected from throughout the community were used to build a reindeer manger where Dancer and Prancer were waiting for their big night. Rudolph was “out for training.”
“It’s truly a winter wonderland,” Paskalides said.
Another group of elves, headquartered at the elementary school, provided food and beverages for the industrious elves, who were joined by members of their families, community groups and the Board of Education president.
Head Elf Jamie Gillespie said the annual event has become a tradition and serves well as a team-building exercise.
“It’s just so great seeing everyone working together to make a magical thing happen,” Gillespie said.
“We all love doing it so much because it brings so much joy to everyone, and not just the kids,” Paskalides said. “We’re already planning for next year.”
Gillespie said the community has really supported the effort, with people commenting on social media and during meeting of the school board and Township Committee.
The school is sharing photos on its website and Facebook page.
