By MADDY VITALE
From holiday parties to festive concerts to toy and clothing drives, the Ocean City school district students and staff have made the best of the return to school full time.
“First coming back to the school year, there was a lot of it that didn’t feel normal. There was still a lot of getting acclimated to coming in full time and teachers jumping back in,” explained Paul Matusz, an art teacher at the high school and the president of the Ocean City Education Association.
And then, something happened.
“Over the last couple of weeks or so, leading up to the winter break, it became more of a warm atmosphere and was as close to normal (pre-COVID-19) as possible,” Matusz said in an interview Tuesday.
Students are on winter break until Jan. 3.
Concerts, holiday parties and lightheartedness from teachers and staff were among some of the reasons Matusz credits for the joyous feelings.
“I think the benefits of the kids being in school every day really shows,” he noted. “The concerts and performances that weren’t happening last year did this year.”
A YouTube video of the Ocean City Primary School holiday show.
And an emphasis on toy and clothing drives to help others was a major priority.
Students in the National Honor Society collected clothes to donate to those less fortunate.
“I think it helps put everything in perspective. We all have been going through hard times for the last year and a half,” Matusz said of the fallout from the pandemic. “I think the clothing drive and toy drives really bring out the fact that people are worse off than you.”
Like this year’s holiday festivities, last year the district also enjoyed holiday door decorating contests among other events, but there was a different feel, Matusz explained.
“This year, we are starting to see a product of the kids starting to have a normal start to the new school year,” he added. “Teachers in the district should be given a lot of credit because they work tirelessly to make the lives better for the kids. Whether wearing an ugly sweater or decorating, I think the kids are really feeling the positive energy.”
The Ocean City Education Association posted a message on Dec. 22 recognizing the students and staff:
Congratulations to all of our talented students who shared their voices, musicality, and generosity this holiday season!
There is nothing better than driving under the lights on Asbury after hearing our students share their musical gifts.
Earlier this month, the Intermediate School band, chorus, and theater students returned to the stage with a concert full of winter and holiday delights. Mr. Frank Butterick led the Concert Band through a range of holiday favorites.
Ms. Jen Rowe conducted an enthusiastic group of singers through musical selections that were both nostalgic and festive.
Mr. Andrew Benfer’s theater students joined the musicians for the first time ever providing narration for the program and humorous holiday skits about a fast-running Gingerbread cookie and a Baker’s Dozen.
Our teachers work with these students each week developing their talents, emphasizing the value of practice, and teaching them how to be ensemble performers.
The High School’s Concert Choir, Mixed Choir, and Select Choir performed a wide range of musical selections under the direction of Dr. Brian Schkeeper. From complex Baroque choral music to beautiful lyrical arrangements, each group performed their repertoire with confidence. Dr. Schkeeper works with the singers on proper vocal technique, musicianship, and blending their voices to produce these lovely performances.
On multiple selections, choirs were joined by Ms. Donna Schwartz’s violin and percussion students.
Ms. Cholehna Weaver shared her musical talents on the piano both evenings as accompanist for the choirs.
The Interact Club, led by Advisors Ms. Jen Dean and Mr. Josh Handshaw, volunteered for both concerts as ushers and greeters as well as hosting their annual cookie drive to benefit community partners, OCNJ Care and God’s Kitchen at St. Peters. Cookies were generously provided by Kookie Kids!
Ms. Amy Andersen and her ASL students hosted a signing Santa and ASL chat for OCHS ASL students and Deaf community members and children! Such a special night for so many!
Ms. Ashley Schmid and her Key Clubbers collected dozens of presents for preschoolers. There will be so many happy children thanks to their generosity!
As we count down to Winter Break, we hope your families are finding ways to get in the holiday spirit!
