The Family Holiday Party

CLASP hosted its 3rd annual Family Holiday Party on Thursday December 11. Over 40 students with 15 family members enjoyed an evening of holiday cheer. The evening began with a dinner of pizza, cookies, and mandarin oranges, always a children’s favorite. Next was a live musical performance by the Claremont High School Chamber singers led by Musical Director Kyle Ward. Students were encouraged to sing along to classic holiday songs. We hope they will be inspired to join the choir once they reach high school.

The evening ended with two activities. Children visited and were professionally photographed with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus--Raul and Connie Rodriguez, who we thank for donating their time and the gift bags they provided each student! Program Director Cristina Antoniolli printed and delivered the free photographs to the students’ schools before the winter break. Students tested their creativity and self-expression with three different crafts. At the most popular craft table, students used their fingerprints to create personalized snowmen on glass ornament balls. Some 25 volunteers made up of board members, committee members, and staff ensured the evening ran smoothly and met the goal of building community among our students, families and volunteers.

The highlight for our Enrichment Committee which coordinates this event is having our picture taken with Santa!!!! No! It is seeing the children’s expressions when Santa arrives. One student told Santa he had been good all week! Santa extracted a promise from the student to be good for two weeks next year!

Board Member Carol-Lee Marshall checks in students at the CLASP Holiday Party.

CLASP Board Member Harriet Archibald-Woodward and Program Director Cristina Antoniolli with students Nathan and Kaylani.