Skip To Main Content

Grimes School ENL Class celebrates the holidays with Great Grandma Read-Aloud, Author Visit and Festive Fun

Grimes School ENL Class celebrates the holidays with Great Grandma Read-Aloud, Author Visit and Festive Fun
Grimes School ENL Class celebrates the holidays with Great Grandma Read-Aloud, Author Visit and Festive Fun

On Thursday, December 19, 2024, students in Jocelyn Rios’ English as a New Language (ENL) class at Grimes School were treated to a Great Grandma Christmas Read-Aloud party, where they enjoyed all sorts of Christmas festivities. Whilst enjoying snacks, pastries, and refreshments provided by the parents, students listened to a live reading of Clement Clarke Moore’s “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” read aloud by Mrs. Rios’ mother, a long-time resident of Mount Vernon. 

Students also got a treat from overseas when children’s author Anne John-Ligali Zoomed into class from London, England, to read a chapter from her book “Bella's Christmas Wonderland Adventure.” Ms. John-Ligali also participated in an engaging Q&A session with the students.

Afterward, Mrs. Rios’ husband stopped by the class to play Christmas carols on the guitar and sing with the kids. The Christmas party ended with merriment as kids opened their gifts from Mrs. Rios to celebrate the holidays. 

Teacher and student smiling and looking at camera.
Author reading book on zoom with classroom
Man playing guitar at classroom christmas party


 

Sunshine and C.A.R.E teams join together to kick off the new year Grimes way!
Sunshine and C.A.R.E teams join together to kick off the new year Grimes way!

Grimes School's 2026 New Year’s Holiday Party brought staff together for a cozy, laughter-filled breakfast celebration that was equally festive and delicious. Fifty-three colleagues gathered around tables dressed in cheerful Christmas tablecloths, topped with elegant runners and twinkling white lights, because even breakfast deserves a little sparkle. ✨

Grimes students receive gifts in toy drive
Grimes students receive gifts in toy drive

Smiles, excitement, and gratitude filled the halls of Grimes School thanks to St. Joseph Lodge #117 Prince Hall Masons. As part of their Christmas Toy Drive, every student in kindergarten through fourth grade received a gift, making the holiday season extra special. Students shared how excited and thankful they felt, with many expressing how happy they were to receive a surprise gift. Grimes School is truly appreciative of the Masons’ generosity and looks forward to future events that continue to bring joy to our students.

Empowering Young Minds Through the Gift of Stories
Empowering Young Minds Through the Gift of Stories

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Westchester Alumnae Chapter, brought joy and inspiration to Dana Johnson's 6th-grade scholars at Grimes School with an extraordinary gift—over 10 powerful books authored by voices that reflect the vibrant diversity of the classroom. Esteemed members Donna Rustin and Tonya Johnson-Cooper personally presented each book, proudly stamped with the 2025 Reading is Resistance Award, a symbol of empowerment and excellence.

DWSA Band performs for Grimes students and teaches them about instruments
DWSA Band performs for Grimes students and teaches them about instruments

On Friday, the Denzel Washington School of the Arts Band stopped by to showcase their skills to the Grimes fifth- and sixth-grade students. The DWSA Band, under the leadership of music teacher Mansa Gory, surprised the Grimes students with five songs and demonstrated how each instrument works.