Written by Daniel Bell, Rome News-Tribune education editor, published 12/9/09
The assembly space at Darlington Middle School was awash with “oohs,” “aahs” and the occasional exclamation of “wow!” Tuesday afternoon as about 100 preschool-age children tore into the Christmas gifts provided to them by Darlington Middle students.
The younger children were the students of
Rebecca Blaylock Child Development Center, and the party in their honor has been a tradition at Darlington for at least 20 years, said Sally Muschamp, sixth-grade humanities teacher and party organizer.
The fifth-, sixth- and seventh-grade Darlington students — just more than 200 kids in all — choose and purchase gifts for either boys or girls ages 2 to 5 years old. On the day of the party the little kids are matched up with the big kids for holiday-themed snacks and some meet-and-greet time.
“They love it,” said Muschamp of the Darlington students. “They’re very excited. They always have great stories to tell.”
The really exciting part, however, is when the preschool children get to open their presents. On Tuesday, wrapping paper flew in every direction to reveal footballs, dolls, toy cars and airplanes, princess costumes, stuffed animals, hula hoops and at least one Mr. Potato Head.
Lead pre-K teacher Elizabeth Peace called the annual event “fantastic,” saying it provides a great opportunity for her students to interact with older children. At Rebecca Blaylock, teachers also use the event as a holiday lesson, telling their kids that they can learn a lot from their new Darlington peers.
“This is the season for giving, not getting,” said Peace. “And that’s what we tell them.”
The Darlington students enjoy the interaction too, at least according to eighth-graders Carissa Duvall and Emily Thurmond, who were having a snack with Mac-Kenzie Coates, a shy little girl with bright blonde hair.
“I love it. It’s so much fun because we get to hang out with them and get to know them,” said Emily.
“I’ve always liked it,” said Carissa. “We get to talk to them and teach them how to use their new toys.
Santa Claus also made an appearance during the event, much to the delight of the younger crowd. Though a few kids might have been too busy playing with their new toys and new friends to pay much attention.
