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Arlee, Nkwusm students spread holiday cheer

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ARLEE — Most children might spend a Friday morning watching television or sleeping in, especially if they don’t have to go to school. On a frosty day, around 30 students from Arlee and Nkwusm schools gathered to spread a little holiday cheer at local businesses.

Bundled in brightly colored coats and hats, the snow crunching beneath their boots, they sang “Jingle Bells” as a warm-up.

“We just felt like getting in the holiday spirit,” said parent Shara Espinoza, who brought her three children. “I don’t think I’ve ever been caroling, but I think I can remember (the songs).”

Community member Anne Stewart led the line, holding up a bell to jingle along.

“How many of you know ‘Frosty the Snowman’?” she asked the group, who quickly replied with the first line of the song.

On the way to their first stop, the administration building, the group encountered Willie Wright parking her car in front of the school.

They delighted her with “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” on her way inside.

The group also surprised Lonnie Morin, working inside the administrative office, as she met the singers at the door.

“You made my Christmas. Thank you very much,” Morin told the group as they made their way to the Valley Bank of Arlee and Wilson Foods.

The caroling group is part of the Arlee Schools’ Friday Fun Three, a program that provides entertaining and engaging activities for children twice a month.

The program started when the Arlee School district changed to a four-day week and is funded through the 21st Century community learning centers grant.

At their last meeting, the kids made Christmas tree ornaments, and one for the capitol tree in Helena, which displays decorations from different counties.

Folden said the children are usually drawn to the party activities. For example, one popular event involved career vehicles, which featured fire trucks and ambulances.

But she is open to ideas and often asked for input from parents and students.

“It’s not academic,” said Friday Free Three coordinator Kim Folden. “It’s just for kids to have fun when they are not in school.”

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