By Isabel Ashley
Staff reporter
On Dec. 1, the 6th grade class from Lopez Island Elementary gathered up an assortment of hand-made decorations and were bussed over to the post office to turn the building into a winter wonderland.
Christie Johnson, postmaster for the Lopez Island Post Office, reached out to Karrie Warner, the Elementary Office Support Coordinator, to see if they could have the elementary school students make Christmas decorations for the post office. Johnson had been meaning to arrange this project for the past few years and was finally able to get the request.
“I love art made by kids, and I wanted the community to be exposed to it because it’s so wonderful,” said Johnson.
To Johnson, the students went above and beyond with their creations: wreaths made from paper hand cut-outs, glittery trees, snowflakes, posters, paper chains and ornaments were strung around the post office. Some of the classes, such as the 5th grade class, incorporated what they were learning in school into their artworks.
“The 5th graders made Christmas trees out of 3-D cubes and spray painted them with glitter,” said Warner. The unique trees are a nod to spatial concepts, combining science and math subjects with their art.
“The art is so diverse; every piece is different. It shows what the kids are working on [in school],” said Johnson.
The 6th graders spent around two hours decorating the post office, and Warner attests that they were very excited to be given the opportunity. The day was made extra special with a student’s birthday celebration, as the class enjoyed brownies while they decked the office with the masterpieces.
Johnson hopes to make it a tradition for the elementary students to make their own Christmas decorations for the post office and bring festive cheer to all those who visit the building during the holiday season.
“It’s really wonderful to feel their energy and excitement through their work,” said Johnson.
“To do things for the community and to be involved is super important,” said Warner. “It was a super great experience for the kids.”
