Beatrice grade schoolers have fun with holiday mystery

BEATRIICE - It’s been a week of mystery for kindergarten, first and second graders at Lincoln Elementary School in Beatrice.

Word went out Monday that a band of elves were up to no good, and that teachers should lock their doors and windows. During the week, students found teachers chairs taken, finding them in the front hallway…which they dutifully replaced. Then Thursday, chairs were turned over, books were found upside down and items had been misplaced.

"And...a note on the door said the Grinch didn't like our little gift, so he came in and threw a fit. And then, this morning, the Grinch is here."

The week of mystery was hatched by Lincoln School Secretary Julie Stuart and three other staff members, to make the pre-Christmas week before the holiday break, fun for the students.

Activities Friday included a bus ride to a downtown theatre, where kids saw a Grinch movie. Stuart said the plan weeklong activities gave everyone a chance to be a kid again.

"We had so much fun doing this, and we're really enjoying the kids' reactions and they are really enjoying the activities. That's what Christmas is about.....others....and joy....and the spirit of giving."

The idea for the week came from a Kentucky Principal who has done a similar thing for students at his school.

"We decided last Friday what we were going to do. It kind of, snowballed."

Lincoln Elementary students got to meet the Grinch in the school gym at breakfast time…and were scheduled to get a visit from the jolly old guy in the red suit with the white beard, just prior to dismissal for the Christmas and New Year’s break.