The creative enthusiasm for the holidays is very much on display at the James Kaden Administration Offices (JKAO). The stark, gray walls of the office hallways really needed a cheerful boost for the season. What better way to make that happen than a door decorating contest? As part of the building’s “12 Days of Holiday Celebrations,” staff members were asked to decorate the entrance to their individual offices. No limitations - just imagination. And it was all for the delight of some of the district’s pre-K students because they were going to pick the winner.  Staff members took the competition very seriously and after a couple of days of furious arts and crafts activity, the festive foyers were reading for judging.  

On December 5th, several pre-K classes walked the hallways with their teachers with the goal of picking their favorite.  There were laughs, giggles, and squeals of delight as the children passed Whoville, a gingerbread village, a yeti, a giant mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows, snowmen, elves, and followed a trail of cookies to a doorsized Santa face with a long, white beard. There was even a door where kids could take a “s-ELF-ie” by lining up their face with the elf hat and costume mounted around the door’s window.  Most of the displays also featured a takeaway treat!  

Some competitors hoped to assure their win with some extra surprises. Whoville offered cupcakes that were served by a costumed Grinch and Cindy Lou Who.  Even the Grinch’s dog, Max, was there - with antlers!  The gingerbread village added the extra touch of featuring gingerbread girls and boys in their decor with the students’ names.  The staff really showed their love of both the holiday season and the children with the enthusiasm and ingenuity they put into their beautiful decorations.

When all the votes were in, the winners were the Bluey Team with staff from South Huntington Academy and the School Nursing Department. If you don’t have young children, we’ll let you know that Bluey is a character on a popular, animated Disney Junior series about a very curious Blue Heeler puppy (that’s an Australian cattle dog) that takes her family and friends on adventures as she explores the world around her.  It’s targeted to preschoolers so Team Bluey really knew their audience and took the win!

Thanks to everyone at the James Kaden Administration Offices for taking part in this fun and festive project!   

See more photos here!

When all the votes were in, the winners were the Bluey Team with staff from South Huntington Academy and the School Nursing Department.

Whoville offered cupcakes that were served by a costumed Grinch and Cindy Lou Who. 

A trail of cookies with a tall glass of milk led the pre-K students to a doorsized Santa face with a long, white beard.

The Payroll office decorated there door where kids could take a “s-ELF-ie” by lining up their face with the elf hat and costume mounted around the door’s window. 

The staff really showed their love of both the holiday season and the children with the enthusiasm and ingenuity they put into their beautiful decorations.