PCES staff brighten the holidays for students in need

GUILFORD — Santa Claus had some help this year from the staff at Piscataquis Community Elementary School in making sure about two dozen students received a needed item of winter clothing and had something fun for Christmas.

PCES Principal Anita Wright said 23 staff members filled 26 anonymous requests made by students in need through the “Backpack Christmas Tree Program.”

“I just think that shows that the staff is dedicated to the kids,” she said on the last day of school before the break. “For 23 staff members to give, that’s a lot. There’s such dedication to the kids here.” Wright added that not all of the six communities making up SAD 4 may be aware of how much the staff at the pre-kindergarten through grade 8 school care about the pupils.

School Nurse Wendy Viera said the unidentified student requests were hung on the Backpack Christmas Tree for staff members to choose from. “They bought a needed item, like boots or a snow jacket, and a fun item,” Viera said.

In addition, Wright said the teacher’s association “worked with Santa” to ensure that all students in pre-K to grade 2 received a book to bring home.

“The school has a partnership with the Charlotte White Center, the Charlotte White Center donates so every student K-4 could go home with a book,” Wright said about another ongoing program.