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Arts

A Day in the Life of Santa Claus Brings Holiday Magic to Life

"We feel blessed to have a small part in preparing these students for the world's stage." - Sherry Lopez

Cumming Elementary is lighting up the season with a heartwarming holiday performance of A Day in the Life of Santa Claus, presented by Mrs. Lopez, Mrs. Kemptner, Adi Wormsley, Denise Murphy, and their talented students, including Forsyth Central High School Alum, Sarah Costello. This festive Reader's Theater production is more than just a play; it's a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and inclusion.

Inspired by the whimsical story of Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their lively crew of North Pole elves, the performance had audience members laughing, singing, and enjoying the true magic of the season. Behind the scenes, fifth-grade students are working together to design props, costumes, and sets, blending reading instruction with hands-on artistry.

The event proudly resembles The Penguin Project, an initiative that empowers children with special needs to shine on stage alongside peer mentors. Through friendship, mentorship, and shared celebration, students are learning the power of storytelling and teamwork.

The image shows a stage with various costumed performers, including Santa Claus, interacting with a seated audience of children and adults in a festive holiday setting.
The image shows a group of young people sitting on chairs on a stage, with colorful props and a %22Rapping Machine%22 sign in the background.
A person wearing a blue outfit and a top hat is sitting on a chair in front of a colorful, decorated background with a large wreath-like structure.
A group of children dressed in colorful Santa Claus costumes performing on a stage with various props and decorations in the background.
A young woman with braided hair sits on a colorful, decorated chair in a festive, holiday-themed setting with various props and decorations surrounding her.
A festive winter scene with Santa Claus surrounded by people in various holiday-themed costumes, against a backdrop of snowy scenery and a starry night sky.
The image depicts a festive winter scene with various costumed characters, including Santa Claus, interacting on a stage with a snowy backdrop and a red brick wall.
A stage filled with various costumed performers, including Santa Claus and other holiday characters, against a backdrop of a snowy night scene.
A stage with various costumed performers, including Santa Claus figures, is visible in the foreground, surrounded by an audience seated in the auditorium.
A smiling woman in a white chef's uniform stands in front of a Christmas-themed background, holding a cardboard cutout of a food truck.
The image shows a crowded auditorium with people seated in the audience, while a person in the foreground appears to be setting up or adjusting some equipment on a table.
A stage filled with colorful costumes and performers, surrounded by an audience seated in a dimly lit auditorium.
The image depicts a festive Christmas-themed stage performance, with performers dressed in various holiday costumes, including Santa Claus, standing in front of a large red and white backdrop.
A stage filled with a large group of people dressed in colorful costumes, with a backdrop of sparkling lights and decorations, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
A stage with various colorful props and performers, with an audience visible in the foreground and a person in the audience using a mobile device.
A stage filled with a group of people dressed in colorful, festive costumes, performing against a backdrop of a snowy, starry night scene.
A stage with various costumed characters, including Santa Claus and other festive figures, surrounded by gifts and decorations against a dark backdrop with falling snow or glitter.
A group of performers dressed in colorful costumes, including Santa Claus and elves, stand on a stage against a backdrop of falling snow and a dark night sky.
A stage filled with a group of people dressed in Santa Claus costumes, surrounded by festive decorations and a snowy backdrop, creating a lively and cheerful holiday scene.
A group of people dressed in Santa Claus costumes standing on a stage with various Christmas decorations and props in the background.
The image depicts a festive Christmas scene on a stage, with several costumed performers dressed as Santa Claus and other holiday characters surrounded by various props and decorations.
The image depicts a group of people dressed in Santa Claus costumes, surrounded by various Christmas-themed props and decorations, including presents and a microphone, against a dark background.
A stage with various costumed performers, including Santa Claus figures, against a backdrop of a starry night sky and holiday decorations.
A stage with various costumed performers, props, and a festive holiday atmosphere, with a backdrop of a winter scene.
A group of colorfully dressed performers stand on a stage against a backdrop of colorful sets and a starry night sky.
The image shows a group of people dressed in Santa Claus costumes performing on a stage in front of a large audience. The stage is decorated with Christmas-themed props and backdrops, creating a festive atmosphere.
A group of people dressed in festive Santa Claus and elf costumes stand on a stage with various holiday-themed props and decorations in the background.
A group of people dressed as Santa Claus and other holiday characters are gathered on a stage, surrounded by various Christmas-themed props and decorations.
The image depicts a group of people dressed in Santa Claus costumes and other festive attire, standing on a stage with various holiday-themed props and decorations in the background.
The image shows a stage with various colorful and whimsical costumes and props, with a group of people in the background, likely an audience or performers.
The image shows a stage with various costumed performers, including a person dressed as Santa Claus, surrounded by colorful props and decorations, suggesting a holiday or festive performance.
A colorful and lively stage performance with various costumed performers, props, and a backdrop of painted scenery.
A colorful and lively stage performance with various costumed performers, props, and a backdrop of decorative elements.
A stage with various colorful and whimsical characters, including clowns and other performers, stands in the foreground, while the background appears to be a dimly lit theater setting.
A group of people dressed in colorful costumes, including clowns, mimes, and other performers, are gathered in a forest setting with large redwood trees in the background.
The stage features two performers dressed in colorful, whimsical costumes, surrounded by a festive set with bookshelves, presents, and a large backdrop depicting a similar scene. The audience is visible in the foreground, seated and engaged with the performance.
A stage with various costumed performers, including Santa Claus, surrounded by an audience in a dimly lit theater setting with twinkling lights in the background.
The image depicts a group of people on a stage, with a man and two women standing in the foreground, surrounded by various colorful characters and props in the background, all set against a dark, snowy backdrop.
The image depicts a group of people on a stage, with a man and two women in the foreground interacting, while various costumed performers can be seen in the background against a starry night sky backdrop.
A group of people, some in festive attire, stand on a stage with a snowy backdrop, suggesting a winter or holiday-themed performance or event.
The image shows a group of people on a stage, with two individuals in the foreground standing at a microphone. The background includes various props and decorations, suggesting a theatrical or performance setting.
The image depicts a group of people on a stage, with a snowy winter backdrop and a Christmas-themed setting. The individuals in the foreground appear to be performers or actors, dressed in various costumes and interacting with each other.
The image depicts a group of people on a stage, with a woman in the center holding a microphone and surrounded by other individuals in various costumes and poses.
The image shows a group of people on a stage, with a person in a Santa Claus costume standing in the center. The background appears to be a stage setting with a snowy backdrop, suggesting a holiday or Christmas-themed performance or event.
A stage performance with a group of people in colorful costumes, including a woman in a yellow sweater, against a backdrop of a starry night sky.
A group of people dressed in festive Santa Claus costumes and winter attire stand on a stage against a backdrop of falling snow and colorful lights.
A group of people dressed in colorful holiday costumes, including Santa Claus outfits, stand on a stage against a backdrop of a starry night sky.
A group of people dressed in festive costumes, including Santa Claus and other holiday-themed outfits, performing on a stage against a starry night background.
The image depicts a group of people dressed in festive costumes, including Santa Claus and other holiday-themed characters, performing on a stage against a backdrop of a starry night sky.
A group of people dressed in festive holiday costumes, including Santa Claus outfits and elf-like attire, stand on a stage against a backdrop of a starry night sky.
A group of people dressed in festive holiday attire, including Santa Claus figures, stand in a snowy outdoor setting with presents and other Christmas decorations in the foreground.
A group of people dressed in festive holiday attire, including Santa Claus costumes, stand on a stage against a dark background with falling snow.
The image shows a group of people on a stage, with a person in a yellow sweater standing in the center. The background is dark, with falling snow or snowflakes visible. The other people in the image appear to be wearing festive holiday attire, such as Santa Claus costumes and elf-like outfits.
A group of people dressed in various festive costumes, including a snowman, elf, and Santa Claus, stand on a stage against a backdrop of falling snow and a dark night sky.
A group of people dressed in various holiday-themed costumes, including Santa Claus, performing on a stage with a snowy backdrop.
A group of people dressed in colorful, festive costumes performing on a stage against a backdrop of a starry night sky.
A group of performers in colorful costumes stand on a stage against a backdrop of falling snow, creating a festive and whimsical scene.
The image depicts a festive Christmas scene with several people dressed in Santa Claus costumes and other holiday attire, surrounded by various Christmas decorations and gifts on a stage or performance area against a dark, starry background.
A group of performers in colorful costumes stand on a stage against a backdrop of a starry night sky.
A group of people dressed in festive holiday attire, including Santa Claus and other costumed characters, are gathered on a stage against a backdrop of a starry night sky.
A group of people dressed in colorful, festive costumes stand on a stage against a backdrop of a starry night sky.
A group of people dressed in various festive costumes, including a woman in a long white dress, a man in a top hat, and others in colorful outfits, stand on a stage against a backdrop of a starry night sky.

Voices from the North Pole

Students Share the Magic Behind the Scenes

From designing sets to stepping into character, students have poured heart and creativity into A Day in the Life of Santa Claus. We caught up with Charlotte, a cast member and set designer, to hear what this performance means to her, and how it's brought joy, teamwork, and holiday spirit to life in their classrooms.

Behind the Curtain

Meet the Educators Bringing Santa's Story to Life

To learn more about the inspiration, collaboration, and classroom magic behind A Day in the Life of Santa Claus, we sat down with Mrs. Lopez and Mrs. Kemptner for a behind-the-scenes look at how this holiday performance came together.

North Georgia Marching Band Championship

Saturday, October 25, 2025 | South Forsyth High School | 11:00 AM

North GA Marching Band Championship
Band Routine
Band Routine

South Forsyth High School will host the annual NGMBC (North GA Marching Band Championships) on Saturday, October 25th. Gates open at 11:00 AM. Marching bands from across the state will compete, including our own Denmark and Forsyth Central High schools. South Forsyth will perform Element 79 in an exhibition at 7:20 PM. South Forsyth's band placed 2nd in class at the BOA Chattanooga, just behind Lambert. South also reached the BOA finals with this show for the first time in school history.

FoCAL Shines with Southern Charm

FoCAL Bright Star Promo

October 16 - 18 & 23-25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
October 19 & 26, 2005 at 2:00 PM

Tickets Available at: TheFoCALCenter.com

Bright Star Takes Center Stage

The FoCAL Performing Arts Center proudly presents Bright Star, a heartwarming musical infused with bluegrass rhythms and themes of love, loss, and redemption. Written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, this Broadway gem takes place in the American South during the 1920s and 1940s. It follows the journey of Alice Murphy, a literary editor whose past resurfaces in unexpected ways.

In this production, director and producer Dawn Phipps' vision transforms Bright Star into an autobiographical unfolding of Alice's life, staged within the attic of her memories. The set design evokes a "Cracker Barrel" charm—warm, rustic, and deeply nostalgic—where walls lined with vintage décor become vessels of Alice's memories. This immersive attic space not only houses the physical set but also serves as a living archive of Alice's emotional journey, seamlessly blending past and present through music, storytelling, and visual texture.

Featuring a cast and crew made up of Forsyth County educators, graduates, and staff, this production celebrates local talent and community spirit while honoring the timeless themes that make Bright Star shine.

Spotlight on Mackenzie Dacus, Cougar Chorus Director

Cumming Elementary School

After a standout performance at the Gwinnett Stripers (Triple-A Affiliate of the Atlanta Braves) baseball game, we caught up with Mackenzie Dacus to hear more about the experience:

Cougar Chorus

Cumming Elementary's Cougar Chorus had a standout performance at the Gwinnett Stripers Game in September.

What was it like seeing your students perform in such a lively, public setting—any favorite moments from the night?

It is always such a joy to see our Chorus students perform in public. The excitement fills the performance with energy. My favorite moment of the night was the nervous energy the students had as we waited for the 7th-inning stretch. We were standing in formation waiting for our cue, and I was asked dozens of times: "Is it time yet?" A baseball player threw a piece of gum up to the kids, and they thought it was the coolest thing! When the time came, they sang their hearts out and absolutely rocked it! It is truly a gift to see these students share their love for music with others.

Healing through Art

Art supplies
People standing around in a classroom
People standing around in a classroom
People standing around in a classroom
People standing around in a classroom
People standing around in a classroom

The project is an interactive coloring book series created by Denmark High School’s art students, including members of the National Art Honor Society, Media Arts programs, and Cumming Arts Center. Healing through the Arts is designed to support children who are homebound, hospitalized, or in need of healing through creative expression.

Art teacher Ms. Kimmy Wood has been a driving force behind the initiative. Her philosophy centers on using art to support mental health and whole-child development.