Chartiers Primary Center hosts sensory Santa experience
There was some shyness among some of the youngsters as they entered the room to see Santa Claus, but in most cases they grew more comfortable and shared their Christmas wish lists with him.
Chartiers Valley Primary Center hosted a sensory-friendly Santa experience Dec. 6, which allowed students and families to meet Santa in a quiet environment.
“It’s for children and their families for whom it might be a little overwhelming to go to a traditional visit with Santa,” explained Deidra Stepko, primary center principal.
The children and their families were brought into a private room with Santa, and were given as much time as they wanted for their visit.
“We empowered the families that whatever they and their children need to make this a positive experience, that’s what we’re going to do,” Stepko said. “It’s an environment in which Santa is sitting back, waiting for the kid to be comfortable and come to him. They’re not waiting in line, where it’s chaotic. Calm and flexible are our themes for the evening.”
This was the first year of the program in Chartiers Valley. Stepko brought the idea with her from her tenure in the Belle Vernon School District, where she was the principal at Marion Elementary School.
Fifteen families signed up to participate. Pictures were taken of each child with Santa, which will each be given to the family.
Savannah Leithauser, 6, sported a huge smile as she chatted with Santa, telling him all she wanted for Christmas. The kindergarten student handed Santa a note saying, “I love you,” and told him that he would be greeted with cookies when he arrived at the family’s house on Christmas Eve.
“Savannah was super excited,” said her mother Amanda. “She came home and immediately made a list for Santa.”
Savannah visited with Santa with her brother Zachary, 9, a third-grade student in the Chartiers Valley School District.
“This was nice for them, just the calmness is a good thing,” said mom Amanda.
Anuka Bhattacharya, 6, said there would not be cookies for Santa, but a pie. Her parents said Anuka was anticipating her visit with Santa all day long. She didn’t want to sit on Santa’s lap, but she did give him a big hug.
Jordan Griffie, 5, was a bit shy at first, sitting with his back to Santa for a while. Eventually, he sat on his lap for pictures. He told Santa of his wish for gifts such as Hot Wheels and Legos, his smile broadening as he talked about each toy.
Riley Balema, 9, promised Santa cookies with his face on them.
“It was such a feel-good event,” Stepko said. “We had so many families express gratitude that we had an event like this. All of the volunteers were talking about doing it again next year. So, I think everything is in line to do it again and do it even better.”