Butterfield students hop aboard the Polar Express

Trains, heading either east or west, are an everyday occurrence in Maricopa. Last week, however, one special train, the Polar Express, left from Butterfield Elementary School–headed to the North Pole.

Librarian Lynette Bingham began the tradition of the Polar Express four years ago while she was the librarian at Pima Butte. “It quickly became an annual event, which the students anticipated. I am proud to be presenting it to my students for the first time at my new home of Butterfield Elementary,” said Bingham.

The library at Butterfield Elementary became the Polar Express. Rows of chairs became train seats, and Bingham, in railroad coat and hat, handed out tickets at the door after blowing a train whistle and calling out, “All aboard for the Polar Express.”

“I’m just so excited for this!” one young girl told her classmate.

Two lucky ticket holders became the conductor and the engineer. Thursday when fourth graders ‘rode’ the train, Jaden Ware became the conductor, dutifully punching each and every passenger’s ticket. Bryan Gonzales had the privilege of wearing the engineer’s hat and sitting up front to drive the train. “Will you take the responsibility of guiding this train to the North Pole?” Bingham asked.

“Yes, I will,” replied the new engineer, and the Polar Express headed north.

According to Bingham, the inspiration for this idea came from the book itself. “It is difficult not to be inspired by the message that is contained within the pages of the ‘Polar Express.’ The book helps remind us all about the joy of childhood and the magic of believing. After reading the book, I felt the library was a perfect backdrop for bringing this book to life for the children. I imagined rows of chairs set up to look like a train, thrown in with a little ‘snow,’ a train whistle and some sweets treats.”

The 30-minute presentation included train sounds, music from the movie, a dramatic reading of the story and a presentation of one silver bell to a randomly chosen passenger. It concluded with cookies and milk for all to enjoy once the Polar Express returned its passengers to Butterfield Elementary.

Photos by Joyce Hollis