VENTURA : Kids Help Vons Get in Mood for Holiday Season

About 40 fifth-graders from Poinsettia Elementary School in Ventura shared their holiday spirit Tuesday by painting festive decorations on a supermarket’s dozen window panes.

“It was a wonderful experience and the kids really took pride in it,” said teacher Michelle Cybulski. “When we were done and walking away, the kids were yelling and just going crazy at seeing their art.”

Three fifth-grade classes, including two special education classes, participated in the morning project.

In exchange for the colorful depictions of candy canes, wreaths, gifts, reindeer, a Christmas tree, a menorah and other seasonal decorations on the Vons market at 6120 Telegraph Road, store manager Tyrone Burton donated $250 to the school.

“I think it’s just great to be doing this for our local school, and I think they are going to be able to use it,” Burton said. “We’re hoping we’ll be able to do it next year. We had great fun with the kids and they really seemed excited. Our customers have been commenting all day.”

Cybulski said she used the experience to discuss the cultural, religious and historical meanings and traditions of the holiday with her students.

“It is a good idea to do a community project,” Cybulski said. “It was a treat for the students.”