Rockin’ around the Christmas tree
at the Christmas party hop,
Mistletoe hung where you can see,
Every couple tries to stop,
Rockin’ around the Christmas tree,
Let Christmas spirit ring,
Later we’ll have some pumpkin pie,
And we’ll do some caroling.

You will get a sentimental feeling when you hear,
Voices singing, “Let’s be jolly,
Deck the halls with boughs of holly,”
Rockin’ around the Christmas tree,
Have a happy holiday,
Everyone dancin’ merrily,
In the new old fashioned way.

written by Johnny Marks
recorded by Brenda Lee 1958

Hum a few bars of this bouncy song and no matter who you are or how old you are, you feel good and in the mood for Christmas.

It seems that the students of Italy High School are in the mood as well. Each grade entered a decoration contest as a group and took over the hallways.

Coordinator Clover Stiles said, “The group winners receive a pizza party given by Ms. Parker.” After the judging by anonymous teachers and private citizens, the winners were clear as a sparkling star in the midnight sky on a cold winter’s eve. The CB&I class won hands down.

Teachers Mr. Destafani and Mrs. Davis watched as their students decorated their part of the hall. “These happy students want to wish everyone a wonderful Merry Christmas,” said Mr. Destafani. The students’ theme was Jingle Bell Rock and they enjoyed their time decorating.

Mr. Destafani is new to Italy High School and comes from Crandall. This is his fourth year teaching. Mrs. Davis has been with Italy ISD for 19 years.