Santa Claus is coming to town

Christmas jubilation began early for some Carson City elementary students as Santa Claus came to their classrooms bearing gifts Tuesday.

"It was cool," said Cassie Broadbent, 10. "He gave us presents and a Barbie thing with a horse."

Members of the Nevada Bell Telephone Pioneers visited special-education classes at Seeliger and Fremont elementary schools, bringing a party -- complete with cookies and punch -- with them.

"It's been a lot of fun," said member Lee Radtke. "The kids are great."

In past years, the Pioneers have visited the prekindergarten class, Headstart. However, the program is no longer available in Carson City and the club still wanted to provide the service.

And the students were glad to accept.

"They are worked up into a Christmas frenzy already," said Fremont special education teacher David Lowe. "This really does cap it for them."

Lowe said the children have been on their best behavior for two weeks in anticipation of Santa's arrival.

"Everyone in our classroom believes in Santa Claus wholeheartedly," he said. "For Santa to come to our class is a Christmas they'll remember for a long time."

Tom Ferrara, who dressed as Santa, won't soon forget it either.

"This has probably been one of the most rewarding days of the year," he said. "Especially seeing all the efforts of all the people coming together for something like this -- all the teachers and the volunteers. I wish it could happen every day."

Santa gave each child a homemade "Hug-a-Bear" and each boy a set of cars and each girl a doll.

In return, the children decorated their classroom with Christmas projects to make Santa feel welcome.

"I think it's great," said teacher's aid Judy Kirka. "They've been so excited. They've been hurrying to hang up all these things so he could see what they've made."