ECS Takes Center Stage
Middle School Drama Club prepares for fall musical as PTO gears up for annual Craft Fair and Santa’s Secret Workshop
A new fundraiser this fall will ensure that all elementary students have the opportunity to participate in Santa’s Secret Workshop. photo / ECT PTO
It's shaping up to be a busy first week of November at Ellicottville Central School, with middle school students preparing to take the stage for their fall musical, followed by the PTO's annual Craft Fair.
"DEAR EDWINA JR."
The ECS Middle School Drama Club is putting the finishing touches on its upcoming production of Dear Edwina Jr., a heartwarming musical about friendship, growing up, finding your voice, and learning to be yourself. Performances are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, November 4-5 at 6:30pm each evening in The Ward at Ellicottville Central School.
From the creators of Junie B. Jones The Musical, Dear Edwina Jr. follows the adventures of Edwina Spoonapple, an enthusiastic young girl who dreams of hosting her own advice show. Each week, Edwina gathers her neighborhood friends for a lively production called "Advice-a-Palooza," where they tackle everyday challenges through catchy songs, humor, and plenty of personality. From making new friends and trying unfamiliar foods to handling disagreements and overcoming fears, Edwina and her friends discover that some of life's best advice comes from listening, supporting one another, and staying true to who you are.
The characters, the upbeat music, and the messages within are sure to offer a show filled with entertainment for audiences of all ages while celebrating kindness, confidence and the importance of helping others.
The production features a talented cast of ECS students in grades 6-8 under the direction of Crystal Wilder, with Wendy Burch serving as vocal director and Meghan Emborsky as choreographer and producer. Eighth grade cast members include Violet Bly, Liam Daniels, Evelyn Earley, Jack Kerns, Theron Rust, Leah Studley, and Caroline Sun. Seventh grade performers include Emmary Adcock, Lauren Emborsky, Lilliana Farnham, Quinnley LaCroix, Aliya Mendell, Kenzie Mendell, Emmit Pierce, Paisley Rublee, Chloe Samborski, Vicki Thies, and Anna Zeher. Representing the sixth grade are Maizee Cross, Averie Earley, Johanna Keller, Kaia Mendell, Avary McKale, Aviena Newpher, Ayla O'Neil, Ellie Rocco, Maddie Rozler, Gabby Samborski, Eva Thies, Lailah Tirado, and Ruth Weber.
Tickets are $7 at the door. The musical is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR STUDENTS
Just two days after the final curtain falls, Ellicottville Central School will welcome shoppers and vendors for its annual PTO Craft Fair on Saturday, November 7 from 11:00am-4:00pm. With more than 30 vendors from Cattaraugus County and surrounding communities expected to participate, the event offers a great opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping while supporting local makers and the ECS Parent Teacher Organization.
“Shoppers can expect to browse a wide assortment of handcrafted and specialty items, including woodworking creations, homemade chocolates, freeze-dried candy, Christmas decorations, wire-wrapped jewelry, painted tiles, and lots of other unique finds,” shared Kristen Pearl, ECS Superintendent's Secretary and District Clerk.
In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy homemade soups and baked goods prepared by ECS staff members and their families, with proceeds supporting the PTO. Local businesses interested in contributing food or baked goods are also welcome to donate.
And for those feeling lucky, the Craft Fair will once again feature a basket raffle, which proved especially popular at last year's event. "The basket raffle was a huge hit last year!" shared Pearl.
Proceeds from vendor space fees and soup and baked goods sales will benefit the ECS PTO, helping fund supplies for one of the school's most cherished holiday traditions, Santa's Secret Workshop.
50/50 RAFFLE SUPPORTS REINDEER FUND
This year's Craft Fair will also serve as the grand finale for a new PTO fundraiser designed to make the holiday season a little brighter for ECS elementary students.
The PTO's 50/50 Raffle kicks off this Friday, October 31 during St. Paul's Trunk or Treat event and continues through the Craft Fair on November 7, when the winning ticket will be drawn. Tickets are $5 each, three for $10, or an arm's length for $20. Proceeds will support the PTO and its Reindeer Fund, an initiative established last year to help ensure that every elementary student has the opportunity to participate in Santa's Secret Workshop, regardless of their family's ability to pay.
Santa's Secret Workshop is a cherished ECS tradition that transforms part of the school into a festive Winter Wonderland shopping experience. This year's workshop will take place during the school day on December 1-2. Elementary students arrive with Christmas shopping lists for their family members and are paired with middle and high school students who serve as Santa's elves, helping the younger children select gifts for everyone on their lists. Once the shopping is complete, PTO volunteers step in as Santa's helpers to wrap and package the presents, sending each child home with a neatly packed bag of surprises for their loved ones.
"It's one of our favorite school traditions!" shared Melissa Dahlman, ECS CSE/CPSE/504 Chair, who explained that the Reindeer Fund was created after organizers realized some students were unable to participate because of the cost. "Giving to the Reindeer Fund is truly a gift that keeps giving, as you are allowing a child to experience the gift of giving that might not otherwise have that opportunity."
Those unable to attend either the Trunk or Treat event or Craft Fair can still purchase 50/50 raffle tickets by contacting Dahlman at mdahlman@ecsny.org. The winner does not need to be present at the drawing. Community members can also contribute directly to the Reindeer Fund by dropping off a check made payable to the ECS PTO, with "Reindeer Fund" designated on the donation.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT MAKES IT ALL POSSIBLE
Behind events like the Craft Fair and Santa's Secret Workshop is a dedicated group of volunteers who help make these experiences possible for ECS students. And while the PTO is often associated with parents and teachers, Dahlman emphasized that anyone interested in supporting the school community is welcome to get involved.
"Our PTO is always looking for additional volunteers, not just parents and teachers, either," she said. "We welcome grandparents, aunts, uncles, and anyone else that would like to support our school community as part of the PTO.” Anyone interested in volunteering or learning more about the organization can contact Dahlman at mdahlman@ecsny.org.
The ECS Craft Fair will be held Saturday, November 7 from 11:00am-4:00pm at Ellicottville Central School, 5873 Route 219. For additional information about the Craft Fair, contact Kristen Pearl at kpearl@ecsny.org.