It’s been a Duncombe tradition for at least 60 years, according to staff.

“Traditionally we have a big Christmas tree and the entire building would start the day around that tree to sing a few carols and go about our day,” Ahrens said.

So when it was announced that the Christmas caroling tradition would end this year due to concerns about the coronavirus, it was time to create a new tradition.

“It was a magical way to start every day leading up until Christmas break,” Ahrens recalled. “It was kind of a tear-jerker finding out we weren’t going to be able to Christmas carol this year.”

-Submitted photo
Duncombe Elementary staff perform a verse from the Christmas carol “Up On The Housetop.” From left to right: Diane Arndt, at-risk coordinator; Kelly Moline (back seat), ABC coordinator; and Kristy Smith, counselor.

Tricia Dohrn, a second-grade teacher at the school, came up with the idea to have staff perform a Christmas carol virtually to make a video.

“She came into our office and said she had an idea, but wasn’t sure how to make it work,” Ahrens said. “She remembered being a kid and Christmas caroling and didn’t want to let the tradition go.”

Ahrens and Stephanie Harvey, also an instructional coach, are handling the production of the video.

“Caroling From A Distance” is what we’re calling it,” Harvey said.

Staff is dividing into groups based on their pod area or grade. Each group will sing a verse or chorus from the song, “Up On the Housetop” and record it.

“We had a group who stood around the Christmas tree in their pod area and sang,” Harvey said. “We had some teachers who put on these fun Christmas hats and did it in their car. Our principal (Ryan Flaherty) is decked out in his elf outfit. Everyone is putting their own spin on it and having fun with it.”

Staff plans to share the video with students next Tuesday and Friday.

“We wanted a safe but fun way to carry on the tradition during a time when everyone could use a little holiday spirit,” Ahrens said.