Emerson J. Dillon Middle School’s ‘Polar Express’ Spreads Holiday Cheer to Students and Families

OSWEGO COUNTY — During the final week of school before winter break, EJD Middle School students embraced the holiday spirit while participating in the school’s annual Polar Express holiday shop, a cherished tradition within the Phoenix Central School District.

The Polar Express provides students the opportunity to select gifts for each member of their family at no cost. For one full day, a classroom was transformed into a festive holiday shop, filled with hundreds of donated items. Gifts ranged from cookware and home décor to games and specialty items, ensuring there was something for everyone on the student’s list. As each family is unique, students were able to choose a gift for each member of the family they would be waking up with on Christmas morning.

To complete the experience, the school library was converted into a wrapping station, where staff members and students from John C. Birdlebough High School volunteered their time to help students wrap their selected presents.

“It’s great to see the positive ripple effect this event has throughout the community,” said Shannon Lee Parker, teacher at EJD Middle School and one of the organizers of the event. “Most students have siblings older or younger who go through Phoenix CSD, too, so the event is well known and a tradition many get to be a part of.” The Polar Express was made possible through the generosity of community donors whose continued support helps strengthen connections across the district.

For more information about the Polar Express program or to arrange donations for the 2026–2027 school year, contact Shannon Lee Parker at [email protected]

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