The Polar Express made a special stop at Center School on Friday afternoon just in time for the start of winter vacation.

A surprise announcement brought students into the gymnasium at the end of the day.

“Now calling grade kindergarten. All aboard the Polar Express!”

Moments before teachers had decorated the hall leading to the gym. They laid down paper train tracks, taped a locomotive on the wall and hired two conductors, Hayden Vieira and Paul Amoruso.

Students then filed in, but not before having their ticket counted.

“We made sure to keep this a big secret,” said Lori Sevigny, Center School’s secretary. “They are really going to be surprised.”

Inside the darkened auditorium Principal Rose Bowman read “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg to students. All of the book’s illustrations were projected onto a screen for students to follow along.

At the end each child received a small bell like the one in the story. According to the book, only those who truly believe in Santa Clause can hear its sound.

Center School teacher Kate McManamon said a team of staff came together to set up the event. She credited third grade teacher Judy Proctor for leading the project.