Center School students were dismissed for winter break on Wednesday, but not before being treated to a special surprise arranged by their teachers.

All students were called to the gym where Principal Rose Bowman greeted them in a rocking chair ready to read “Snowmen at Night” by Caralyn Buehner.

Before entering the gym, students passed through a hallway decorated with snowflakes, a paper fireplace and a stuffed snowman.

Teachers kept the decorations a secret from students until the last minute. Also, two greeters dressed as snowmen – special education teachers Ginger Rotchford and Rebecca White – offered hugs and high fives to the kids as they passed.

“Mrs. White is all white!” said one excited kid.

As the children settled down, Bowman asked them to applaud their teachers' efforts for “making today a very, very special one.”

Bowman then read the story as a projection of each page was put up so students could follow along.

The reading and surprise decoration is an annual event at Center School before students leave for winter break. Last year, students were treated to a reading of “The Gingerbread Baby” by Jan Brett.