When the winter winds settle in and the days feel a little too long and dark, St. Joseph’s Indian School looks for small, meaningful ways to bring warmth and joy to campus.
This year, Beth, St. Joseph’s Assistant Principal, found just the thing — a simple idea she spotted on Facebook that she tweaked a little bit to make uniquely our own. The result was “Snugs & Hugs Day” — a cozy celebration that wrapped our students and staff in comfort during the coldest stretch of the season so far.
The timing could not have been better. Students had just finished winter testing, and everyone was feeling that familiar mid‑winter monotony.
While pajama days are always a hit, this time students were invited to bring something extra: a blanket and a favorite stuffed animal.
The reaction was instant excitement!
“Several students asked if they could bring both a stuffie and a blanket,” said Beth. “For many of our students, bringing these items to school isn’t something they normally get to do — which made the day feel even more special.”
And then came … hot chocolate!
With temperatures dropping outside, the promise of a warm cup of cocoa was enough to send a chocolatey thrill buzzing through the school hallways. Some students even stopped by the office ahead of time to make sure staff knew where they’d be — just so they wouldn’t miss their turn.
Apart from being a fun, cozy dress-up day, teachers added their own touches. They offered extra reading time or showed a movie while students sipped and snuggled under their blankets.
“I love wearing my pajamas to school. I feel so warm and cozy,” said Rae’May, a third grader at St. Joseph’s.
And the fun isn’t stopping there.
Up next is “I Hate Winter Day” in February, complete with an afternoon carnival, which is a new addition to the fun-filled day. Volunteers from across campus are stepping in to run games and bring a fresh burst of energy to a cold season that can feel endless.
“It should be a fun new twist to the day,” Beth said.
If Snugs & Hugs was any indication, our students are more than ready for it.
Learn more about the elementary school program, and why it’s so special, by visiting our website today at stjo.org!
