Julie Erb remembers one of her kindergarten students years ago telling her all they wanted for Christmas was a blanket.
“A lot of kids, we don’t know them. Kids in the past have told me, there’s no Christmas tree at home,” said Erb, a kindergarten teacher at Martin Elementary School in the New Kensington-Arnold School District.
“They don’t have the experience a lot of us are fortunate to have.”
That’s why she pours so much time, effort and money into making December magical for her students.
For the past decade, Erb has created an elaborate Elf on the Shelf experience for her kindergarten students — creating more than 30 original scenes for her class in December.
She spends more than $1,000 annually — most of which come from donations — to provide gifts for her students that include blankets, books and more. Students also make crafts and gifts for their families during class time with Erb.
“These kids have been through a lot,” Erb said. “We don’t know all their stories, but I know some kids don’t have a lot, or they come from trauma. I just want to bring some joy and happiness.
“And if I can make one week, or one month, a little more special for them, I want to do that.”
An Arnold native and a 1998 Valley High School graduate, the teaching profession found Erb.
She planned to work at a daycare but while earning her associate’s degree, a daycare director told her she should be a teacher instead.
It turned out to be the right move.
Erb has been a teacher for 23 years, all in the New Kensington-Arnold School District. She graduated from Point Park University and earner her master’s degree from Penn State.
In 2022, she was named the Elementary Teacher of the Year by The Education Partnership, a nonprofit organization serving public, charter and private schools with school supplies for students in need.
“I wanted to give back to the community that helped raise me,” she said.
Inspiration from dad
The idea of using Elf on the Shelf in her classroom came from her father, David Rogers, who died in July.
Erb recalled that about 10 years ago, Rogers bought two or three props for the classroom elves. He continued to do so each Christmas after that.
Rogers was physically disabled, so he was unable to visit Erb’s class. But every day, she would send her parents pictures of what the elves were up to. Some scenes included the elves reading a book to baby elves; or elves shoveling snow, skiing or snowboarding.
“It became a tradition,” she said.
Erb’s mother, Debbie, now carries on the tradition. Debbie is one of the “book fairies” who help get the students books each month, and five books during the holiday theme week in December, Erb said. Debbie also helps with buying and wrapping some of the gifts.
“We wrap each kid’s gifts so that they have something to open,” Erb said. “Every child deserves to have a special holiday filled with magic and excitement.”
At Martin, 28% of students are economically disadvantaged, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Future Ready Index. About 3% are homeless.
Erb said the activities she plans and the gifts she gives are shaped by the students’ needs. One year, students remarked they had no crayons at home, so the presents included a pack of crayons and a coloring book.
“The needs are different,” she said. “Kids back then didn’t have as many needs, or they weren’t as vocal about it. I feel like a lot of people need help these days.”
And Erb’s generosity expands outside her classroom walls. She co-coordinates an “Angel Tree” at the district, where New Kensington-Arnold staff mambers purchase presents for children in need.
This year, the initiative benefited 51 families in the district, and 126 children.
Erb also buys gifts for the Martin staff for Christmas.
“It’s important to let them know we appreciate them,” she said. “It’s something small, just as a thank you.”
Teacher dedicated to craft
A December calendar boasts various Christmas activities for Erb’s class, ranging from writing and mailing letters to Santa Claus, to making gifts and snacks, or applying to be one of Santa’s reindeer.
“They’re very excited,” Erb said. “A lot of them just want to come straight into the room and see what the elf is up to that day. They talk about it all day.”
It’s so much that kindergartener Jameson McCully couldn’t pick a favorite of what Erb does for his class.
“I like all the things the elves were doing,” he said.
Principal Angela Manchini said that, beyond the holiday fun, Erb’s classes are consistently one of the best-behaved and best-attended in the school.
“It shows how dedicated Ms. Erb is,” Manchini said. “She’s always trying to find ways to help her students and provide an engaging environment. She uses every resource she can, and she puts a lot of time and energy into making a positive experience.”
Not only do the students have fun, they also pick up lessons on how to be kind, generous and responsible, Manchini said.
“(Erb) wants them to have a really positive experience, and in kindergarten, that’s so important. She wants them to love school and be engaged in school.”
Erb photographs nearly everything her students do so she can share it with their families. A classroom wall is lined with pictures and memories — including one with former student and New Kensington native Skyy Moore, now a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers.
Erb hopes her students, in future years, remember how magical and special their kindergarten experience was.
“I want them to have fun, and know they are loved,” she said.