Celebrating 20 years of Polar Express

Maize Central Elementary School celebrated a special milestone on Friday, Dec. 5, as our beloved Polar Express event marked its 20th anniversary! The tradition, which began in 2005 as a way to give parents a few hours to Christmas shop, wrap gifts, or enjoy a quiet moment, has grown into one of our most memorable and cherished after-school activities.

This year, 170 excited 3rd and 4th grade students stayed after school until 5 p.m. to embark on their Polar Express adventure. With the help of roughly 50 incredible volunteers, each class was guided by their own “train conductors” as they traveled through seven themed stations: face painting, t-shirt designing, hot cocoa and scratch art, BINGO, craft making, reindeer games in the gym, and a festive dining cart featuring pizza, applesauce, cookies, and juice.

What started as a small idea has become a treasured memory for generations of students. We still hear from former Mustangs who fondly recall the magic of their Polar Express night—and this year’s group added their own laughter and joy to the tradition.

A huge thank-you to all the volunteers, staff, and supporters who helped make this year’s event unforgettable. Your dedication to creating fun and meaningful experiences for students—even after school hours—continues to make Maize Central Elementary School a wonderful place for kids to learn and grow.

Check out photos from the event