'The Polar Express' pulls into Libertyville school

Butterfield Elementary School kindergarten students got a holiday treat Tuesday when they heard the tale of "The Polar Express."

About 60 students listened as Libertyville Elementary District 70 Superintendent Guy Schumacher read the 1985 children's book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg about a boy who rides the train called the Polar Express to the North Pole.

"This is my annual visit to classrooms where teachers invite me to read 'The Polar Express,'" Schumacher said. "To read to the children is my absolute favorite thing to do. And to be invited during the holidays is perfect. The opportunity to read to them is a gift."

After reading the book, Schumacher pulled out a little bell and rang it in reference to a moment in the story about the belief in Santa Claus and the Christmas spirit.

"I liked the bell. If you don't believe it (Christmas), then you won't hear the bell ring," said kindergartner Emma Shafer, who wore a hat that looked like a Christmas tree. "He (the superintendent) brought a bell and then he rung it. I liked the story."

Schumacher will read the holiday book to elementary students in District 70 this month.