By: Najla Alexander
Franklin School officials announced this past Wednesday, on December 17, North Bergen’s Franklin School opened its doors to the community for its seventh annual Holiday Hallways celebration, welcoming more than 300 students, families, and guests for an evening filled with festive activities, holiday traditions, and school pride.
The popular event transformed the school’s hallways into a lively holiday experience, creating a warm and welcoming space for families to come together and celebrate the season, Franklin School officials said.
“I am incredibly thankful to our teachers, teacher aides, and extended staff who sacrificed time with their own families during the holiday season to ensure this event was a success,” said Franklin School Principal Hamza Abdelhadi.
“The collaboration, teamwork, and commitment displayed by our Franklin Family were truly inspiring. Because of their efforts, we were able to open our doors to the community in a special way and put smiles on the faces of so many children.”
According to Franklin School officials, the school opened its doors to transform the hallways into a lively holiday experience featuring arts and crafts, carnival games, face painting, photos with Santa, and a popular holiday gift shop.
Guests also enjoyed an audiovisual room screening A Nightmare Before Christmas, providing students a cozy space to relax and enjoy the movie, along with a complete concession stand offering popcorn and other treats, Franklin School officials say. 
North Bergen Board of Education Superintendent Dr. George Solter applauded the school for its continued commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for students and families, saying, “Holiday Hallways truly reflects the heart of the North Bergen School District…it’s about community, connection, and the dedication of our educators and staff who go above and beyond to create meaningful experiences for our students and families.”
As attendance and enthusiasm continue to grow each year, the Franklin School looks forward to expanding Holiday Hallways and building on its tradition of community engagement, officials said.