Santa Beach visited prekindergarten and kindergarten classes at Billingsley Elementary School in White Plains on December 16, bringing holiday activities as Christmas approached.
Beach read the book “Elf on the Shelf” to the students. He distributed special holiday coins to several children and provided gifts for teachers. At the conclusion, instructional assistant Khalilah Thompson read from Beach’s official “Naughty or Nice” list, announcing that Billingsley students were on the nice list, prompting cheers from the class.
Beach stated his goal was to spread joy and love, with the school serving as one stop on his journey. “I enjoyed spending time with the children, seeing their eyes light up and their curiosity,” he said.
Teacher Sabrina Robinson-Taylor described the buildup as Beach approached, with bells on his suit audible in the hallway. “I loved watching the excitement when they saw him turn the corner,” she said. “It gives you the reminder of the magic of Christmas through the eyes of a child.”
Beach began portraying Santa for his own two children years ago. In recent years, he elevated his role by attending professional training. “I started doing research and found the oldest professional Santa Claus school, Charles W. Howard [Santa Claus School] in Saginaw, Mich., and with over 300 Santas I was the only African American,” he said.
The Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School, established in 1937, operates annually in Michigan and focuses on traditions, history, and presentation skills for portrayers of Santa and Mrs. Claus. It attracts hundreds of participants each session, offering classes on topics ranging from reindeer knowledge to child interaction. The school, now in Midland, Michigan, maintains a nonprofit status and holds sessions typically in the fall.
Professional Santa portrayers, including those trained at established schools, frequently participate in community and school events during December. Such appearances involve preparation in costume details, storytelling, and list-checking routines familiar to children. The “Naughty or Nice” list remains a staple element, used to encourage positive behavior.
Beach’s visit occurred during a week leading to Christmas, with students in early grades participating in classroom-based activities. Prekindergarten and kindergarten classes at Billingsley, like others in the district, incorporate age-appropriate holiday themes through books and guest interactions.
