Due to COVID gathering restrictions, she got creative and decided that if she couldn’t bring the group to her classroom, she would have to take her students to the group.

“Unfortunately, this year, we are unable to have our usual performances for the school and for their parents,” Hargrove said. “I have missed them performing, and the students have expressed their disappointment in not being able to show what they have learned. I wanted to find something each class could do to help spread a little extra cheer in such an uncertain time.”

Hargrove said instead of doing an assembly, this year her students walked to classroom doors, stood in the hallway, and sang carols for the class inside.

“The students are so excited, and a little nervous, to sing for each other,” Hargrove said. “When we are done caroling, they always ask if they can ‘just sing one more time’ somewhere else in the building! Makes my teacher heart so happy to hear that!”

Hargrove explained that when she was her students age, she remembers how her music teachers and music classes brought her so much joy.

“When I thought about becoming an elementary music teacher the word ‘joy’ was what I envisioned for my classroom,” Hargrove said. “With every lesson, music related or not, I try to make that apparent. Seeing students get excited in my classroom is my daily inspiration. I love seeing students gain confidence in their singing, on instruments, or learning to read music.”

Hargrove said her students have been a huge help in keeping up with the new guidelines this year.

“The kids are spread out in my classroom to sing, instruments are just used by one person daily and sanitized, not to be used until the next day,” Hargrove said. “We have modified the games and dances we do in class and the students have been so helpful and diligent in keeping themselves and each other safe.”

Hargrove said that the preparation for caroling has been a fun and memorable thing to do with her students.

“The satisfaction that comes with preparation and nailing a performance is something we wouldn’t otherwise get,” Hargrove said. “Hearing the excitement from the students performing and those students who are excited to come to class and do their caroling makes for a cheery week not only in my classroom but throughout Upland Heights.”