Carson City, Nev. (Dec. 19, 2024) — This holiday season, students and staff at Mark Twain Elementary School in Carson City have been delighted to find their vice principal, Marc Rodina, taking on a festive new role – as an elf on the shelf. Dressed in a full elf costume, complete with a pointy hat and mittens, Rodina has been popping up in creative and unexpected places around the school, creating mischief and spreading holiday cheer to all.
Each morning, a new poem is posted to the school’s Facebook page and students arrive eager to discover what their “Mark Twain Elf” has done or where he’s been. Whether it’s perched on top of the main entrance to the school, playing basketball, overturning desks or chairs, swinging on the swings or sliding down slides at the playground, Vice Principal Rodina has fully embraced the whimsical tradition of the elf on the shelf.
“The holidays are such a magical time for our students,” said Marc Rodina, vice principal at Mark Twain Elementary School. “I wanted to create something fun and memorable that would bring smiles to everyone’s faces. Becoming the school’s Elf on the Shelf felt like the perfect way to do that.”
In addition to his mischievous deeds and antics, the “Mark Twain Elf” has also participated in a variety of activities around the school. From leading storytime in the library to assisting students with holiday-themed crafts and even making surprise classroom visits, “Principal Elf” has brought holiday spirit to every corner of the building.
“It’s been so much fun to see the kids’ reactions,” Rodina continued. “Their excitement and laughter are truly the best gifts I could ask for this holiday season.”
Teachers and staff have joined in on the fun, snapping photos of the “Mark Twain Elf” in action and sharing them with families on social media. Parents have praised the initiative for bringing joy and building a strong sense of community during the holiday season.
Friday Poem:
Dear families, gather ‘round and hear,The school’s silly elf is here this year!
He’s hiding here; he’s hiding there,
Playing tricks with lots of flair!
Each day he moves, each day he plays,
Bringing laughter in surprising ways.
Behind a book or on a shelf,
He loves to sneak around by stealth!
Each day next week, look high and low,
The elf is tricky—where will he go?
Will he be perched or tucked away?
Keep looking close—he’ll move each day!
Encourage your child to join the fun,
Search for the elf, and everyone—
Will enjoy the magic, tricks, and cheer,
As the elf spreads joy this time of year!
Day 1 Poem:
On day one, let’s look around,
Can you find the elf – don’t make a sound!
Our Mark Twain elf’s so full of cheer,
Doing tricks without a fear!
A hula hoop he spins with care
Then down the slide he flies with flair.
He takes a shot—basketball swish!
And then he swings, a joyful wish.
Our little elf’s so full of fun,
Day one’s magic has just begun!
Day 2 Poem:
Day two of the hunt, let’s look high and look low.
Our elf’s mischievousness is starting to grow.
Will he be at the table, so hungry, so sly,
Eating lunch with a twinkle coming from his eye.
Gingerbread cookies he’ll nibble with care,
But soon he’ll be wincing—it’s too much to bear!
A tummy ache will start, poor elf in distress,
His belly full of a sweet, sugary mess.
Laugh as you search with joy and delight,
Look out for our elf who’s hiding out of sight!
Day 3 Poem:
Day three of the search, are you still on the case?
Where could he be? Check all over the place!
Peek in the office. What will you find?
An elf secretary must have a sharp mind.
Could he be found reading a book
Curled up inside the library nook?
But wait—what is this? A tree in full view,
Decorated with baubles and glittery hue!
Our elf has been working, making things bright,
A Christmas tree sparkling with holiday light.
Now where did he go? Search high and search low,
On day three of our hunt, he’s still on the go!
Day 4 Poem:
It’s day four. Is your heart full of might?
Our school elf is quick, a blur in the light.
See him on a yoga ball, wild and free,
Tipping over desks with mischievous glee.
Pencils on the floor, papers take flight,
Will he play the clarinet through the day and the night?
The notes will be jumbled, a chaotic tune,
You must catch the elf and do it real soon!
The music will get louder, a whirlwind of sound,
Yet the elf will just laugh, always out of bounds.
You’re close—so close—yet he’s one step ahead,
With a yoga ball bounce, he’s already fled.
ABOUT Carson City School District
Located in Nevada’s capital, Carson City School District offers public education to approximately 7,300 students throughout Carson City. The district includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, 1 alternative high school and 1 comprehensive high school. Carson City School District boasts many successes including impressive graduation rates, strict safety measures, programs for gifted students and advanced placement classes, among several others. For more information, visitcarsoncityschools.com.
