Second-grade students from the West School in Stoughton do the "Penguin Polka" during a recent holiday concert.

It was a worldwide celebration.

Last Tuesday at the West Elementary School, students and faculty added a special twist to the holiday season with their annual winter concert.

With all 87 English Language Learners (ELL) and their widespread heritages attending the West School, the theme "Song of Seven Continents," was most appropriate for the concert.

"One of the most wonderful things about this school is that we all can learn that we're not so different after all," said Administrative Principal Debbie Levitz. "They all learn very quickly from each other no matter where they come from. It really makes this school a special place."

It was truly standing room only as the overflowing spectators crammed into the gymnasium to watch students from kindergarten to fifth grade entertain with both singing and a full band ensemble. Each grade performed individually, while filing in and out to sing two or three songs each. Both the West School Beginner Band and the fifth grade band also treated the audience to performances.

"We're all able to share, Levitz said. And to see that there is richness in music the world over."

With 330 total students, the 87 ELL range from kindergarten to fifth grade, and along with heritages spreading to 16 countries, the students also speak 16 languages outside of English, Levitz said.

Read the entire article in the Stoughton Journal.