The North Pole meets North Alabama.

Improving student attendance has been a major focus for the Alabama State Department of Education this year, and schools across the state have been exploring creative ways to keep students in the classroom. At Forest Hills Elementary School in Florence, that creativity comes with a pointy hat, curly shoes and a knack for showing up in surprising places.

Assistant Principal Jon Ray “J.R.” Russell has taken on the role of the school’s resident elf, greeting students each morning from unexpected perches around campus. Some days he appears high above the walkway; other days he pops up near classrooms or morning drop-off areas — always in full costume and always in a new spot.

The whimsical sightings have quickly become a highlight of the school day and ar

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