James M. Quinn Elementary School kicked off its first annual Holiday Pancake Breakfast with tidings of comfort and joy – with some help from technology.

The event included a pancake breakfast and the opportunity to not only take pictures with Santa, but to take pictures in front of a green screen.

“It was an amazing turnout,” said Kyle Yermalovich, who volunteered as Santa Clause. “The kids seemed to be excited and no was really scared of Santa.”

“It’s an exciting event for Dartmouth because it was also open to the community,” said Assistant Principal Stephanie Yermalovich. “There was a great breakfast and incredible use of technology.”

Instructional Technology Specialist Trisha Leary used an app called “Green Screen by Do Ink” to take pictures of the students with a holiday background of their choice.

“As soon as I took the picture, I emailed it to them,” said Leary. “It was nice to have the picture right away, and the kids loved that they could see the pictures that I took of them.”

The Green Screen app allows the user to take pictures using their phone or tablets anywhere and with any background, as long as there is a green-colored wall or screen present.

“It’s awesome technology to use for the kids,” said Leary. “The app is really fantastic.”

Principal Colin Grimsey said that there were plenty of volunteers and mentioned that the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) did a tremendous job of putting this event together.

According to PTO President Lisa Perry, the PTO sold 250 tickets prior to the breakfast, and collected $450 worth of tickets the day of.  By mid-morning, the breakfast had already raised over $1000 for the PTO.

“The money goes toward PTO field trips, cultural programs and teacher enrichment,” said Perry.

According to “Santa,” Shopkins, which are supermarket-themed miniatures, were the number one requested toy.

“It was a great event for families,” said school psychologist Katherine Noyes. “Families are always looking for things to do together around the holidays, so why not do something holiday related while supporting the school?”

Noyes’ son, Cole, who is in kindergarten, enjoyed eating the pancakes and bacon the best.

“Getting to wrap stuff [at the holiday shop] was my favorite part,” said fourth grader Aurora Lefkowitz.

Over at the craft table, Amy Dion, an art teacher at Wareham High School, assisted students in creating a hot chocolate craft that she saw on Pinterest.

“There’s been a steady stream of people,” said Dion. “I'd say the whole event was very successful especially watching parents and their kids making enjoyable family memories.”