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Elf on a Shelf causing mayhem at Holcomb Elementary

By Lauren Keith

HOLCOMB, MO (KFVS) - We all know Santa Claus is watching this time of year, and he has many helpers to keep track of who's naughty and nice, but some very special elves have the students at Holcomb Elementary behaving extra nicely. After all an "Elf on a Shelf" visits the North Pole every night and reports to Santa what the teachers see.

"It's scary, fun and hilarious!" said 5th grader Alec McDaniel.

"I kind of feel nervous!" said 4th grader Corby Burrow.

After making several stops around the world, the special elf arrived at Holcomb Elementary after Thanksgiving break. Since then, he's been spotted everywhere. In each classroom, sitting atop the clock in the lunchroom, and even in the principal's office. He lets the kids know if he's also been peeking on them.

"He causes mayhem and mischief!" said Alec.

"He knocked the trash can over and pushed the chairs down!" said Corby.

"He was a destroyer!" said a second grader.

"They look around the room and see what might have changed. They can find the smallest thing," notes teacher Jennifer Rahn.

A few big mishaps also certainly remind the students to always be on their best behavior. When our cameras were here, the elf strung red yarn all over this classroom. The elf doesn't want the kids to follow his example necessarily. When a few children acted up while a substitute teacher filled in, a note warned the students some names could soon go on Santa's naughty list.

"He said Santa was not happy with them and the cards had been changed and reminded them, he could see them even when Santa's not in the room," said Rahn.

All of this has turned even the highest of doubters into believers, and most everyone behaving better than ever. "We came back from recess and his leg was moving!" said a second grader.

"It makes you learn that he's always watching," said Alec.

"It stares at me all day!" said one student.

The kids hope this elf is doing some sweet-talking on his nightly trips back to the North Pole, so the story goes.

"I hope he tells Santa that we've done work for Mrs. Glover and everybody else!"

"I'll be sad to see him go," said teacher Jennifer Rahn.

Also, the Elf on a Shelf has a special web site, where the kids can interact with him. The kids play online with the use of their classroom smart board. They can dress him up, even give him a pet or two as friends.