VALENCIA SCHOOLKIDS CELEBRATE THE SNOW.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Staff Writer

Despite balmy temperatures, kindergartners had a chance to throw snowballs, make snowmen and take sleigh rides on the school playground Friday, after 3 tons of snow was dumped on a Saugus campus.

``I feel like it's getting in my shoes,'' said Jonathan Hatamolf, 6, one of the youngsters who spent about an hour playing in the white stuff at Santa Clarita Elementary School.

``I like to throw snowballs,'' said Jacob Golden, 5. ``It's fun.''

The kids donned mittens for their romp in the snow after singing two songs during a winter holiday program.

``It's fun for the kids,'' said Jill Hopkins of Valencia, whose daughter, Kayla, was out playing in the made-to-order wonderland. ``Since we don't get snow here, they love it.''

The Parent Teacher Club sponsored the activity after members decided they wanted to do something fun for the children.

``This is a wonderful way to get ready for our winter vacation,'' said teacher Shari Lewis. ``It's the holiday season. Just look at their smiles.''

Each of the children brought a few dollars to school to pay for the snow delivered by Newhall Ice.

``I thought it was well worth it to give them snow,'' said Hopkins. ``It was a great idea.''

Kindergartners Katelynn Nakamura and Joy Encarnacion, spent some of the time making a snowman. ``We're going to make his face,'' said Katelynn, gathering as much snow as she could.

Joy's mother said the 5-year-old had been looking forward to the snow day.

``She's been very excited about this since they told her they were having snow,'' said Deanna Encarnacion.

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo: (1 -- color) Santa Clarita Elementary kindergartners are sent out to play after Newhall Ice delivers 3 tons of snow for the school's holiday celebration

(2 -- color) Brianna Fosnaugh, 5, gets ready to fling a snowball at classmates 

Shaun Dyer/Special to the Daily News