The snow came to Joseph J. Catena School long before the blizzard. On Dec. 4, the school's PTO Grounds Enhancement Team decorated the elementary school in the spirit of this season's theme: "Let It Snow."

"We decorate for every season," said Tracy Gagliardo, a member of the Grounds Enhancement Team.

Melissa Koenig, Linda Longo and Longo's children, Layne, 7, and Armand, 10, joined Gagliardo in the decorating efforts.

The group wrapped green garland around the front fence, tied multi-colored ornaments to the trees, and hung giant snowflakes and snowman around the school entrance.

"We volunteer our time. It's just to show school spirit," Koenig said. "We try to mix it up every year with a different theme."

The Grounds Enhancement Team raises money to purchase decorations, Longo noted.

The women credited Joseph J. Catena School Principal Cathleen Areman for encouraging the creation of a volunteer committee for beautifying the school grounds. They estimated the Grounds Enhancement Team has been active for the past three years.

In the past, the team has planted bushes and flower bulbs and cleaned up garbage.

"It makes the teachers happy," Gagliardo said.