MARYSVILLE — Although its future seemed to be in doubt last year, Shoultes Elementary’s program of school plays will continue for the fifth year in a row this year, at 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 21, and 7 p.m. on Friday, March 22.

Nancy Hammer, the librarian and play coordinator for Shoultes Elementary, went into semi-retirement starting in the 2012-13 school year, since she’s taking care of her elderly parents, but ironically enough, this has afforded her more time to focus on the Shoultes school plays than she would have had if she’d stayed on as a full-time employee, and seen her time divided between Shoultes for three days and another school for the remaining two school days of each week.

“I figure this way, if I only work three days a week, I might be able to make it until I’m 70,” said Hammer, who’s 63 now. “That means several more years worth of plays.”

This year’s production marks the return of Kathryn Schultz Miller’s adaptation for elementary school children of “Peter Pan,” which had previously graced the stage of Shoultes three years ago. Many of the sets and costumes have been retained from the spring of 2010, and this year’s cast began rehearsing in January. As always, the student actors will be accompanied by the Shoultes School Choir’s songs from the musical.

Donations will be accepted at the door. Shoultes Elementary is located at 13525 51st Ave. NE in Marysville.