ELKHART, Ind. (AP) _ A northern Indiana school district banned by a federal judge from including a live Nativity scene as part of its annual Christmas show says the show will go on without it.

Concord Community Schools Superintendent John Trout issued a statement Thursday saying the district will comply with the order and put on the show this month in a “slightly modified form.” He says those attending will recognize its many “traditional elements.”

The Freedom From Religion Foundation and the American Civil Liberties Union sued the district on behalf of a Concord High School student and his father, arguing that a Nativity scene conveyed an endorsement of religion.

Trout says the school district plans to appeal the preliminary injunction issued Wednesday. A hearing on the full case is scheduled for Jan. 7.