Preschool Graduation Time!
The very anticipated, waited and dreaded moment arrived: Keegan reached the end of his preschool year. I am not sure who feared the moment the most; Keegan has been talking about it for a couple of months, expressing his sadness at leaving. I did not feel much better: after all, I have been dropping him off or picking him up there for the last 5 years…Despite our initial doubts, I have to say, it turned out to be a really good school, especially this last year. His teacher, ms. Jill was incredible and he really flourished in her class.
Graduation preparation started at the end of May, when the kids received their Reading Medals. We have been keeping track of all the books we have been reading, and any kid who reached the goal of 200 books received a medal. Keegan blew them out of the water, with 277 books read (mainly because I am a very fastidious record-keeper). He was very proud.
After the ceremony, the kids posed outside for a class picture. They all wore the “friendship t-shirt”: they placed their hand-prints on each other’s shirt. Very cute.
Then it was off to Chuck E Cheese…and of course Matt was the designated chaperone. It was a fun, and well deserved trip. Now, if only I could get Keegan to actually try to do some of the reading on his own…I guess the medal rewards parent’s reading skills.
May was also the time for graduation pictures. I have always said that having graduation in preschool is dumb. I still stand by it, even after having my own child: by the time the kids are in college, graduation will have lost some of its impact. Plus, does anyone ever fail to graduate preschool??? Anyway, I can’t deny they are very cute, wearing their caps, and who knows if we are going to see a college graduation anyway.
The last few days were fun: diorama making and just playing with friends.
Camren, Elliott, Rozelin, Van and Keegan
Then the day finally came. We all received an animated digital invitation.
The ceremony was held on the last day of the regular school year. For us, it was even more bittersweet because it was also our final day at Bay Park Early Learning Center.
We started by taking pictures everywhere, upon Keegan’s request. He really wanted a memory of his school.
the outdoor area entrance and slide and shed
the dress-up house
the ball area
the bike area and the garden
the tables and his detached, multi-rooms Golden Lions classroom
We also took a picture of the last project they worked on: the volcano.
We brought a nice orchid plant to Ms. Jill. We worked together to make the “thumbprint-hearts” bookmark. I can’t take creative credit, but I was impressed I was actually able to find the time to do it.
That afternoon, under a beautiful sun, we gathered for the ceremony itself.The director, Ms. Gail, came out first and made a few remarks, and then Ms. Jill, who commented on how interesting ( and challenging) that year had been: 10 rowdy boys and only 3 girls. The exact words she used were:
” It was a fun, energetic year… I have learned a lot…and I’v became a better teacher because all that I have learned…”
So, basically what she said was that it has been exhausting! And who can blame her?
Then, as the music, the classic he Pomp and Circumstance, started, the kids walked in and lined up.
Adorable! They immediately performed the song by Luis Amstrong, What a Wonderful Life, using sign language. Of course, Keegan (and Van to some extent) started goofing around, while the other kids were trying to sign the song. Ms. Jill had to come out and remind Keegan to behave. Why is it always my child? It was even more obvious since Cathy, the girl right in front of him, was doing such a great job.
Then it was time for diplomas. Each kid went up to Ms. Jill, who shared some of their hopes and dreams. I guess Keegan wants to take care of seals when he grows up! I never heard that one before. Matt was a few minutes late, but he made it in time for watching him receive his diploma.
Then it was time for another song and this time all the kids sang it.
Then it was off to refreshments, and goodbyes.
Goodbye ms. Deborah
Then we all got inside, led by collages for each child, hanging on the walls. It was fun to see and read what the kids have created.
Ms. Jill played a long slideshow, that showcased some of the best moment from this year, and also some really early moments for some on the old-timers, like Keegan and Julia. It was so strange to see two or three year old Keegan.
I have to say I was able to keep it together up to that point, but after seeing other moms crying, I broke down too. It was sad to have to say goodbye to so many people I shared so much for the past 5 years.
goodbye ms. Jill
After saying goodbye to all the parents, and promising to see each other for play-dates during the summer, we took one last photo outside before leaving.
Fortunately, that night Keegan had a Parents’ Night Out at the pool, so the fun atmosphere helped him to focus on something else, and the mini-date helped me too. We had many great memories, and that is what will stay with all of us. We will try to keep in touch with his best buddies (and our favorite parents), and hopefully, the transition to kindergarten and the new Montessori school will not be as hard.
Comments are off for this post