Hooray! Hooray! and Hooray!

Our “graduation” ceremony was a spectacular success. The audience was respectful. Our principal advised them that this was “not a sporting event or popularity contest” and shouting or whooping would not be appropriate. Most of the kids dressed up and they usually don’t act so goony if they are dressed nicely. It does set a tone.


There were only a couple of parents who brought flowers, gifts or balloons. My students commented to me, as we waited to file in, “They weren’t supposed bring those, were they?” I didn’t have to answer as one student said, “Those aren’t our parents.”


It was a lovely ceremony, and yes, under these circumstances I would do it again. As Joy pointed out it should have been common sense, but it wasn't, and for those people who lack that lovely gene, at least they listened (or listened to their children) and that is all around amazing.


P.S. Instead of being well over 100 degrees as it usually is at this time of the year, it is currently 59 degrees and raining. This is a first after 38 years in Arizona.

Can we avert another disastrous graduation?

Last year our sixth grade "graduation" was marred by behavior that was beyond egregiously rude BY THE ADULTS IN THE AUDIENCE!!! (I blogged about this in May of 07.) This year we decided to hold the ceremony in the morning (less time to drink and fewer rowdy siblings.) I will let you know the outcome.

Also, the girls, who had begged to dress up, came in outfits that made them look like junior hookers. What can I say?

Below is a copy of the letter we sent to parents and guardians this year. I wonder if we'll seee a difference. (I am hoping this is the last year we will have 6th grade "graduations" as it has gotten so out of hand.)



Dear Parents/Guardians,

The school year 2007- 2008 is coming to a close. The last day of school, May 22, 2008 your sixth grader will be participating in a culmination ceremony at 9:00 a.m. in the multi-purpose room. If you choose to do so you may check your child out for the day at the conclusion of the ceremony, or he/she may stay to the end of the regular school day.

There are a few guidelines concerning the ceremony. Children are encouraged to dress up for the ceremony but this should not include having to buy anything new. Clothes that would normally be worn to church would be ideal; long pants and nice shirts for the boys (no t-shirts or shorts) and dresses for the girls; no spaghetti straps, backless or strapless dresses for the girls.

We would also request that this ceremony be respected. It is not a sporting event nor a popularity contest; shouting, hooting or chanting are embarrassing for your child and simply not appropriate. Preferably, gifts, flowers and balloons should be given to students at home and would be distracting to the event. We hope the adults in attendance will be good role models.

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s teacher.

Sincerely,