So do school years usually fly by this fast? It didn’t seem that way when I was a student, but now that Buddy is a bonafide grade schooler, September to June went by in a flash.
I can’t believe he is almost done with kindergarten. How did that happen?
He’s now a reader (no more spelling incriminating words around him anymore). And he can do some math. He’s interested in history and science and art and music. He comes home and tells me about Abraham Lincoln and the growth process of plants and he draws out musical scales on scratch paper. He goes on field trips and makes up games with his new friends at recess. He writes stories about fighting with lightsabers (naturally; he is a Jedi Padawan, after all).
All I know is that he is definitely not the same little boy I first put on that school bus ten months ago.
And that’s why I am disappointed that there isn’t a kindergarten “graduation” or some other ceremony or event to mark the occasion. Because, as Buddy told me the other day, he is now going to be “a grader and that’s a big deal.”
It sure is.
I still remember my kindergarten graduation. We sang songs and wore caps made from construction paper and slid down a wooden slide that was assembled in our elementary school cafeteria and drank that horrible orange punch. It was a symbolic event for both us kids and our families. The fact that I still remember that day, more than 30 years later, is a testament to that.
I’ve had a bunch of friends post cute photos on Facebook of their little ones in mini caps and gowns for their kindergarten graduations, so I know there are some schools that do it. But it seems to be more the exception, not the norm. Actually, I was kind of surprised at how few school programs there were this year — you know, like holiday concerts or plays or other school assemblies that parents and grandparents could attend. Buddy’s class is having a picnic next week that parents are invited to, so perhaps that will serve as a graduation stand-in. And I’m guessing the concerts and plays will pick up as he gets older.
But I’m curious: do schools today just not do this sort of thing anymore? Is it a funding issue? A public school thing? Or are times just “different” now?
Parents, tell me: Did your child’s school have a kindergarten graduation or ceremony? If not, did you do anything to commemorate the last day?
Cheryl at Busy Since Birth says
Our school does “portfolio viewings” at the end of the year. It’s a chance to see what they’ve worked on all school year, and is basically a “mill around an overcrowded classroom” thing (overcrowded because of all the parents in attendance). H’s third grade version this year includes a recorder concert. In K and 1st grade, we came in for Halloween. There will be more concerts in 4th and 5th grade. It definitely varies a lot – I think part of the reason there isn’t more to attend at our school is the lack of parking. If everyone comes to school at once, it’s a lot to handle. In general, our school also seems to recognize that most of us are working, and often does special events first thing in the morning, which I appreciate.
Bri says
Oh, I’m sad for you that your school doesn’t do this anymore! Our oldest is finishing kindergarten now, too, and his school is having a graduation ceremony. They’ve also had some festivals and a couple of concerts, etc. throughout the year — it’s been quite a lot like my memories of kindergarten, come to think of it. But we also send him to a small parochial school, partly BECAUSE we wanted a school that felt like what we remembered. What’s most important is that YOU make it feel special for you and Buddy. Organize a little “graduation picnic dinner” on the last day of school, with a few other families joining you at a park or favorite spot, everyone bringing their own picnic dinners. Or find something great to do that he’s never experienced, and have a “big kid/Now You’re a Grader” date. Mark the occasion for yourselves and he’ll have a memory just as special as yours!
Jessica says
Love love love these suggestions!!! Thank you so much!!
Jacqui says
That is so sad! we had “graduation” from the toddler room to the two’s for Emma last week. So surprised they did not do kindergarten.
Sheri says
Not sure what it’s all about, but we don’t have a “graduation” either. Just a little kindergartent “ceremony” where they sing some songs and have some treats. I don’t think I had a K-graduation either. hmm.
mel says
I am really surprised about this. They did a graduation last week for preschool! I am so bummed for you!
Courtney Buteau says
I’m super sad that my little one is starting preschool in September…although I’d be sad if they didn’t recognize their school year with a ceremony at the end too! 🙂 When kids are that little they love to feel accomplished, that’s too bad the school didn’t have a graduation. I don’t think I did when I was a kid though either.
Jane - MomGenerations.com says
I know I had a pre-school graduation, but I don’t think I had a Kindergarten ceremony. Hmm, I’ll have to ask my mom! But I love that you have the photos of yours! So, so cute!!!
Dollops of Diane says
I think a lot of places due preschool graduation (perhaps instead of K?). Isabelle had her cap and gown on last night for graduating Pre-K. The cuteness was off the charts!