(Not a) Graduation Day

Jacob had his "6th Grade Advancement" ceremony today.  The principal made it a point to announce at the beginning that it was not a "graduation" as that happens only once in public schools and that is after the completion of 12th grade.  And there is something after 8th grade, but I didn't pay attention to that.  I was still so astounded that it was necessary to make the "this is not a graduation" announcement.  I guess principalling, like parenting, is full of things you never thought you'd have to explain to people. 

Back to this morning:  We started off in his classroom, where his teacher, the lovely and wonderful Miss H, presented character awards.  Athletes, leadership, that sort of thing.  Jacob again astounded his parents by picking up a "Sense of Humor" award.  It always surprises Mitch and I when people say how funny Jacob is, because we always think Sara has the better sense of humor.  The lovely and wonderful Miss H then moved on to academic awards.  There were 2 awards:  one for those students who maintained a B+ average all year and those who maintained an A average all year.  Jacob got an A average award.  Overall, his class is an amazing group - there were 20 kids between the 2 categories, with 13 getting the A average award!  Then there were photos, chocolate covered strawberries, and thank you notes written by the kids for their parents. 

The parents headed down to the cafegymatorium, if you will, for the official 6th grade advancement ceremony.  All 3 classes were there.  Each class had a speaker and there was a leadership award from the Kiwanis Club.  (One of Jacob's best friends here picked that up.  Good job!)  Then they all turned toward the parents in the audience and sang Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me".  And wow.  They did a great job, especially when you consider these are 12-year-olds and half of them are boys.  It got a little quiet on the high notes, but it was impressive.  Then the traditional calling of names and presenting of certificates.  It took a little while to get through about 90 kids, but it went faster than I had expected.  Each child shook hands or hugged the principal, got their certificate and a hug from their teacher and then hugged or shook hands with the other 2 6th grade teachers.  After that, they stood again and faced the audience and the principal orchestrated the flipping of the tassels.  Then it was over.  He's still got 2 days of school left, but he's officially a 7th grader.

And yes, he wore his dress pants and a shirt and tie.  And surprise, surprise!  Guess what?  So did all his friends!  Hmmm, maybe Mom was right about that. 

Tomorrow is the 6th grade luncheon - just for students - and a field/water day.  And on Friday they only go for 2 hours and then they are done for the summer.  This year just flew by.  Next year, it's new schools and new adventures for both kids!