School's out for Summer!

So that's it, their first year in the U.S. education system is complete. It's been a busy year, with lots of changes and challenges, but also lots of new friendships and fun. Both Alice and David will be moving on to new schools in the autumn; David into 5th grade at Eubanks Intermediate School and Alice into 7th grade at Dawson Middle School, making them 'leavers' again this year. Both Alice and David had a traditional graduation ceremony, walking up on the stage and shaking hands with school principle and receiving certificates, although no mortar boards, thank goodness!

6th Grade Graduation at Eubanks Intermediate School

Leaving elementary school is seen as a big step up, next year in fifth grade they will have different teachers for each subject, timetables and lockers to contend with. In addition to the graduation ceremony, Rockenbaugh also has the 'Fourth Grade Clap Out'. All the kids, teachers and parents line the halls and clap the 4th graders as they file out of the building, it was really touching. In the pictures they're all wearing swim gear and carrying towels as they're going on a trip to the high school aquatics center for a final afternoon of fun, which was reportedly 'awesome'!

David in the Fourth Grade Clap Out at Rockenbaugh

Evan will be back at Rockenbaugh next year for second grade, although new for him will be traveling to and from school on the bus, and new classmates, as they mix up the kids every year. But before that they have three months off for summer, I'm wondering whether I'm going to survive...

Saying goodbye to their fantastic teachers Mrs Clardy and Mrs Brannon, and Officer Art