Fifth graders completed their era as members of the Lower School (LS) on the morning of Friday, June 6, during the Fifth Grade Moving Up Ceremony on Leggett Field. As LS faculty/staff, family members, and friends were seated beneath a tent, the Processional began with our rising sixth graders walking in and onto the stage to an instrumental version of “Best Day of My Life,” by American Authors.
Interim Co-Principal Susan Abramson, who students affectionately call “Ms. A,” welcomed everyone and reflected on why this ceremony was not a promotion (as that infers moving on to a higher status) and not a graduation (as that is a milestone that comes at the conclusion of Upper School). “It is a meaningful passage… coming to the end of Lower School, meaning the end of childhood will be here soon,” she said. In quoting Billy Collins’ poem, “On Turning Ten,” she also encouraged students to enjoy this next chapter.
In succession, small groups of the 53 students being celebrated then came up to the stage to share favorite quotes and poems, thoughts on friendship, fun memories from PreK 3 through fifth grade, impactful projects, and heartfelt thanks to supportive members of the community. These remarks included a nod to President Obama’s famous quote that “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time… We are the change that we seek”—as well as Ms. A’s refrain that “We don’t clap for expected behavior.”
Students also gave advice to their peers remaining in the LS, with remarks such as “We’ll be cheering you on from Middle School” and “Just be yourself.” And they took a moment to wish a fond farewell to those who would be departing D-E at the end of the school year—Ms. Abramson, Interim Co-Principal Julia Calantone, “who is always smiling,” and LS Nurse Maureen Krane, “who could be counted on for good conversation.”
Ms. Calantone then introduced the rising sixth graders as they prepared to perform their song, Jason Mraz’s “Have It All,” which she described as a “message of hope.” LS Music Teachers Lisa Dove and Fiona Crawford selected the song and provided musical accompaniment but did not “direct” them in a symbolic affirmation of the students moving on to greater independence.
In closing remarks, Interim Head of School Preeti Fibiger P ’24, D-E’s former LS Principal, admitted “these students mean a lot to me.” She also acknowledged Ms. Abramson and Ms. Calantone for “stepping up and stepping in during a year when we really needed them.” Finally, she told students they would be receiving a small box containing “something you are not meant to keep… but the memory can live on.” They were butterflies to be released, signifying new beginnings. Congratulations, rising sixth graders, and good luck in Middle School!
