An annual tradition: On the last day of school at Nederland Elementary, fifth graders participated in their “Send-Off” as they leave the building for their final time. Congratulations and good luck in middle school![/caption]

On Thursday, May 23, 2024, fifth grade graduation took place at Nederland Elementary school. If I know anything about fifth graders, it's that they can't wait to graduate!

As we walked through the halls to get to the gym, the place of the main event, I was filled with memories of our own fifth grade celebrations and our time at the very same school.

During the ceremony, we were granted the honor to listen to poems the fifth graders wrote for graduation. They told us about how they were excited, sad, happy, and scared about going on to the next chapter of their lives, that being middle school.

After their lovely presentations we watched them move their tassels from right to left, and as they did so many parents realized just how quickly their little preschoolers have grown up to be fifth grade graduates.

The graduates then joined the audience as we watched the class slideshow. After the ceremony, we moved to the dining hall for more celebration and of course snacks! The school day ended with the graduates going home happy, excited, and full of cake.