It is tradition in Nederland schools to have graduations or continuation celebrations in preschool, kindergarten, fifth, eighth and twelfth grades. They are proud moments for the students, teachers, and the families. For the first time I am a proud mom of a graduating fifth grader. I had, of course, covered my children’s preschool and kindergarten celebrations for the newspaper years before. Those are adorable events and full of cuteness. Fifth grade has a different feel to it.

At Nederland Elementary School (NES) fifth graders are the oldest kids in the school. There are milestones throughout the year. This is the year they learn to play an instrument. Huge applause for the students because that is not an easy task. Many cheers for orchestra teacher Christine Mallery and band teacher John Mullis. How many people are brave enough to be beginning band and orchestra instructors?

Recently the fifth graders performed their final band/orchestra/vocal concert of the year. Music teacher Alison Bagli led the students in singing “Kids” from Bye Bye Birdie, “Pandemonium” from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, “Seize the Day” from Newsies and “My Shot” from Hamilton. The students did an excellent job and I think Lin- Manuel Miranda would be impressed.

The fifth graders in the orchestra played “Frere Jacques,” “French Folk Song,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The fifth grade band played “7 Nation Army,” “Let’s Go Panthers” and several trios, duets and some solos. The students did not let their nerves get the better of them. They played beautifully in front of their families and NES students. Even if there was a little extra squeak or honk or missed note a couple times we are so proud of them for learning to play an instrument and learning to make music together. Those skills go far beyond the music room.

The fifth graders also had a special Problem Based Learning (PBL) project at the end of the school year. NES fifth graders had to come up with solutions to the parking problems in Nederland. Teachers Danielle Andrews and Jordan Sloat invited town leaders to their classrooms to listen to the students present their ideas which included possible parking structures, a parking app, and signage to name a few. How refreshing to listen to kids’ creativity on some tough issues.

On their last day of school, May 26, families of the fifth graders gathered in the NES gymnasium to celebrate their transition from elementary school to middle school. Mr. Sloat and Ms. Andrews welcomed the audience and presented their classes.

Music teacher Ms. Alison led the fifth graders in an encore performance of “My Shot” from Hamilton. The students had so much energy and passion as they performed this Hip-hop show tune about ambition. Then without missing a beat with Ms. Alison on the piano and the kids singing they went into a short version of Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up”. According to the internet meme, we were Rickrolled.

The fifth graders were presented with a certificate from their teacher and NES Principal Caleb Melamed. This certificate acknowledges that they have completed elementary school. Their next step in life’s journey is middle school.

I shed a few tears during the ceremony. As my son sat on the stage and he came up to receive his certificate I couldn’t help but remember the first days of preschool at NES. He was scared and I was scared but tried not to show it. We both had to be brave. I think we are going to have to find that courage again when he starts sixth grade in August.

When it is time for our kids to take some big steps we hope we have taught them the right skills to keep moving forward, making good choices and when they make a mistake they learn from the mistake. As parents we are always here to encourage our children to keep growing, learning and flexing those wings so they can fly to their own destiny someday.

“You are perfectly cast in your life. I can’t imagine anyone but you in the role.” - Lin-Manuel Miranda

Congratulations Nederland Elementary fifth graders!

Ms. Andrew’s Class

Irie Adeva-Fox

Hollis Edmondson

Meko Eich

Elias Friedlander

Paul Garrigou

Danette Gioia

Isla Harmon

Brynn Hertzfeld

Dylan Karowe

Oscar Lammers Van Toorenburg

Gideon Livingston

Emmalyn Oline

Jenson Prahl

Henry Schliff

Theo Shakespeare-Kern

Lily Troy

Phin Wallace

River Williams

Mr. Sloat’s Class

Tyler Begin

Evan Crapsey

Saphire Denning

Anthony Galindo

Kylie Harrington

Sebastian Hutchison

Rowan Keeney

Harrison Kobi

Alyssa Mites

Noemi Munoz

Dempsey Nielsen

Kiran Phillips

Dylan Ralph

Nathan Sibray

Caiden Stackpole

Leila Tarleton

Legend Teller

Isabella Watts

Myla Yoh