Sara Sandstrom-Kobi, Nederland. If you have been a student or a parent at Nederland Elementary you know that there is a big send off for the fifth graders as they move to middle school. The traditional ceremony with the band and orchestra playing could not happen this year. Which is a shame because I witnessed hearing the fifth-grade band going from rather random noises at the beginning of the year to clearly hearing the theme from Star Wars. A great triumph for beginning musicians. 

This year the fifth-grade students and their families paraded around Nederland Elementary’s parking lot while teachers and staff stood on the sidewalk cheering them on and saying goodbye. 

I think most would say it was bittersweet. It was wonderful to see the students but tinged with sorrow that this is not the way any of us wanted their time at NES to end. Nevertheless, the energy was celebratory and there were lots of smiles underneath the masks. 

It can be a tough transition leaving elementary school. These students are going from having a few teachers to having several, and instead of having one classroom, learning how to have a locker and get to class on time. Going from being the oldest in the school to being the youngest will be a new challenge. It takes a lot of courage to walk into that school building with a bunch of high schoolers. 

Fifth graders, as you walk into Nederland Middle Senior High School as sixth graders take a deep breath and hold your head high. Remember the PAWS traits that you were taught in elementary school: Perseverance, Act Responsibly, We Cooperate and Show Respect. 

The teachers and staff at NES wish all the fifth graders well as they take the big step to Nederland Middle School. 

(Originally published in the May 28, 2020, print edition of The Mountain-Ear.)