NEDERLAND - The fifth grade students at Nederland Elementary School (NES) have finished their elementary school years and are moving on to middle school.

On the last day of school, students’ families were invited to attend a continuation ceremony in honor of the fifth grade class.

The students sang "Shining Star" from Earth, Wind & Fire, a song they had learned from their recent Caribou Chronicles concert. Then many of them read "I Am" poems they had written. The poems were honest, sincere, and from their hearts.

Fifth grade teacher Corrie Beauvineau wrote a personal haiku for each of the 30 students. She read one to each of the students before Principal Melamed handed them their Certificates of Promotion.

Melamed also reminded students about their time at NES.

Fifth graders then turned their tassels, indicating that they had reached the symbolic moment of accomplishing a major academic achievement. These students are now bound for middle school.

Before the last bell rang to signal the end of the 2024-25 school year, all the NES students lined the ramp leading to the playgrounds in the back of the school to cheer the departing fifth grade class.

With high fives, hugs, and cheers, the fifth graders passed by the other students one last time in this long-standing tradition of bidding farewell to the oldest kids in the school.

Class of 2032—remember as you enter middle school to be patient with yourself and others. Be kind. Middle school years can be a little rocky, but you will find your way.

Congratulations!