Parents balanced cameras in one hand and tissues in the other as they watched fifth grade students file out of the front door of Jefferson School Wednesday to loud cheers and applause. The annual “clap out” marked the last day of school as teachers, administrators, and third and fourth grade students gathered on the lawn to celebrate the fifth graders as they exited the school for the last time.
It was a nostalgic day for everyone involved, including Tami Steckler of Maplewood, whose youngest son, Avery, is moving on. “Leaving the building for the last time was very emotional for the 5th graders, there was incredible happiness and so much sadness. The clap out was the final message that they had accomplished something significant and we were proud of them--it was celebratory and bittersweet.”
Some graduates ran out of the building with exuberance, welcoming summer vacation and the prospect of entering middle school in the fall. Others marched slowly across the lawn wiping away tears and hugging classmates.
Fifth grader Jack Mackay got caught up in the moment. “It was really good but sad because everyone was crying and that made me almost cry. “
It was the end of a long goodbye for fifth graders that started earlier this month with an overnight trip to Camp Mason in rural Warren County, New Jersey. The students also frolicked at Jefferson’s traditional 5th grade Maplewood pool party last week before participating in this week’s graduation festivities.
The families of fifth graders packed the Jefferson auditorium Tuesday to watch the class of 2011 sing songs, receive accolades, and hear speeches from Principal Susan Grierson and School Board member Bill Gaudelli.
Student Council President Ally Krause read a poem she wrote about what Jefferson means to her. Here’s an excerpt:
“We are from a place of possibilities
We are from a home away from home
We are from a big stone building filled with memories
We are from chalkboards, to whiteboards to smartboards
We are from caring and love and helpfulness
We are from friendly faculty and staff
…..We are from Jefferson School.”
The crowd was also treated to a video presentation set to music, highlighting the kids’ year, which yanked on the heartstrings of both students and relatives.
Many students took their clothing up a notch to casual dressy for the event. Some searched the audience for family members, and others grinned as they sang two songs: “Fifty Nifty United States” and “The Climb,” by Miley Cyrus.
Fifth grader Amir Holman enjoyed the program and kept things in perspective. “I liked singing the ‘Fifty Nifty’ song. I’m happy to be leaving Jefferson because middle school is better.”
While most of the kids graduating from Jefferson will head to Maplewood Middle School, some are districted for South Orange Middle School and others will attend different area schools, so this was the last time they would be together as a group.
Once the last fifth graders left the building Wednesday, the crowd began to disperse as students ushered in the summer break. But many graduates lingered on the lawn saying goodbye to friends and teachers, and perhaps savoring their last moments in grammar school.
Jefferson grad Sam Mackay stayed positive. “I’m going to miss my teachers and recess. But I’m going to meet a lot of people in middle school.”
