Tessa's Graduation

Two days ago, Tessa graduated from 5th grade and will now be heading on to middle school. It was a bittersweet day for me.

Sad because she is leaving elementary and that phase of her life. And also sad for me because the principal of the elementary school is retiring. She is the one that we started with here at Glen Ellen school when we moved here. Then she opened Rossview the following year when we moved there. In addition, the music teacher who has also been with us from the beginning and whom I have accompanied for this year is moving and leaving the school.

But, more than sad, it was also a very proud day! I am so proud of all Tessa has accomplished. She has had a wonderful 5th grade year with an amazing teacher. We couldn't have asked for anything more. She has been involved with so many clubs and has maintained straight A's all year.

But two things made me the most proud:

(1) She was named 5th grade overall citizen of the year! She received the Dowdy award and a $50 gift card to Books a Million. I gasped out loud when they called her name because I was so excited and proud of her. No one knew about it ahead of time, so it was a big surprise! I do believe she really deserved it too! She is a caring and kind-hearted person.

(2) Tessa had the opportunity to help with the life skills kids this year and this one little girl had really attached to Tessa and Tessa to her. Her name is Haley and she was going to be moving up with the 5th grade to middle school.  However, she was scared to be at the graduation by herself. So they asked Tessa if she would sit by her and hold her hand during the graduation so she wouldn't be scared. Tessa agreed to and it was just really touching for me to see her kindness to this sweet girl and holding her hand and helping her throughout the whole ceremony. I could tell she really cared about her.

It was one of those proud mommy moments! Of course I was already emotional with my daughter moving onto middle school and also with their principal and music teacher leaving whom I have both become close to. So as I said "bittersweet", but much more sweet.

Below: Tessa walking in to the graduation song holding Haley's hand

Below: Tessa receiving her Dowdy award (hard to see)

Below, the 5th grade standing to sing, "Lean on Me".  Tessa was in the backrow, so we couldn't see her.

Below, Tessa receiving her diploma as well as her presidential academic award and pin

Tessa and Haley coming down after receiving their diplomas

Waiting for the rest of her class to receive their diplomas before sitting down.  She was very kind to Haley.

Below, leaving the graduation after everyone had graduated.

Tessa with her teacher, Mrs. Furcolowe

Outstanding Citizen of the year award for the 5th grade

Below are pictures of the 5th grade dance, which was the night before graduation.  Some of these are also with their principal, Mrs. Ford, who is retiring.  Pictures compliments of Paula Peek

Tessa with some of her friends at the 5th grade dance

The boy in the plaid shirt is Connor.  He is our next door neighbor and I have been watching him before school quite often when his parents both have to work early.  He is an entertaining kid!  We have had fun with him this year.

Mrs. Ford dancing with the kids.  The always has fun dancing with the kids are the 5th grade dances.