This week was full of so many memorable moments as our Lower Elementary community came together to celebrate the end of such a wonderful school year. The children have worked so hard this year and have grown in so many ways. It was so special closing this chapter together, focusing on community, connection, celebration, and pure fun.
Our days during the school year are so full. Mornings are busy with lessons and all the independent work the children are focused on. Afternoons are filled with specials, reading groups, and transitions. So, this week really felt extra special. We had the chance to slow down a little and make more time to just truly enjoy our final days together as one big Lower El community. It was a week of fun, laughter, and memory-making.
Field Day was a huge hit. The children had the best time doing relays, playing tug-of-war, and all the other awesome activities organized by Mr. Fisher. After lunch, we even had an incredible Dance-Off led by Mrs. Kirk. It was fun, busy, and full of energy, and incredible teamwork, school spirit, and friendly competition. We loved watching the children cheer one another on and enjoy such an awesome day together.
Tuesday was Pajama Day. PJ day is always the best; who doesn’t love being extra cozy at school? We loved seeing everyone’s different pajamas and getting to meet all of the special stuffed animals and cozy friends they brought along to keep them company during lunch and recess. We even had a chance to watch The Jungle Book during lunchtime. The children watched the movie as they enjoyed their food. It made for such a cozy and fun change of pace during the week. The highlights were definitely listening to the children compare parts of the movie to the mini musical they put on a few short weeks ago, and the whole group busting out in song when “Bare Necessities” came on.
Beach Day was another favorite. The classroom was filled with beach-themed fun work and lots of awesome beach day gear. Later in the day, we headed outside with our beach towels for a picnic lunch on the field, complete with popsicles. It was such a sweet way to enjoy one another’s company and soak up a little summer feeling before the year came to a close.
Our end-of-year Lower Elementary celebration was also such a blast. The children spent time outside playing outdoor games, enjoying treats (special thanks to Jocelyn and Jessica, Sully and Kai’s moms), and having fun together on the field. It was exactly what we hoped for: a chance for the children to laugh, play, and be together in an extra fun way. The excitement on their faces when they discovered the whole setup was for them was the best.
On Friday morning, we gathered for one last morning as our full class of 32. It was a special time to pause and take in the final days of this particular classroom community. This group has shared so much together, and it felt important to have that time all together before heading into summer and before some children move on to their next chapter. We gathered on the field and had some special fun with bubbles as we got ready to send our third-years off to their next adventure.
The Moving Up Ceremony was a beautiful way to end the year. A very special congratulations to all of our third-year students who are moving on to Upper Elementary. They have grown so much, and they will be deeply missed in Lower Elementary. We were also so happy to welcome the Primary third years, who are now officially part of our Lower Elementary community. It was a lovely way to honor both endings and new beginnings.
It has been incredible to watch the children learn, grow, and change throughout the year. I have loved not only seeing the way they grew academically but just getting to know each and every one of them, getting to chat, laugh, and spend our days together. This is such a special group of children, and I feel very grateful for the year we have shared.
As we close out the year, I also want to take a moment to thank all of our families for your partnership. Your kindness, gratitude, and support throughout the year, and especially during this final week, have meant so much. Thank you all for the beautiful cards, generous gifts, and thoughtful conversations, which have truly meant the world to me.
This year was a big transition for me, as I left a school community where I had built lifelong relationships with the whole school community, from families to administration. Coming to FWM was a huge leap of faith. I left a second home, a thriving classroom community, a place where I felt loved and appreciated, all to mainstream my life and work closer to my children. I had long admired FWM, especially after being part of the toddler parent course 7 years ago with my child, but I wasn’t sure what it would be like to be part of the community. It’s safe to say the risk was well worth taking. I am so grateful I followed the path that led me here. I am so very grateful to be part of this special community.
Thank you all for welcoming me into this community with such open arms this year. Thank you for sharing your incredible children with me and partnering to support them. Thank you for showing up, for being so eager to volunteer your time for anything and everything from field trips, to bread making, to mystery reading, you all show up every single time and we are so thankful.
We end this school year with full and grateful hearts. It has been a joy and a privilege to teach your children, to laugh with them, and to watch them grow. We hope each and every one of you has a wonderful summer with your children, filled with many special memories. We look forward to reconnecting at the beginning of the next school year. See you then!