Last day(s) of 8th grade!

Hello!

Cue Alice Cooper….”Schoolssss out for the summer!” Finally.

Last week, I did a recap of my kids’ middle school years, and today I’m sharing about the last few days of school.

Last day(s) of middle school:

Well, truth be told, my kids have been over school for a bit now. They turned in their Chromebooks last Thursday leaving four days left in the year with not much to do.

Last Friday was “Clash of the Classes” field day and yearbook signing. I’m glad they got to have some downtime with the classmates, and I remember how much fun it was signing yearbooks. I did have to ask Hadley why so many people wrote “HAGS” in her yearbook, and she filled me in that it meant “Have a great summer.” I guess I should have known that!

The past couple of years, my kids have asked to not go on the last day, and I always make them go. I tell them it’s more for a “rite of passage” as an 8th grader not to go on the last day since the 8th grade promotion is the night before the last day of school. Plus, I’ve never wanted them getting in a habit of thinking attendance is optional.

So, that meant that Tuesday was the last day of school for them. Tuesday morning, Hadley and friends met up at Starbucks before their last day of school.

Then, she sent me pics with her friends all throughout the day. While they didn’t have much to do, I’m glad that she had some time with her friends. A few of her friends are going to a different school next year, so I do think the girls were a bit emotional about the last day of middle school.

The boys…not so much.

The 8th grade promotion was Tuesday night. Before Covid, I believe their school did this celebration the morning of the last day of school in the school’s gym. Post-Covid, they moved the promotion ceremony to my high school’s gym which allows for more guests, I guess?

In order to use my school’s gym, they have to have the ceremony in the evening. Anyway, Tuesday night was the 8th grade promotion.

I was able to get a couple of pics before we left the house.

It’s getting harder and harder to convince them to hold up the last day of school sign, but I’m grateful for the tradition.

For fun (or a few tears), here’s the first day of 6th grade. Wow…I know I’ve shared these photos through the years, but I really can’t believe how quickly these past three years have gone.

The promotion ceremony lasted a little over an hour and was really nice. A couple of students spoke as well as the principal. Then, each teacher shared a bit about their subject area and students who excelled in that subject. Then, all the students walked across, shook their principal’s hand and received their certificate.

It was really nice hearing all the students clap for each other, and all of the students seemed to be engaged and paying attention. It was a really nice celebration of three years of school. The principal acknowledged how the students spent most of their 6th grade year wearing masks, how much they’ve grown and matured, as well as what great classmates they all are.

As a parent, I appreciated the teachers and the principal speaking so highly of the student body.

After the ceremony, we snapped a few more pics.

My brother and sister-in-law were there.

There were lots of pics with friends…at least where Hadley was concerned. Boys aren’t as into pictures, and were more worried about where we were going for dinner.

Hadley really has made some wonderful new friends while keeping close friendships from elementary school. (Hayden too, but again…boys!)

The weather was beautiful, and we got a few family pics before walking to the car.

Officially promoted to high school:

…and a family photo which means more to me than they realize.

We went out to dinner with friends before heading home for cake.

Y’all know we love cookie cake and Bundt cakes, but we’ve been on an ice cream cake kick now.

Baskin Robbins for the win:

They squeaked in a couple of more smiles before enjoying their cake.

I went to bed not long after as I was tired…both emotionally and physically….and, I still had one more day of school to get through while they got to sleep in!

Wednesday evening, a few moms organized a pool party for the 8th graders, and they had lots of fun.

The temps had cooled off, so the kids mostly played volleyball and pickleball. It was a great evening to wrap up middle school.

I know I shared this meme last week, but it’s certainly hit home over the past few years.

…and while I know it’s hard parenting young teenagers, I know that being a teen isn’t easy! I just pray they continue down the right path, learn from mistakes, grow, mature, try their best, and be kind.

I love and believe in them more than they’ll every know.