The Graduate

Going to a small town private school has some advantages. At least in my book. I am not so sure that Ab would say the same, but she’s survived 5 years in that environment and I think she’s got a pretty good education for my money. She graduated last night from the 8th grade; one of 15 students in her class. Now she’s headed to high school and I believe academically she’s well prepared.

At 13, she can type 46 words per minute, which is the highest in her class. She’s had 5 years of Conversational Spanish. I’ve yet to hear her carry on a conversation in Spanish, but I believe she’s had some it rub off on her during that time. She’s also made a machine stitched quilt that now graces her bed, thanks to a dedicated teacher who took the time to share her love of the art with her students.

During the morning ceremony the student body gives a hearty, “Good Morning Teachers, Good Morning Parents!” before saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Each day, the kids recite the weekly standard, such as “Praise the work of others!” and they are expected to try to find ways to exemplify the standard in their work and play. Students are recognized for special achievements and on their birthdays when the entire group sings Happy Birthday in honor of their special day.

Private school kids pray in school. They bow their heads and say the Carden Prayer before shaking hands with the teachers as they file off to their classrooms to begin their day; Father in Heaven to Thee we pray, Asking Thy Help, day by day, In all we say, in all we do, Make us kind and generous, too. Make us eager in our work today, Make us joyous in our play, Help us always to follow Thy rule, Father in Heaven, bless our school. Amen.

It’s okay for the teachers and staff to hug the children. And…it’s done regularly and openly. How cool is that? The teachers also stay in constant contact with the parents as they personally walk each child to Mom or Dad’s awaiting car to see them off at the end of the school day.

Special events are very special, with colorful decorations and personalized table favors, like graduation. Each graduate had a family table set for 10 guests, beautifully covered in a crisp white tablecloth, with candle centerpieces surrounded with multi-colored confetti, snapshots of the graduate through the school year. Special poses were framed as take-home gifts!

Congratulatory cards and messages from fellow students and parents were thoughtfully placed. As Ab opened a card from her principal, I cried when I read…“Of all the graduates, I am most proud of you!” in reference to the difficult times she’s endured in her family life in the past couple of years.

The boys, dressed up in their gawky best, proudly escorted the girl graduates to the stage, where each student was recognized for their achievements. Despite the school’s efforts to change tradition, the girls were dressed in formal dresses and were stunningly beautiful. Ab was turning heads in her black and white gown, and she knew it. It was a needed self-esteem booster for this child who often struggles with the dreaded teenage uncertainty.

Later, they would change into caps and gowns and walk to the musical sounds of a string processional to receive their impressively framed diplomas. Finally, a gift from the school…a book entitled, Writer‘s Inc.

Hugs, tears and family photos and then a celebration at a local Mexican restaurant.

We’re done.

No more yukky uniforms, she says!

It’s summertime!