Okay, now that I’m back I will finish up the rest of yesterday. I mentioned that they had gone through one time practicing picking up diplomas (at least eight Patels by the way 😛 ). Once finished, they all had to stand up one last time (“and now presenting the class of 2008”) and then practice filing out and back in again. By now, we were getting hungry so he finally dismissed us, but not without having a little fun with it. They had to practice standing and turning in unison as their rows were called at random. Those that did it well got to go. Those who didn’t had to sit back down and wait to try again. About half made it out the first time. The first row took about four tries to get it right. As staff, we of course had to wait until the end, but I didn’t mind. We got a free lunch out of it too, all students and staff. Not a very nutritious one mind you (pizza or hot dog, chips, ice cream) but still- free is free. We then had about 45 minutes to eat. Everyone ate outside, though I did go to the lounge for a short time to supplement my free lunch with something I had brought.
The afternoon started with- drum roll please- awards. Yep, third time now. Fortunately it was just 8th grade this time, and fewer categories than the last 7th/8th grade one. Then a few students performed songs. I wonder if they did that at the actual ceremony? Finally, we returned to practicing- filing out and in one last time then going through one by one with the diploma practice. They were actually handed something this time- a folder that turned out to have some instructions for the night in it. It went faster this time, but there were still a few name mispronunciations. They of course promised it would be slower during the actual ceremony, which I am glad I did not have to attend. Can you imagine the sub note? “Must return at 7:30 to the graduation ceremony- half-day pay provided.”
Well, that was pretty much it. They were able to go home then for the final time- the 8th grade was done in that building. Coming up in a few hours (hopefully)- a post about today. Not too exciting, so I may just skip it. We’ll see.
practicing standing, turning, and filing out in unison… sounds like a final curtain call group bow to me.
Final bow indeed. Leaving that school district to join another one in the fall (or earlier if they are involved in sports or band- I remember band camp myself).