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My kindergartener "graduated" today. While the program was super cute, I sort of have a problem with it. Worse, my fifth grader "graduates" next Thursday. To me, this is something that was special for the high school seniors who MADE IT. They worked hard, and this is a rite of passage as they become an adult, so to speak. My daughter who IS a senior is the one that deserves this recognition, in my opinion. Obviously, we went to Riley's program, and I loved the skits and songs...but I think cap and gown, etc. are a bit much. What do YOU think?
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WE only have 8th grade graduations and HS graduations here. For Prek they always have a party for all the kids and their parents that is always alot of fun. For the kindergartners, they put on a 'celebration' concert, which is basically thier graduation. They wear special shirts, and look so cute up on that big stage singing all their songs.
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I always thought it was a bit silly but then when Evans preschool had a graduation I admit I loved it. It was so cute and the teachers made them graduations caps and all the kids wrote their names on it and their big thing was reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
His school does not do one for Kindergarten but I bet they might for the 5th graders as they will then be going on to Middle School.
Your right though to us adults it is a rite of passage but when they are young like Pre K and Kindergarten I think its ok. After that completely unnecessary. jmo
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Jennifer, I agree with you 100%. I always wondered the same thing. It does take away from the seniors, especially for households like yours where you have such wide spread ages. It is a little much.
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That's a toughie, because they look soooo cute in those caps & gowns!
I was hoping for one in my son's preschool, because to me, that was a big deal - to go to kindergarten. But the teacher didn't believe in it. I think the one to go into first grade is cute, but they didn't do it in front of parents for some reason. Beyond that, I could see mini ceremonies, but not w/cap, gown, etc. JMO
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I'm going to respond before reading the others because I don't want to be influenced! I have absolutely no problem with it!!!
My ds is going to 'graduate' from K next year, and in his school they start off first year preprimary (preschool), 2nd year preprimary and K in the same room. By the time K comes around they are the Big kids and they are so proud!!
I am already planning his 'graduation' party for next year, since in July I'm going to shop for the decorations, etc. that are clearanced. Cap and gown? Great! Portraits? I'm all for it. We will probably have it catered (I know a caterer that is definitely cheaper than doing it myself).
I will definitely stipulate 'no gifts' to the guests but we will probably get/make him something. You have to understand though, he is our only child. If I had more (unless I had lots of cash LOL ) I probably wouldn't make such a big deal about it.
You also have to know me, I will use any 'excuse' to give a party! I have a Huge Halloween party for ds ever year. It's one of the things I have a talent for and really enjoy doing.
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I think its cute for kindergarten and maybe 8th grade doing a ceremony. those are milestone years. I especially like the K ones because they are really proud of themselves as it is their first year of school. Now to see what everyone else said...
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I think it's cute and is special to the little ones! It makes them proud and gets them excited to move up.
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BTW the 8th grade one they do here is really more of an awards ceremony than a graduation.
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We don't do Kindergarden here.They have been doing the 6th,8th and 12th grade graduations since I have been out of school.They didn't do that for us.So about 18 years they have been doing all 3 now.
I will be going to my first one for the son Dakota June 13th.No cap and gown just a walk through and then we sent in pictures and they are showing the pictures up on stage as they do the walk through.Then we are having cake and punch afterwards.I am excited to see what it is all about.I guess since I have a son doing it I am all for it.I love anything he does and would not miss it!