Haynes kindergarten teachers Lynne Raffaele, left, and Bethany Weart created signs to celebrates students during the Beep-Out celebration for the Haynes School students on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Sudbury Public Schools) 
Fifth grader Henry Frasca participated in the Beep Out event for Noyes School earlier last week. (Photo courtesy of Sudbury Public Schools) 
Fifth grader Julian Zimmerman, right, received the Bette Rothman Personal Achievement Award after he was chosen by staff as a student who exhibits perseverance, resiliency, and an ability to overcome challenges. Assistant Principal Kristin Moffat, left, and Principal Annette Doyle delivered the award to him on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of Sudbury Public Schools) 
Fifth graders Jill, left, and Sammy Skelly thanked their Loring School teachers during their Beep Out ceremony earlier this week. (Photo courtesy of Sudbury Public Schools) 
Assistant Superintendent, Kim Swain, with the Nixon School Mascot, and Hoot, during the Beep Out for fifth graders. (Photo courtesy of Sudbury Public Schools) 
Sixty-four fifth grade students attended the Loring School’s Beep Out ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Sudbury Public Schools) 
Right to left: Nixon School’s Front Office Administrative Assistant Jo-Ann Schuester, physical education teacher Betsey Caldwell, and Spanish teacher Gilda Villani. (Photo courtesy of Sudbury Public Schools)
SUDBURY — The 284 fifth graders throughout the district celebrated the end of their elementary school careers with their peers this week.
All four Sudbury elementary schools – Israel Loring Elementary School, General John Nixon Elementary School, Josiah Haynes Elementary School and Peter Noyes Elementary School — held parades and celebrations for departing fifth graders and their families to mark their transition to middle school.
Beep-Out events were held for fifth grade students from all district schools over the course of Monday, June 15 and Tuesday, June 16. Dozens of staff members and teachers lined the sidewalk in front of Ephraim Curtis Middle School to greet students and their families as they drove through the campus. Families decorated their vehicles with streamers and posters to celebrate their children, and staff cheered as they drove by, using bubbles, balloons and cowbells to show their pride.
On Monday, June 15, a virtual Moving On ceremony was held for Loring Elementary School students, which included messages from student speakers from each class, all of the school’s fifth grade teachers, Principal Sara Harvey and Assistant Principal David Gaita. The ceremony also featured a slide show of pictures of the students throughout their entire time at the Loring School, and included a song and dance put together by the school’s music teacher Mala Gillan. Each student was given a swag bag which included t-shirts, Moving On certificates, years books and a picture of the fifth grade class.
“We will miss our students and were glad to be able to come together one last time to celebrate all they’ve accomplished during their time at the Loring,” said Principal Harvey.
On Monday, June 15, students at the Nixon School also participated in a virtual Wings of Wisdom graduation to inspire all students as they take their next steps forward as learners and positive community members. A virtual all-school meeting was held on Wednesday, June 10 as well to inspire a sense of school spirit before students completed their remote learning for the year.
“It’s an honored tradition to be able to celebrate our fifth graders as they head off to middle school,” said Principal Susan Woods. “While this year’s celebration was different due to COVID-19 pandemic, we’re glad that we were still able to come together and wish them the best on the next steps of their academic journeys.”
On Tuesday, June 16, fifth graders from the Haynes Elementary school participated in their own virtual Moving On ceremony. The celebration included the presentation of the graduates on screen by Haynes Assistant Principal Cara Blanchette, a reading of Dr. Seuss’ “Oh the Places You’ll Go!” by the entire Haynes staff, and an address from Haynes Principal Jeffrey LaBroad. Haynes students also received certificates of achievement in the mail this week and students were given swag bags complete with commemorative tumblers and more, courtesy of the Haynes Organization of Parents.
“It goes without saying that we all wish we could be together in person to celebrate,” Principal LaBroad said. “You’ve left your mark. You’ve added to the school and contributed to our community for the better. It’s been a privilege to teach you and be a part of your lives. We look forward to all that our fifth graders will achieve in the years ahead.”
Noyes School released their virtual Moving On ceremony video on Tuesday, June 16. Students were also given swag bags that included t-shirts, Moving On certificates and a Wordle magnet personalized for each student based on the compliments their peers gave them during a virtual yearbook signing. Noyes staff held up encouragement and advice signs during the ceremony as well while the fifth graders’ performance of “Don’t Give Up on Me” by Andy Grammer played in the background. Students and their families sent their own virtual Clap Out video to the Noyes School teachers on Wednesday as a thank you.
“Congratulations to all of the Noyes School fifth graders,” said Principal Annette Doyle. “It’s been an honor to watch you grow during your time with us and I know you will continue to thrive and grow as you start at the middle school in the fall. We’re all rooting for you.”
Wednesday, June 17 marked the last day of school for all Sudbury students.
“I’m overwhelmingly proud of all our students and teachers who have adapted quickly and creatively to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Superintendent Brad Crozier. “Congratulations to all the fifth graders who will be moving up to the middle school. You’ve done a great job over the last six years and I hope you all enjoy your well-deserved summer break.”
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