Annual Clap Outs, Ceremonies Celebrate Students Last Years in Their School
Elementary and middle schools ended their years with clap outs and ceremonies celebrating 5th and 8th graders as they transition to a new school. Berkley High School and Berkley Adult Transition celebrated their graduates.
Clap outs are an opportunity for older students to say goodbye to classmates, younger grades and teachers. Families often complete the event outside where many students can be found embracing friends and teachers before leaving for the summer.
Angell: 5th Grade Clap Out & Car Parade
On June 11, Angell 5th graders walked the halls one last time on their last afternoon of school. They paraded through Angell wearing their graduation caps, shaking hands, and giving high fives to their peers and staff members lined along the halls as they made their way out to their families who were cheering them on as they completed their last day as 5th graders and students of Angell.
On June 12, Angell 5th grade families lined up outside of Angell to drive their 5th graders through the annual car parade. Angell students lined the sidewalks to wave and cheer for the 5th graders one last time. Families decorated their cars, honked their horns and waved to the audience.
Burton: 5th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony
On Friday, June 7, Burton families gathered outside for the first annual Burton 5th grade promotion ceremony. Principal Lauren Fragomeni wished the students well, the 5th grade choir performed and teachers called students up to receive their certificates.
On Wednesday, June 12, Burton 5th graders walked the halls one last time during the annual clap out. Students and the 5th grade teachers enjoyed the high fives and hugs and were met with families outside to continue the celebration.
Pattengill: 5th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony
On Wednesday, June 12, Pattengill 5th graders started their day with a clap out that merged right into their promotion ceremony. After walking the halls to cheers, high fives and hugs, students lined up inside and were called out to the ceremony one at a time to receive their certificates. Teachers and families celebrated the students, wishing them a farewell. One student shared her reflections with the audience and then students took photos with their Pattengill peers to end the morning.
Rogers: 5th Grade Clap Out & Graduation
On June 11, Rogers Elementary 5th graders and their families gathered for the graduation ceremony outside of the school. Students listened to a speech and a story from Principal Jack Gitler. Students were then called up individually to receive their certificates and share a quote that was special to them.
On June 12, Rogers students celebrated their 5th graders with a clap out on the last day of school. Students and teachers lined the halls and families made a tunnel outside to greet their 5th graders. Many students were overcome this year with emotion as they said farewell to their elementary school.
Anderson: 8th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony
On Monday, June 10, Anderson students and staff lined the halls and clapped out their 8th grade friends the day before the promotion ceremony.
On Tuesday, June 11, Anderson 8th grade students were honored for completing their middle school careers. Students arrived at school ready for their ceremony with family and friends, celebrated in the Anderson gym. Michael Ross, AMS Principal, addressed the 8th graders, sharing well wishes for the students. Special awards were given out with scholarships, students were recognized for special academic achievement and one student addressed their classmates in a speech. When the recognition from the podium was complete, students had their names called one by one and were celebrated as graduates of Anderson Middle School.
Norup: 8th Grade Clap Out & Promotion Ceremony
Norup 8th graders gathered on the afternoon of June 11, to hear words of wisdom from Principal Paul Yowchuang and to receive their end of year certificates. Special recognition was given to students who spent their entire educational career at Norup (Kindergarten through 8th grade), to students who received the John Norup award and the Principal’s award. Each member of the class was called up individually, receiving certificates and a handshake from Assistant Principal, Kaitlin Eickemeyer and Principal Yowchuang.
Norup 8th graders were treated to a clap out after their promotion ceremony. Families started the clap out tunnel outside and as the 8th graders entered the building one last time, students and teachers lined the halls to send well wishes with the soon to be 9th graders.
Adult Transition Program Graduation
On June 11, the Adult Transition Program held a graduation for two students who completed the program. During the ceremony, ATP interim principal Sharon Berke and Special Education Supervisor Nic Farquhar spoke to the students and families as well as teachers Sarah Panfalone and Jen Plater. The graduates were presented with plaques as part of the ceremony. Everyone enjoyed a reception following the festivities.
Berkley High School
Berkley High School’s graduation is so big, we made a whole separate Berkley Beat to cover it. Visit this link to see photos, videos, quotes from speeches, the Class of 2024 facts and statistics, and even more photos.
