And The Year Wraps

On the last day of school, we waved goodbye to our precious children and bid them a safe, restful, and joyful summer break. Then, the Learning Leaders of Chets Creek Elementary embarked on an adventure of their own. This year's ending adventure took us to the beautiful and historic Epping Forest Yacht Club nestled on our city's riverfront beneath towering live oaks. We began our celebration with a delicious luncheon as we chatted, laughed, and shared stories with our CCE family. Desert was served and our principal, Susan Phillips, proceeded to the podium.
Susan welcomed us and expressed her heartfelt gratitude for our hard work and dedication as we journeyed Around the World in 180 Days this year. Next, she read letters written to her from parents about their children's teachers. There wasn't a dry eye in the club as the heartfelt inspiring letters were read of gratefulness, obstacles overcome, goals achieved, and great strides in progress. Simply put, words written from parents who feel greatly indebted because their children are forever changed by the imprint of an extraordinary teacher.

After we dried our tears, Susan began the awards portion of our celebration. She publicly recognized our faithful and dedicated PTA President, SAC Chair, Teacher of the Year, and Employee of the Year. We applauded the newly donned Nationally Board Certified Teachers, and penned our beginning teachers for a first year well done. Susan awarded teachers who went over and above, implemented new learning, lead others in growing professionally, and served humbly and behind the scenes. Our team award then went to our Foundations Team this year for implementing a Bully Buster program that is second to none.

Our theme, Around the World in 180 Days...Our Virtual Learning Adventure, wrapped with a slide show highlighting the year's events and traditions. And then with baited breath, we waited for our next tradition-the unveiling of next year's theme! And the movie rolled...

The Fifth Grade Clap Out

The last day of school can bring with it much laughter and many tears. As students depart for the summer, some do so with an attitude of relief to have the summer to relax and enjoy the freedom, knowing full well that they will return to their school home in the fall ready to get back to work. And, some do so with a heavy heart because they are leaving us for other destinations-other schools, other states, and for 5th graders--middle school.

So as tradition holds, we say farewell to those who are leaving us, wishing them well, and praying that the lessons we've taught them will be far outreaching. That their lives are better because they have joined us for this season, and because of us, they leave prepared to conquer their next quest.

To fully honor those 5th graders departing from our community, we hold the annual Chets Creek Clap Out. Approximately 15 minutes before the rest of the school is dismissed, fifth graders pack up for the last time and graciously hug their teachers and classmates, they leave the room together in one long line. The rest of the school's students have gathered along the hallways outside their classrooms to "clap out" the 5th graders. The song "Pomp and Circumstance" plays over the sound system, adn the 5th grade students, led by Principal Phillips, walks each hallway one last time as they are applauded by our community. The parade of honor and farewell ends in the front lobby full of confetti to outstretched parent arms and many tears. We honor our graduating students and wish them well as this chapter of their lives closes and the next chapter begins.