For the last four years, my class has upheld a tradition. Rather than giving a heartfelt speech of my own, I have invited students to deliver impromptu speeches of their own. They simply address their classmates...and the tears flow. Presentations come from the least likely sources, and their messages are sincere. This is the day when I finally get to see proof that my students have been listening to me!
On this last day, we had several students announce that they would be moving out of our area and would not return for fifth grade. For these, the announcement was hard and sad; for the others, it was shocked and sad. I loved hearing the mantra that We are family repeatedly, as tears flowed throughout the day, having started earlier during our slide show (It turns out I snapped 1,130 photos, this school year, most of which were posted on the website as they occurred.).
Wherever they go - whether they stay at Cecil Floyd for another year, move to another community, or transfer to a private school - my message was simple: take what you've learned to your new class. Look them in the eye, offer a hearty handshake, say Yes, ma'am and No, sir. Use mannerly language: Thank you, You're welcome, Excuse me, and I'm sorry, and never forget that Once a Hoggatteer, always a Hoggatteer.
Wherever they go - whether they stay at Cecil Floyd for another year, move to another community, or transfer to a private school - my message was simple: take what you've learned to your new class. Look them in the eye, offer a hearty handshake, say Yes, ma'am and No, sir. Use mannerly language: Thank you, You're welcome, Excuse me, and I'm sorry, and never forget that Once a Hoggatteer, always a Hoggatteer.
