One of my first teaching positions was teaching 8th grade math in New Jersey. I loved that school because I worked with awesome people. If I had to be honest, some of the students scared me a bit...especially that one that threatened to kick my teeth in. He was pretty awesome.
Anyway, this is where I came to love my hate for "graduations."
That's right...I hate "graduations."
Don't get me wrong. I love the graduations that come at the end of high school or college. Those graduations are pretty damn awesome.
The ones that I hate are the ones at the end of any other type of school.
We need to end those. They're ridiculous.
It was at this school that I realized there is no place for caps, gowns, and class rings at the end of 8th grade. They're not actually "graduating" from anything...they're just switching buildings.
In my opinion, and you can disagree if you want, a graduation is something that is earned through years of hard work. It is something that should be seen as a pinnacle of achievement and that should be held as something to reach for...something to strive for...something that is not given away lightly.
And yet, we have people having "graduations" from nursery school, elementary school, middle school...it's madness.
What do you think? Are you a fan of "graduations?" Or would you rather wait for the real thing?
P.S. A teacher from that building, who was not a fan of "graduations," mentioned that the 8th grade "Graduation" was the closest that some of these parents would get to seeing their kids in a cap and gown. That kind of made me sad, but she had a point, huh?
16 comments:
your "ps" was just what i was thinking. sad but true. however, if they didn't have that 8th grade graduation then maybe they'd strive to reach the 12th grade graduation! or the college graduation!
I'm also not for graduations that are not "real" - it seems like a big old farce and (cynical me) one more way for the schools to make MONEY!!!
how was your Memorial Day?
I am not big on graduations, especially preschool. That one just boggles my mind.
8th grade I could almost understand, if they move schools, but why not call it something else, welcome to high school:)
Put it right up there with the crap about everyone winning and getting a trophy in sports, seriously.
I so agree with you. There shouldn't be a graduation from anything but high school and college. If they want another ceremony fine but call it something else and forgo the cap and gowns. Let's make graduations special again!
i remember having a 6th grade graduation and everyone crying about it. i couldn't understand what everyone was so upset about. actually....i don't think that my parents even came to that. but then again, my parents almost didn't come to my masters graduation. direct quote from my dad: "it's not like you're getting your phd or something". um.....yeah.... well, he did end up coming, then seemed pissed a few years later when he had to come to my phd graduation.
i digress.
i hate them, too. :)
I hold the p.s. view! I totally hate graduations, all of them actually. I think they're a waste of time and energy. Just print out my paper and mail it to me. The fancy bill fold it came in was nice, but I've never ONCE actually used it. Sure I've pulled my transcripts, and had proof of graduation faxed but never has anyone asked to see my diplomas or certificates!
I like to think of this as an over blown American thing. Just another reason to have a cook-out right? I'm totally down for a cook-out, but I'd like to not have to stop by hallmark and make out a check to come!
It's so sad that an 8th grade graduation is the closest thing some of these families would get to graduation. Sad.
I agree with you though. Maybe a preschool graduation because it might make the transition of preschool to 'big kid school' a little easier??? But really, graduation at the end of kindergarten, middle school, etc. . .Is just crap.
So funny you posted this.
Our niece just graduated from 8th grade this weekend. She had a party, and my SIL went all out. Got a DJ, a jumping jack for the little kids, catered food, 65 people.
I think a graduation should be recognized, but that's ridiculous.
I have always wondered why they hold so many graduations during middle school. I can kind of see the point for kindergarten grad due to being a "big" kid, but don't see the point for the others. Yes, your last statement really is sad! :(
Since I didn't make it my own child's "graduation" I think they are stupid too.
Love that you throw what we are all thinking "out there!" GRADUATION from anything before high school CRACKS ME UP!!!
Thankfully, none of our preschools, K or even grade schools thus far are terming it as such...they call the transition from 5th grade (elementary) to middle school "Moving Up." THAT is correct, and something I can deal with...so long as there is no mortar board wearing or Pomp and Circumstance playing! ;)
I'm right there with you. We did a little breakfast ceremony for our 8th graders. Had the parents come in bring food, we all ate, and hoped the the parents would take their kids home so we could be without as many kids as possible. Hahaha!
I'm a sucker for the preschool/kindergarten graduations, but after that I think it can wait until high school. ;)
I understand why high school graduations were held in the early & mid 1900's, because it was a rarity when a child would make it through 12 years of education. But now?!? I even think high school graduations are frivolous.
I remember having a kindergarten graduation, but then nothing else until high school. I wouldn't have walked for my college graduation myself if my parents hadn't wanted me to.
In our town, they only do Kindergarten then high school graduation ceremonies. If they did it every time you switched schools, we'd have them every three years since we have an Elementary, Intermediate, Middle, and then High school!
I am not a huge fan of graduations either, I'm with you on the "you earn it" theory.
Post a Comment