Little m Long a

To their tremendous credit, it was not dubbed a graduation ceremony.  In fact, the certificate each child received mentioned nothing of the finality of the kindergarten era.  It was rather an award, individually created for each child specifically designed with their unique personality in mind.

Zia’s?

I know what you’re thinking, but no.

Zia’s certificate stated that she was receiving the Aim for the Sky Award for always working hard and trying your best.

It fits.

Aim for the Sky!

I spent yesterday morning at a Kindergarten Poetry Slam.  Or Throwdown.  I actually think it was simply called the end of year Poetry Buzz.  Whatever it’s name,  it was kind of cool and hep — and by cool and hep I mean it was cute in the way that 20 some odd 6 year old kids wearing yellow construction paper hats with cut-out bumblebees buzzing above their heads reciting a year’s worth of poems in unison is cool and hep.

As parents, we got to clap our appreciation instead of snapping our fingers which I think would have been lost on the performers anyway.

The kids took us through the school year one poem at a time, Zia quite often leading the charge.  (I had more than one parent comment afterward that Zia really seemed to be leading the group.  I will say that you could definitely hear her above the rest.)

We listened and they recited.  Clapped and they waved.  Repeat as necessary.  It was overall, a pretty cool program.  And the poetry — inspiring!

After the readings the kids lined up to receive their awards and a big hug from the principle.  Some of the parents had brought snacks — interpreted to mean that I did not.  We chatted for a bit and called it an early day.

I stopped on my way out to ask Zia’s teacher, “Just to be sure, we do have school tomorrow, right?”

“Yes,” I was assured.  “It’s not over yet.”

4 more days!!!