Euclid School Fifth Graders Move on to the Middle School

parents of fifth grade students proudly watched as the children took the stage in the middle school/high school auditorium for their graduation ceremony Monday morning officially declaring them sixth graders.

Principal Peter O’Hare reminded the students that the ceremony may be described as a farewell ceremony he likes to think of it as an “acknowledgement of your success and achievement of your early years in education.  Also it’s a jumping off point of your advancement into middle school where you will find your education becoming more challenging, more complicated and more rewarding.”

O’Hare also recognized the fifth grade teachers and the staff of earlier years who all contributed to the children’s education and specially acknowledge Linda Simmons who was with these students for the past five years as she served as the school’s principal until earlier this year when she moved to the middle school.

Dr. Mark Porto, superintendent of schools, gave the class an inspirational and motivating talk about their education. When he asked the class how many students were enthused about mathematics, nearly the entire class raised their hands. He reminded them of the new math program which they will experience at the middle school in the fall and told students to continue to study, especially over the summer. The more one does something the more natural it will become.

Fifth grade teacher Lori Cintron presented the silver and gold awards to the students while fifth grade teachers Lisa Palladino and Mary Centrella presented certificates for safety patrol. As part of the ceremony, students Shalom Dukhande, Katie Schafer and Sheridan Wheeler shared their essays about their experiences as Euclid Eagles.

O’Hare and other faculty members recognized student Hannah Balcer who created the Class of 2011 commemorative tile which will be displayed in the Euclid School building, a tradition at the school which was started by Simmons when she was principal.

Six students created artwork for the ceremony programs – Francesca Brescia, Niraj Parekh, Vanita Patel, Seid Sijaric, Naline Thanker and Victoria Vizzacchero.