F.E. Bellows Fifth-graders Move Up To Rye Neck Middle School

MAMARONECK, NY — F.E. Bellows Elementary School fifth-graders celebrated a milestone in their academic careers and said farewell to their elementary school days during a moving up ceremony June 15. The students will embark on the next phase of their educational journey as sixth-graders at Rye Neck Middle School in the fall.

The program began with the processional to “Pomp and Circumstance” and a flag salute before Principal Michael Scarantino welcomed the guests and honorees. He shared a few words of wisdom with the students and encouraged them to continue to show kindness toward others.

“I am so proud. Without question, you clearly have the capacity to be kind,” Scarantino said to the students. “But most impressively, you make the choice to be kinder than necessary. So, when I really think about it, you have essentially left me with something extraordinary. You have left a positive and uplifting memory of the fifth-grade class who took care of one another, no matter what. We at Bellows will always remember you for your courage, kindness, character and positive mental attitude. I am confident you will accomplish greatness.”

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro acknowledged that the students are ready for the challenges and new opportunities that await them at middle school.

“You are special students who enjoy learning, exploring and having fun,” Ferraro said. “You approach each day with a curiosity that leads you to new and exciting opportunities. When I visit your classrooms, I observe you writing stories, reading books and solving problems. And whenever I stop by at lunchtime, I hear happy voices ready to enjoy some special time with friends.”

Before the students were called one by one to receive their certificates, they performed “Let There Be Peace,” a song that was written by the students themselves as third-graders and music teacher Tom Galgano. They shared that they feel empowered with the ability to bring peace to the world one person at a time by showing respect, joy, friendship, kindness, empathy, cooperation and forgiveness.

The ceremony, which was a celebration of the students’ achievements and successes throughout their time in the elementary school, concluded with a performance of “The Moving Up Song 2018,” which was another song that the students and Galgano wrote themselves.

Photo caption: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Barbara Ferraro addressed students during the fifth-grade moving up ceremony on June 15. Photo credit: Rye Neck Union Free School District.