Massapequa Fifth Graders Move Up In Droves

MASSAPEQUA, NY — A momentous week is underway in the Massapequa school district, as six different elementary schools celebrated the moving-up of 526 students between Monday and Wednesday.

While there were accolades handed out and songs sung, the moving up ceremonies were also an opportunity for students from each of Massapequa’s elementary schools to address their classmates, families and teachers.

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“Now, we are getting ready for a brand-new adventure: middle school,” Fairfield Elementary fifth grader Lia Roseto said. “It’s totally normal if you feel excited, nervous or even a little scared right now. But guys, we are ready. Middle school will bring new classes, new sports, and new friends. And even though things will change, the lessons we learned here at Fairfield will stay with us.”

For Lockhart Elementary’s Zoe Silva, memories came flooding back on moving up day; memories like hatching ducklings in class and turning pumpkins into characters. These memories, Silva said, were proof of what it really meant to be going to elementary school together.

“One thing I’ve learned is that where you belong isn’t really a place, it’s the people around you who make you laugh and encourage you to be yourself,” Silva said.

Silva was not the only elementary schooler, however, reflecting on the friendships and lessons learned over the past few years.

“Birch Lane is a place where I built strong friendships, grew into a leader and learned the importance of being responsible and honest,” Birch Lane Elementary Schooler Joey Iannuzzi said. “These lessons are going to prepare me for the next chapter of my life.”

And the students were not along in addressing the crowd, either. East Lake Elementary School principal Thomas McKillop called the fifth grade class “impressive” in his address, describing specifically the exceptional character in this year’s group.

“I am beyond proud of how well they have represented each other and East Lake School,” McKillop said.

For McKillop’s colleague, McKenna Elementary Principal Dr. Amanda Lowry, the advice was more forward-facing.

“Be brave, be kind and believe in yourself. Even the smallest action can make a big difference,” Lowry said.