Massapequa Sends Off Fifth Graders With Drive-Thru Ceremonies

MASSAPEQUA, NY — Moving-up ceremonies in the Massapequa School District took on a new look this year with large gatherings limited due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fifth graders were recognized at drive-up celebrations on June 15 which didn’t lack in excitement or fanfare.

The ceremonies, typically held in the district’s three auditoriums, instead were outside of each elementary school, allowing students to pay one last visit to the places where so many memories were made over the last six years. The warm, sunny day was indicative of the start of summer vacation.

Elaborately decorated cars entered under arches of blue and gold balloons. Fifth grade teachers announced the names of their students as cars approached the podium. Principals handed out packets that included moving-up certificates and awards, and many children presented gifts to their teachers.

Each ceremony was a school-wide event with teachers and staff lining the front driveway holding signs, waving and shouting good luck wishes to the future middle school students. At McKenna Elementary School, teachers displayed large yellow banners that read “Aim High,” “We ♥ You” and “Good Luck @ Berner,” and at East Lake Elementary School, “Congratulations to the Future Class of 2027” was scrawled in the driveway.