Todd Elementary School Celebrates The 2026 Moving Up Ceremony

Press release from the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District:

The moment Todd School’s fifth graders have been anticipating for a long time has arrived: they have officially moved up to Briarcliff Middle School in a beautiful ceremony that took place this morning.

After entering the district auditorium to “Pomp & Circumstance,” students recited the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” under the direction of music teacher Faith Ciavarella.

Principal Jessica Michaelidis addressed the students and discussed the connections they had made during their time at Todd.

“You connected with teachers and staff who encouraged you, challenged you and believed in you,” she said. “You connected with new ideas through books, science investigations, math problem-solving, music, art and technology. You learned that growth happens when we remain curious, ask questions and persevere through challenges.

“Continue to build meaningful connections wherever you go,” she continued.” Connect with people who bring out the best in you. Connect with new opportunities, even when they feel challenging. Connect with your interests and passions because they may lead you to discover strengths and talents you never knew you had. Most importantly, stay connected to the values that guided you during your time at Todd: kindness, respect, responsibility, perseverance and empathy.”

Superintendent Dr. Jim Kaishian spoke to the parents.

“Your children are moving up to a beautiful, warm, kind and supportive place at the middle school, where they will find joy,” he said. “The teachers there are going to double down on not only their academic abilities, but their abilities to be good to each other, to collaborate and to be able to find their center and develop that sense of who they are.”

Next, fifth-grade teachers presented students with their certificates.

Students then performed “A Million Dreams,” from “The Greatest Showman,” under the direction Ms. Ciavarella.

Several students presented retiring teachers with flowers and spoke about the mark they are leaving at the elementary school.

The ceremony concluded with fifth-grade teacher Maria Angarola presenting the newly minted sixth graders to the attendees.

Congratulations, rising sixth graders!

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This press release was produced by the Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District. The views expressed here are the author’s own.