Simon's 5th Grade Promotion

On Monday Simon finished 5th grade.

Go Simon go!

Around here that means he's done with Elementary School and will transition to Middle School in the Fall.

Talk about a range of emotions. So proud. So thankful for his teachers and aides. So excited for what's next for him mixed with a little bit of fear (that totally natural sort of fear and protective parent stuff).

Simon sparkles.

I cried while hugging his program director. I feel, and I know Chris does too, that she has been instrumental in his educational experience and his development. She's a tireless advocate for him and she has a great sense of humor. I don't think I can ever really express to her how much I appreciate her even when I try.

We all gathered together in the school cafeteria for the promotion ceremony to celebrate all the 5th graders. They have this great tradition where all the kids in the younger grades (K through 4th) line the hallways to "clap" the 5th graders out of elementary school. Yep, that was enough to make me catch my breath right there. I love that kind of lift-each-other-up action.

When the 5th graders started arriving Simon was closer to the front of the line, a benefit of that "E" last name. He walked into the cafeteria with his backpack on and eyes glued to the floor. We tried to catch his attention when he walked in but it was pretty obvious he just wanted to make it to his seat.

Katie and Peter were sitting behind Chris, Anna and I and Katie was able to catch his eye to let him know we were there and that's when he started beaming. From that point on he was all smiles.




5th Grade Promotion from Ali Edwards on Vimeo.

When his name was called we cheered super loud and he walked across the stage with purpose - head down but shaking each of the teachers hands (the hand shaking in and of itself is an accomplishment) and then straight down off the stage and almost out the door before heading back to his seat.

It was awesome. And he was so, so excited which was the best part of all.

We are so totally proud of you Simon!

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72 thoughts

  1. dawn says…
    06/12/2013

    This was so cute to see, he did almost go out the door, too funny!! So glad you got this on tape, bet he will love this later on. Love the group picture, did Simon know that Miss Anna was making a face? He looks so happy Ali, his eyes have sparkles, GO SIMON GO!!

    We also have the clap-out here and Sam my last one is now moving to middle school also. I got a little teary but saved it for at home. He was so happy this day and is still in shock that it's over already. We have been blessed with the best school of teachers thru all these years for him and his sisters. I would keep them all there forever if I could. The middle/high school don't compare to this amazing elementary, closeness, family attitude. Sam wants to be a principal or gym teacher one day at this school. I would love to see him go back and do just that.

    Thanks for sharing this Ali, so happy and proud of Simon!! He is so lucky to have the teachers, awesome parents and sweet Katie by his side.

    Crossing my fingers that both our boys do well next year and hugs for you to get you thru it all!

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Laura says…
    06/12/2013

    Congrats to Simon!

    I hope your IEP meetings went well and you're happy with the next school. I'm sure he'll do great!

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. Audrey says…
    06/12/2013

    My oldest is also going on to middle school next year. Love the clap out from the younger grades. Our school tries to keep things low key with no special awards or promotion ceremony which I think is a shame. We need to celebrate all the work our kids do every chance we can. My son has Aspergers and I laughed as I saw Simon run off the stage and head for the door because my Josh would do the same. How far Simon has come and we're so lucky to have seen all his progress through your blog. Good job Momma!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. Jackie K says…
    06/12/2013

    Brilliant! Love the clap out for the 5th graders...

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Bambou Orchidee says…
    06/12/2013

    Congrats Simon! Such awesome moments!

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Michelle B says…
    06/12/2013

    The school here is split between primary school (pre K -2nd) and elementary school (3-5). The primary school had a "award" ceremony for the second graders and at the end the walked the halls of the school and all the lower grades did what they call a "clap out". I was a goose bump, emotional kind of thing. Congrats Simon on your accomplishments, we wish you the best in middle school. :)

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  7. kelly libby says…
    06/12/2013

    whewww. That made me cry. Wow. What a wonderful family, a wonderful boy, and an amazing school!! My sister's children go to a fantastic Magnet School (in West Hartford, CT) by chance of winning in the school lottery system and on the first day of school all the teachers and staff line the roads with signs and cheers and clapping and high 5's as a welcome to school. Even the college students from the University of Hartford join in (specifically the basketball team) at the school entrance. It's a similar, "We're all in this together" kind of thing! It always is about community, isn't it? Be proud, Ali. You're a great mom!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. karen keiper says…
    06/12/2013

    yay simon!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. Denise Sanner says…
    06/12/2013

    my heart swells up with {joy} while reading this post. ethan is also on his way to middle school...sixth grade also. our school has the "walk of fame"...the 5th graders walk around the halls twice while getting high fives from the underclassman. thankfully i was getting lots of photos...no chance for {noticeable} tears.

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  10. Denise Sanner says…
    06/12/2013

    okay. i just watched the video i am in tears. thanks for sharing his life journey with us. love how he snatched his certificate ? from the podium. he has come so far...so good to hear all his supporters cheering him on.

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Dolly says…
    06/12/2013

    CONGRATULATIONS AND WAY TO GO SIMON!!!
    :D

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Monika Wright says…
    06/12/2013

    What a great day for Simon, knowing that so many people he loves are there to cheer him on!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Jenny A says…
    06/12/2013

    Congratulations Simon! So very awesome! Congrats to you and Chris too for the awesome job you are doing as his supportive parents!

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. emily ruth gulka says…
    06/12/2013

    Hooray, Simon!
    & Hooray, Ali & Chris!

    Sparkle right on into what is next, you guys ♥

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. J Allen says…
    06/12/2013

    Wow! I love the other children "clapping" them out of 5th grade and into Middle School! Moved to tears with the thought!

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Janet Wight says…
    06/12/2013

    You rock, Simon!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  17. Nicolle says…
    06/12/2013

    This made my eyes water. So, so sweet. Thanks for sharing this, Ali. Go Simon!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. krys72599 says…
    06/12/2013

    Thanks for sharing Simon's "graduation" with us.
    I teared up and he's not even mine!
    We've watched him blossom through your blog and we're so very proud of him, too (not as proud as you all, of course, but so very proud nonetheless!).
    Can't wait to see him as a 6th grader!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Christy says…
    06/12/2013

    I actually think he behaved as many other kids would on this special, but nerve wracking, day. Job well done, mom! He looked great! congratulations to you all!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Tracy Smith says…
    06/12/2013

    As the mother of an ASD child who also just finished 5th grade and took part in something similar, that made me cry. Yay for Simon!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. Nicky from Okotoks says…
    06/12/2013

    So amazing - so proud of Simon!! Hard to leave those wonderful advocates behind. We are doing the same with Brody this year, so excited yet fearful if he doesn't get the same support!!

    Way to go Simon.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. Jen says…
    06/12/2013

    What an achievement! Thanks for sharing and congrats to Simon!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Jen N says…
    06/12/2013

    Go Simon Go!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Deb J says…
    06/12/2013

    Way to go Simon. I know you are so happy with his progress.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. jenn shurkus says…
    06/12/2013

    whooo hoo simon!! so awesome :)

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