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. annette says…
    06/12/2013

    Ali,

    Congratulations to all of you and especially to Simon. I have had these same feelings with my ASD dude, the unknown and leaving a place that felt safe and that offered so much to my son onn all levels,You will get through it. Love the walk to get his certificate (so reminded me of my dude, he did the same thing). I was just thinking this morning how does Ali do it? live in the moment as she does. I have a son with ASD also and I am already scared about the end of next year (last year of middle school starts in the fall). Middle school does bring new challenges, but also lots of room for growth :) It's amazing to watch them as they embark on a whole new world... Simon will do so GREAT he has a wonderful support system and a family that adores him. He is one lucky guy and you are one lucky mom.. Thank you for including us all in your families life, Great job Simon

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

    He certainly has come a long way and you are a testament to the persistence of advocating for your special child all the way through school. As a former special education teacher, I know how difficult that road is for parents, not to give up and to keep school accountable for their child's progress and learning each and every year. Lots of grades left to go, but Simon is in good hands all the way around. Congratulations, Simon!

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

    Congrats Simon. Ali, I cried like a baby at all 3 of my kids 5th grade graduations. It is the same here in Va. Beach that they start 6th grade in Middle School. So proud of all he has accomplished and he will bloom in Middle school.

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

    Hurray, Simon!!! Glad it was such a good day and happy celebration. :) Love the clap out tradition. At our school, the kids move up after 4th grade, which, now that my daughter will be a fourth grader, seems awfully young!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. Cheryl Stone says…
    06/12/2013

    I can SO relate to it with you. My daughter with Prader-Willi syndrome just had 5th grader promotion last week. I can totally relate with the emotions, fear of next year and the total pride in them. Made me smile to read this.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. Jessica Mihm says…
    06/12/2013

    Ali, this made my eyes get teary. So sweet. I feel like I have seen him grow up through your pages and as a teacher, 5th grade promotion is so special, and usually makes me cry! Thanks for sharing this sweet moment of your life. Congratulations Simon! Hooray! (:

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Liz says…
    06/12/2013

    Congratulations to Simon! Thanks for sharing and while I understand all the love, commitment and support from Simon's teachers, etc, don't underestimate how amazing you are as a Mother to both him and Anna! You all deserve God's richest blessings!

    Reply 0 Replies
  8. Wendy Goundrey says…
    06/12/2013

    What a happy, emotion filled and inspiring post. Yay, Simon and his supportive family, for this great achievement!

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. susan garner says…
    06/12/2013

    Congratulations to Simon. Congratulations to you as a family .

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. JC says…
    06/12/2013

    Congrats to Simon and to you, Ali!!
    My 5th grader has his promotion ceremony next week and I'm spending this week thinking "how is this possible?!" What an incredible 6 years it's been!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. Anita J. says…
    06/12/2013

    Way to go Simon! What a wonderful story you tell Ali ... Simon will treasure this story for many years to come. One of my favorites though is the photo with Anna making a face. What a girl!

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

    Can't wait for the next chapter in Simon's life - Dream Big Simon!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. Madeline St Onge says…
    06/12/2013

    Well you have me balling. He has come so far Ali. I am so grateful for wonderful teachers, there are a few in my grandchildren's lift too. they make a difference. You go Simon onward and upward for you

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. jengd says…
    06/12/2013

    Congrats to you all!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. KarynS says…
    06/12/2013

    Well done Simon!

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Kathy says…
    06/12/2013

    I know how you feel....I feel like that at the normal end of year assembly. I love the hallway clapping....it is such a simple gesture but has a huge impact and yes tears and emotion flow easily with these milestones for our kids. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia

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

    Beautiful, wonderful and from my heart I wish Simon all the best life has to offer. Having an emotional day and this post just gave me lots of joy. Congratulations Simon and love your photo, Anna is priceless!!!

    Reply 0 Replies
  18. Leanne in CA says…
    06/12/2013

    Yay Simon! Way to go!! Enjoy your summer and the beautiful weather with your family.

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. Carolyn HP says…
    06/12/2013

    Love the photo & so happy to see Simon celebrate his accomplishments! Love hearing how the kids clap the 5th graders out! Hope the transition to middle school goes well! Way to go!

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. Cindy says…
    06/12/2013

    WAY TO GO SIMON!! YOU ROCK!

    Reply 0 Replies
  21. J3SS1C4 says…
    06/12/2013

    That video is cute! Congratulations, Simon!! :):)

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. J3SS1C4 says…
      06/12/2013

      Oh, and I love the family photo, especially how Anna is pulling a face! :)

  22. Ruth G says…
    06/12/2013

    Congratulations to Simon! I hope that the future holds many strong advocates for Simon's success! It is wonderful that he had fantastic support through 5th grade! I know that you're working hard to ensure a smooth transition into 6th grade!
    I thought it was the support team that helped my son (an aspie) do so well in 5th grade, but he's in the same school and really struggled in 6th grade (mostly didn't bring home homework or turn it in if he completed it.) After one year of mediocre support I at least know what we should be working towards for next year...

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. Teresa Igo says…
    06/12/2013

    Congrats Simon! Ali, I know how you feel. My "baby" will go to middle school next year too. She was more upset than I was though. A lot of tears. Love the family photo also!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Christine says…
    06/12/2013

    Wow! What an important milestone in the life of your family. Congrats to Simon and team Edwards.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Robyn :) says…
    06/12/2013

    Congratulations Simon!!!

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