Simon's 5th Grade Promotion
Tags:
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!
Comments
Sign in or sign up to comment.
72 comments
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.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
What an achievement! Thanks for sharing and congrats to Simon!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Go Simon Go!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Way to go Simon. I know you are so happy with his progress.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
whooo hoo simon!! so awesome :)
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
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
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
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!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
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.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
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!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
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.
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
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! (:
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
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!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
What a happy, emotion filled and inspiring post. Yay, Simon and his supportive family, for this great achievement!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Congratulations to Simon. Congratulations to you as a family .
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
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!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
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!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Can't wait for the next chapter in Simon's life - Dream Big Simon!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
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
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Congrats to you all!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.
Well done Simon!
Replies
Sign in or sign up to reply.