The teachers at MASS (Montessori Academy at Sharon Springs) truly care about Max, and many seemed a bit choked up and teary as we gave hugs, took photos, and celebrated this special time. Lots of things have surprised me about motherhood, but seeing people who don't "have to" love Max (a.k.a. non-family members) love him has been one of the biggest and most meaningful joys of being a mother. Of course we all think he is pretty incredible, but to know that others feel the same way and truly love him and find joy in him has been really special.
Here are some snapshots of graduation day, or "Bridge Ceremony" as it's called at a Montessori school. The students walk through the arbor to represent "bridging" from one level to the next. At the end of their walk they receive a certificate and tree from their teacher and the Head of School, then they shake hands with the teachers of the next level. It's a really sweet ceremony!
Kindergartners preparing to sing a song.
The Blue Room kindergarten graduates! Left to right: Yajur, Evelyn, Riaan, Max, and Ms. Mili. Evelyn will be joining Max in the Lower Elementary classroom at MASS, and Yajur and Riaan are moving on to the public school for first grade.
Max's teacher, Ms. Mili, went to sit with the Blue Room kids while the kindergartners from the other classrooms were being recognized. We could tell she was fighting back tears and kept putting her arm around Max. So sweet!
All the kindergartners and their teachers!
Max and Ms. Mili, his lead teacher.
Max with his best friend, Riaan (Riaan's mom got a back-up certificate from Target - haha!).
Max with Ms. Liana who will be his teacher for the next three years in Lower Elementary! We wanted to take a photo of "the beginning" so we can take the same photo when Max graduates from Lower El in three years. :-)
Max with Ms. Rawla who was Max's teacher the first two years of his Primary Cycle (she moved up to Lower Elementary as an assistant teacher this year -- after teaching Primary for 15 years -- and will be taking a break next school year to get her Lower Elementary teacher certification.)
Max with Ms. Nancy, the curriculum director. (We also wanted to take a photo with the Head of School, Ms. Debbie, but she'd had an injury the night before and went home immediately after the ceremony.)
Max with Ms. Marla who runs the school... I mean the front desk. :-) If you ever have a question, Ms. Marla knows the answer! One morning when Ben was dropping Max off at school he overheard Marla say, "It's going to be strange not having Max in our building anymore!"
Ms. Rubbina has been the assistant teacher in Max's classroom the past three years, and she and Max have a really close bond.
We all LOVE Ms. Rubbina so much and she has been a big part of our "village" (as in "It takes a village to raise a child"). We were all teary eyed giving hugs! Here is an excerpt of a really sweet email she sent me (in response to a thank you email I sent the teachers for putting on a nice Mother's Day program):
The last 3 years have been such a pleasure watching Max grow into the wonderful young man that he is now. I remember the little things he does often and how he has become someone who I am so proud of. He is completely reflective of the parents that you and your husband are. Not all parents appreciate the work that we do and it means so much for your love and support. I can’t wait until Max goes to Georgia Tech...he said that he will give me his phone number then and we will keep in touch :) so much love to you and your family on this blessed Mother’s Day.
Love, Rubbina
Proud parents with our boy!
After the ceremony the school had a nice lunch for the graduating families, then we went on a tour of the YMCA summer camp Max will be attending this summer (no photos, but it's awesome!). After a couple camp-related errands we took Max out for an ice cream!
Our big boy is apparently only so big because he conked out in the backseat while we were out. :-)
We had dinner at home followed by a special popcorn and movie night (we watched "The Incredibles 2") then off to bed.
Here are a few videos (if you are viewing this in your email you may need to click through to the blog website to view: http://lillyfamilylife.blogspot.com/):
We didn't quite catch them announcing Max's name, but here he is doing his special walk!
The kindergartners sang a sweet song:
