So long, farewell (graduation stories)

It was either a lifetime ago or maybe just yesterday, I graduated from the primary program at my Montessori school in Austin. The celebration and ceremonies lasted throughout the week. 

Early in the week, our class presented our cultural challenge. I recited Hickory Dickory Dock. There was a magic show, some jokes, more jokes, dancing, a cello performance, and the traditional singing of So Long, Farewell to bid us graduates goodbye. I was paired with my dearest friend for our departure. Someone please pass a box of kleenex around to the parents. The children love this farewell song, until it sinks in that it means we will never be together like this again. 

Now that I have moved on, we don't really need to talk about how not smoothly graduation week went. Despite the 23 years of tradition, plans were changed. Parents were uninvited. Then re-invited. Then days changed. times changed. (so not Montessori)

The week was darkened by the fact that 38.8% of my peers who were eligible to graduate were retained even though they had each completed three years of a Montessori program. Some children didn't even know they'd be staying behind in primary until the rest of us starting preparing for graduation celebrations. It was sad, confusing, and unfair - to the students and the parents.

At our graduation ceremony, each graduate was introduced. Our guide said three words about us - beginning with the first letter of our first name. 

ambidextrous. affectionate. analytical. 

I received my roses, my diploma, and the coveted key to the universe. 

And some ice cream. 

On the last day of school, I was the first to arrive. just like on the first day of school. just like most days. (Yes, I wore the same shirt two days in a row. It was done in the name of school pride.)  

On the last day, the primary students were included in the school-wide Gates of Life graduation after being told we wouldn't be. Many students who have graduated from the school over the past 23 years attend to form the gates through which the new graduates run. I plan to return to Austin to help my friends graduate from upper elementary in grade 6. Is that really only five years from now?

After Gates of Life, we enjoyed a picnic on our beautiful playground. That playground is the best part of the school, of any school anywhere: twelve acres of largely undeveloped land and endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Sure, we found some black widows and there were scorpions and snakes (just like home!) but those become excellent lessons.  

I left the picnic to spend my last time in the primary classroom and commit everything to memory. the reading shelf. the science shelf. my water cup. the cozy reading corner. the geometric solids.  

So long, farewell, auch wiedersehen, good night.
I hate to go and leave this pretty sight.