Last Day of School "Clap Out"

Audrey and Olivia's elementary school in Florida had a FANTASTIC tradition of doing a "clap-out" for the 5th graders who were leaving elementary school, for the last time, on the last day of school.

About 15 minutes before dismissal, the rest of the school and any of the parents who wanted to come (which were all of the 5th grade parents, of course!) would line, tunnel like, around the courtyard. Then at the bell, the 5th graders were released from the cafeteria and we all would CLAP THEM OUT! HOORAY! WAY TO GO! GOOD LUCK! WE LOVE YOU! and give them high fives! :)

It's so sweet! Such an easy thing to do, really, and I said to myself, "Self, you need to make sure this is implemented at all of your girls' elementary schools, junior high schools and even high schools. Give them a memorable send-off!"

Spring forward 10 months and all of a sudden I realized....Audrey is in elementary school again! (This school goes up through 6th grade and then the high school is 7-12.) So I called the school and spoke to the assistant principal, the fabulous Mrs. Deborah Eittreim, she spoke with the 6th grade teachers and they all think it's a great idea! :)

I wanted to assemble a few pictures to show to the school teachers and parents because....

we have a clap-out to organize! :)

This was from the end of year awards' assembly. It would fit in well with the current 6th grade theme.

They had this sign hanging over the latter part of the "tunnel."

Audrey's best friend's Mom (and one of my best friends too!) Liz had a sign for Casey! :)

Beau, Casey's Dad (and Gigi's Godfather) and Mick drove 36 miles back from work to come to it. The clap-out is a BIG DEAL that you don't want to miss!!! :)

We were lucky to have my Mom and Dad there to clap too! :)

The kindergarten'ers were dismissed and we were able to grab Olivia to clap with us! :)

Hooray for the last day of school!!!!!

AND HERE THEY COME!!!!!!!!!!!!

Audrey was near the front of the line of the 200 or so 5th graders! HIGH FIVE!!!! :)

Give me a HIGH FIVE CASEY!!!!!! :)

Good luck at Middle School Casey! Audrey gets one more year of recess in Japan!!!! :)

So, Iwakuni 6th grade parents........who's with me????

Mrs. Eittreim suggested a brunch/lunch/party in the playground afterwards to celebrate!

Please share your ideas!!!

THIS IS GOING TO BE FUN!!!!!