Wayne Says Good-Bye to Glover School

The beginning of Wayne's middle school career is a little hazy for me. Some people referred to the 5th grade as the start because the class moves "upstairs" to Mrs. Carbonetti's room. In some ways, 6th grade seems to begin middle school because that's when students begin switching classrooms for different subjects. In my own mind, middle doesn't really begin until 7th grade because when I was a kid, Jr. High was 7th and 8th grades.  We may not know exactly when middle school began for Wayne, but we know it ended tonight with 8th grade graduation. Most of these kids have been together since preschool.

A retired teacher,  Mr. Paul has floated in and out of their lives these past 9 years, first as an interim librarian when they were kindergartners and 1st graders, and then as a long term math and science substitute teacher. He has gotten to know this group pretty well at different times and in different ways. He had some touching memories to share about each student as the guest speaker.

 The language arts teacher, Mrs Piernot, spoke of life lessons and the things they might look back on 40 years from now.  She also talked of how she would miss them.

Wayne and his friend Asom, combined their graduation speeches for one last heartfelt memory. (Apologies for my noisy camera mechanics.)

Handing out the "diplomas."

 Friends since preschool.

Wayne and Asom

 Edwin made a good showing.

Joanie and Grammie were also able to join us.

 Friends since kindergarten.

Wayne and Ben