Moving Up Ceremonies

Georgia School’s week was full of festivities, as teachers celebrated their students moving up to higher grades, celebrating their achievements and distributing well-deserved awards.

Kindergarten

In the morning, Kindergarteners were the first ones to celebrate the stepping stone in academic life. After performing songs in graduation gowns, Kindergarten (KG) Lions and Owls were awarded MAP certificates for academic achievements and Kindergarten diplomas, and were then allowed to toss their hats up in the air, honoring the transition to Grade 1.  KG teacher, Ms. Lisa said “Hoot, Hoot!! We worked hard all year long! I am so proud of my KG Owls!! Even through distance learning, we all flew ahead to the front!!” KG students showed great excitement throughout the entire ceremony, and many of them were feeling “like a big kid”, as commented by KG students Frank and Dominic!

“I feel excellent!” said KG Owl Leo.

“I am excited to go to first grade!” said KG Owl Alice.

“I want to learn new things!”  said KG Lion Lucia.

Their fellow friends from First grade were also present during the ceremony. The class prepared a heart-warming video to welcome the kindergarteners into Primary School, with kind messages introducing their classroom, teacher, some rules and activities, as well as the new playground and the marble reward system.

When First Grade students work hard and do their best, they are able to place a marble in the ‘Marble Jar’. The jar has different labels on it and as it gets full, students are granted the activity that is at the marked level. Students can enjoy a surprise, some candy, a class picnic, or have a special time for movies and popcorn.

First Grade Teacher Ms. Suzana Fernandes said “I’m looking forward to having the new first graders in my class. Hope they’re as excited as I am!”

Grade 6

During the second half of the day, it was the Sixth Graders turn to participate in a Moving Up Ceremony, leaving Primary School behind and getting ready to take on Middle School. 

Students prepared a skit, performing memories from their past school years, representing their growth and maturity. Throughout the ceremony, Math awards were distributed, entitling students with Best Progress, Most Engaged, and Student of the Year. Mrs. GSN Math Specialist Mrs. Rebecca Allen said that it is with “perseverance and diligence that 2020 Sixth Grade math class is graduating.”

Students also shared their appreciations towards teachers, friends, and family that have helped them reach their goals and objectives. Grade 6 graduate Jakub Klimaszewski feels excited to move on to Grade 7 saying “it is a big step in my life as I am on my way to becoming a better man.” 

Gold and silver Presidential awards were also handed out by GSN’s Head of School Mr. Cavon Ahangarzadeh.

Grade 6 Teacher Ms. Nida Ahangarzadeh said “I enjoy being able to celebrate the achievements of grade 6 students with our annual Moving Up ceremony. I am always impressed by the strength, capacity, and maturity of students in grade 6. I love my grade 6 students and I wish them all the best in Middle School and beyond!”

Reaching the end of their Middle School years, GSN Grade 8 students had their Moving Up ceremony on Monday, June 29, welcoming the next four years of High School with tons of excitement!

Two out of the five students are still abroad but were represented in the ceremony by their respective country’s flags of Sudan and Armenia. 

Each student was able to share their feelings and appreciations during this special time of transition in school. The Grade 8 Homeroom Teacher Mr. David Straub said, “When a class is together for a few years, it can be emotional to say goodbye. That’s what we saw today. The eighth-graders were saying goodbye to each other and their classmates, and missing their classmates who are still outside of China. This is a close group of students who will never forget each other. I’m glad that they had this day together, and I’m glad that I could be a part of it.”

The ceremony ended with a surprise from the seventh-graders, who brought in big teddy bears holding a picture of the entire eighth-grade class. Later, cupcakes and ice cream were served to students and teachers, while many pictures were being taken to the sound of laughter among friends of different grades celebrating each others' success.

Cavon Ahangarzade

Head of School