It is with great authority that I say, "School is different from when I was a kid." My children attend the same public school system that I did. That makes me an authority, I guess.
I don't have a lot of vivid memories of my elementary school days, but I remember enough to know that we didn't close out the school year with 47 parties of varying complexity and massive parental involvement. I seem to recall the "big event" which celebrated the end of the school year was Field Day.
Field Day itself is different. When I was in elementary school in the 70's and very early 80's, Field Day was a COMPETITION. Kids LOST. Kids WON. We didn't all get ribbons-only the WINNERS got ribbons. Field Day is now fun activities like ring toss and everyone gets a participation award. Huh.
I think we might've enjoyed popsicles outside after Field Day. Or maybe it was watermelon. Or maybe we got to sit in the dark and watch a filmstrip after Field Day was done. Or maybe it was just being excited about spending a day outside & ending the day with the big TUG OF WAR between the classrooms. I don't remember. I don't feel scarred due to lack of end of year parties.
I do know that we didn't have a picnic for 1st/2nd graders, a Math Club popsicle party, a 5/6th grades pizza party, a 6th grade sendoff w/cake & "yearbooks", a 5/6th grade swim party (again with pizza), an all school picnic and a 6th grade "clap out". Wow.
June signals the end of the school year, but it's the parties that make it official.
Loved this. You are so right. Everyone is so worried about a child losing that they sugar coat everything. :) Enjoy your summer with your boys!!
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