5th Grade farewell

[elizke]

Early I know, but our PTO would like to think of something for the 5th graders to leave for the school, or for the next 5th grade class. All I can think of is a tree, but I'm not an idea gal. Anyone have anything your school has done, something that the 5th graders have to work for to complete, or raise money for, that is a lasting thing for the school or the next 5th grade? Our school is still young, so starting a tradition might be nice.

Thanks!

 

[FSUDisneyGirl]

A bench, picnic table, or some sort of garden area, something cool for the playground for future kids to enjoy?

 

[Maddie2]

Perhaps something for the library or lunchroom/cafeteria? Maybe a particular series of books, a shelf, or a painted mural?

When I was in elementary school in the 1970's, we had an exceptional art teacher. Every 3 years she would have the 4-6th graders work on a mural. That way each student had an opportunity to help with a mural sometime while they attended that school.

The murals were huge - varying in size dependent on the space available. I remember some being 12 feet tall/12 feet wide, some were probably 5 feet tall and 30 feet long .... and made from a myriad of found objects -- tile pieces cut up, broken china and glass pieces, small toys, old jewelry, you name it, it was in there and placed together mosiac style with some sort of grout. Students were encouraged to bring stuff in throughout the year.

Bit by bit the design would be drawn on plywood (using an overhead) and then the gluing would begin. The last piece was usually glued in on the last day of school. We couldn't wait to come back and see it mounted on the wall at the beginning of the next school year!

That was 30+ years ago and the murals are still there! I haven't been back in years, but each mural brings back a flood of memories. There is giant American flag with the names of each of the 50 states in the stripes, a zoo-like scene (I made the squirrel in the tree; still remember ), and a 5-6 others. She went blind in the early 80's, so her art teaching career ended - but her art has certainly lived on! Wow, that was fun to remember, thanks!

Other ideas ... playground equipment. Large equipment is VERY expensive, but maybe your school could use new soccer balls or 4-square balls? If your playground is paved, but not painted, perhaps hopscotch grids could be painted? Maybe 4 square blocks?

I remember when I was in 8th grade, our class bought 5-6 beanbag chairs for the library. That was a HUGE deal and fun for everyone. I recall you had to sign up to use them that first year so that everyone had a chance!

Have fun planning and executing your PTO project!

 

[elizke]

A bench, picnic table, or some sort of garden area, something cool for the playground for future kids to enjoy?

Landscaping plans are slowly being developed and added to, so we could maybe work something in there. A bench would be nice..

Thanks.

 

[elizke]

Perhaps something for the library or lunchroom/cafeteria? Maybe a particular series of books, a shelf, or a painted mural?

When I was in elementary school in the 1970's, we had an exceptional art teacher. Every 3 years she would have the 4-6th graders work on a mural. That way each student had an opportunity to help with a mural sometime while they attended that school.

The murals were huge - varying in size dependent on the space available. I remember some being 12 feet tall/12 feet wide, some were probably 5 feet tall and 30 feet long .... and made from a myriad of found objects -- tile pieces cut up, broken china and glass pieces, small toys, old jewelry, you name it, it was in there and placed together mosiac style with some sort of grout. Students were encouraged to bring stuff in throughout the year.

Bit by bit the design would be drawn on plywood (using an overhead) and then the gluing would begin. The last piece was usually glued in on the last day of school. We couldn't wait to come back and see it mounted on the wall at the beginning of the next school year!

That was 30+ years ago and the murals are still there! I haven't been back in years, but each mural brings back a flood of memories. There is giant American flag with the names of each of the 50 states in the stripes, a zoo-like scene (I made the squirrel in the tree; still remember ), and a 5-6 others. She went blind in the early 80's, so her art teaching career ended - but her art has certainly lived on! Wow, that was fun to remember, thanks!

Other ideas ... playground equipment. Large equipment is VERY expensive, but maybe your school could use new soccer balls or 4-square balls? If your playground is paved, but not painted, perhaps hopscotch grids could be painted? Maybe 4 square blocks?

I remember when I was in 8th grade, our class bought 5-6 beanbag chairs for the library. That was a HUGE deal and fun for everyone. I recall you had to sign up to use them that first year so that everyone had a chance!

Have fun planning and executing your PTO project!

Thanks for all the great ideas. That mural teacher sounds so great. She made such an impression on you and that's so sweet. What a great idea she had. Where on earth did all these large murals go?

Bean bag chairs is another good idea. Not sure if our uptight librarian will love the idea, but it'd be worth a try.

Thanks for all the ideas.

 

[golfgal]

At our kids' old school the 8th graders held a carnival each year and with the money raised at the carnival they bought something for the school. The kids submitted ideas and the class voted on what they wanted to buy. One year is was solar film for the windows in the Church (Catholic school) because the sun would shine in the kids' eyes during Mass. One year the kids bought projectors for the teachers to use with laptops. The kids always knew what the teachers wanted or the school needed so it was nice. They have a plaque near the chapel with the year and what was donated too.

 

[clh2]

I agree with a PP. Why not let the 5th grade class decide...not only what the gift should be, but also how to do the fundraising for it.

 

[elizke]

Yes, it was the plan to let them decide from among some provided ideas.

A plaque with what's given each year is a nice idea...

 

[golfgal]

Yes, it was the plan to let them decide from among some provided ideas.

A plaque with what's given each year is a nice idea...

Why not let them submit ideas? Chances are you will get better ideas from them then you will from us.

 

[dawson5]

A standing tradition for our 5th graders was a large board where all the kids signed it. I think in the middle was a picture, either of the school, the kids or the school mascot and the year. Three years ago, one mom made a quilt and had the kids sign the individual blocks. These are on display in the 5th grade area, in the vaulted center section that all the classrooms connect to.

 

[luvmy3]

A mural painted on the wall in the cafeteria, every 5th grade class can add to it.

 

[Auggietina]

The tradition in our school is that the 6th graders write - "What you need to know about being a 6th Grader" booklets.

Then they are handed to the 5th graders at the end of the school year.

They work on the books through out the school year.

 

[elizke]

Thanks everyone so much for all of the ideas. I wrote them up and emailed a list of suggestions to the rest of the PTO and the 5th grade teachers. I'm sure that will get the ball rolling.

One of my suggestions was to have them vote on a list of options and include a write-in choice too. I hate to leave it completely open to voting only on their ideas since these days there are so many district rules that must be adhered to!

Thanks ladies! I'll try and remember to report back how things end up.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Ours donated an aquarium in the lobby. Very nice.

 

[Kimberle]

My dd is in 5th gr, too. Each year the class donates something to the school. Last year it was digital camera equipment. We have a budget of $300-$400. We've set up the 5th gr parent committies (we do a LOT of special activities) but haven't decided upon a gift yet. Our library budget was sliced to almost nothing, so this may be a good area for us. DVD players is another need.

 

[swald91]

How about someone who can make a quilt....our school has an auction each year & every class makes something-one year they bought a cedar chest & each child had their hand print & signature inside-another class did a an adirondack chair-back to the quilt thing-they have done this with pictures of each student-along with a poem etc...Every year I buy the teacher a plant or tree,lilac bush or rose bush-something that comes back/ blooms each year. I have always ask the teacher their preference-I think the tree is a nice idea!

 

[Linzybrooke]

The elementary my mom works at had a 5th grade class leave a Butterfly Habitat. Basically, they planted a garden with butterfly attracting plants, put in a bench and got some butterflies. Each year the next 5th grade class adds something to the habitat, like a pergola type structure, a small fountain, an engraved plaque, etc. It is beautiful, and the kids love to be able to go out there for quiet reading time when they earn it as a special reward.