8th Grade Graduation (inspired by the Confirmation thread)

[Christine]

You mean I have to buy her a gift too!!!

Seriously, my DD is graduating 8th grade this year and the school is making a big deal. The Friday prior to graduation there will be a dance. The morning of the graduation there is an awards ceremony and breakfast and then in the evening is the grad ceremony.

My DD's school is Catholic, so it is K-8. I understand why it might be a bigger deal to them because most of the kids there have attended that school since the were 5 years old and it is truly a "family" type environment where everyone knows everyone.

But, I'm trying not to overblow the whole thing. I might get her a pair of earrings. And we are going to WDW the week after and taking her friend. That's what I'll do--I'll tell her that our vacation is the "8th Grade Graduation Trip."

 

[meandtheguys2]

Good grief! What is that kid going to expect when/if he actually really acomplishes something? That is one of the most ridiculous things I have ever heard. It is 8th grade. What on earth is so special about that?

 

[rbuzzotta]

My DD will 'graduate' 8th grade this year. There is no graduation ceremony to speak, just an awards ceremony during the school day. They do not have to go to school the last day!! That is their gift from the school.

We will take DD out to dinner if she wants...................no gifts, just praise and a congratulations!!

WE will save it for high school!! and college...............

 

[stinkerbelle]

back in 1989 (i think?) when I was in 8th grade, we had an 8th grade dinner dance (I think that was in the school cafeteria), a "high meadows day" (which I didn't go to...some day camp in CT...I grew up in Mass), a "pool day" at the country club (don't ask - grew up in a very snobby town), and I think that was it. Sounds like a lot...even for back then. But I honestly don't remember a "graduation" ceremony or anything like that.

I know my parents let me have a pool party after school let out...but I did that every year at the end of school...except this time we had a cake (which ended up in the pool after a big food fight...which my MOM started! heheh)

when I graduated from high school they gave me luggage and dinner out.
when I graduated from college they took me, my friends, (no family showed up to my graduation...grrr) out to a very nice dinner after comencment.

 

[NMAmy]

Jeez louise, I never even thought about this. DD "graduates" from 8th grade this year. She'll be getting the same thing she gets every semester for a good report card--a trip to the bookstore with me and a new (paperback) book for every good grade.

She loves to tell me what the other kids get for good grades (money, huge gifts, etc.) My reply is that going to school and getting good grades is her job. I'm proud of her for doing well but new books have always been her reward and they always will be!

 

[coinkc]

My nephew is graduating from 8th grade this year. It is a Catholic school so he has been there K-8. For his present, I am giving him a sweatshirt or t-shirt from the high school he will be attending next year.

 

[powellrj]

DS will also "graduate" from the 8th grade this year. If they are making a big deal about it at school, I haven't heard anything about it. I know when my oldest DS was in the 8th grade they just had an awards convo at school, but nothing after school.

The only afterschool program we have heard about is the Jr. National Honor Society induction in May and the school musical at the end of the month.

I know when he graduated from 5th grade they had a picnic at the park and the awards after they ate, but it was during school time.

 

[RitaZ.]

I'm with Wendy! I had the nerve to stand up at a meeting of 8th grade parents when my oldest was this age and suggest that maybe the parents were overdoing things just a little bit. There was a solid week of nonstop school related functions (luncheon, field day, breakfast, dance, graduation) as well as a ton of private parties.

Give kids something to look forward to when they graduate from high school.

Bet, you're a brave woman! I'm sure your suggestion didn't go over very well.

I agree, a hug and dinner gets my vote. A cruise? I think that some parents are going nuts with all these "graduation" celebrations/presents.

 

[karmic]

When my kids graduated from 8th grade they had a semi-formal dance in the cafeteria. Prior to the event we received notices that dates, formal wear and limo transportation were not allowed. Many of the girls did show up in prom gowns or black cocktail dresses which were not appropriate for 13 and 14 year old girls.