8th Grade Graduation (inspired by the Confirmation thread)

[Serena]

Ok, my 8th grade graduation was a big deal. We had a full musical, dancing, even the boys, and all.

What did I get, a few new dresses. One long one for the procession, and a couple outfits for the different dances and performances I was in.
We had music from the 20's to the 70's, so that was a lot of clothes I needed.

But that's it.

 

[sweet angel]

I've never heard of an 8th grade graduation.

My junior high was 7, 8, 9. We had a 9th grade farewell dance, but no graduation ceremonies that I recall.

Here they do 8th graduation, complete with ceremony and caps/gowns. I thought maybe a barbeque (peer pressure), but I lean toward the hug and a dinner and "good job".

 

[xCourxCorex]

I never got an 8th grade graduation present .......just kidding

Not like it's a huge deal

 

[Cindy B]

When I graduated 8th grade, there was a small family party at my parents house.

I still have the charm my grandmother (now deceased) gave me. I got a gold watch from my parents. (I still have that as well)

This was a LONG time ago, over 20 years

 

[golfgal]

They have a graduation ceremony at our kids school for the 8th graders, but it is a Catholic school and they are leaving the school. I am sure most of the kids get a gift, the girls usually get jewerly, boys money. Most familes don't have a party because the kids go to a theme park the next day, early and after the ceremony it is traditional for the kids to walk over to the bowling alley and bowl (don't know why, but they do).

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

For both my son's 8th Grade Graduation gifts we brought them out for Chinese food at a nice Chinese Resturant...and we did see alot of other families there following their graduation that day.No big party,though!

 

[TammiMcMan]

I'm with the parents who think that this is all a little too much. In our town, the 5th graders have a moving on ceremony complete with scholastic awards and a student of the year. In 8th grade, they had a dance at the school, followed by a moving on ceremony, again with scholastic awards and then we all go to a local restaurant for a party with food and a DJ.

This is a generation of instant gratification though. How many parents out there have trophies all over their house because every year, every youth organization gives them out. I honestly think my kids have become a little numbed by the whole thing. The trophies really don't mean anything to them, they're just a way to show participation.

I'm a little worried about what's going to happen when these kids grow up and go out into the real world. When they accomplish something in work, are they going to be disappointed because all they get is a pat on the back (and sometimes not even that)?

I think it's great to recognize accomplishments, but I also think it's all going a bit overboard right now. And this is coming from someone who has a toddler size cap and gown hanging in my closet from my DS's pre-school graduation .

 

[ColoradoBuffaloMom]

At my DS's school they call 8th grade graduation "Continuation" since they are continuing with school. There is an assembly and the kids get to have a special lunch and sign yearbooks.

I can't even remember what we got my DD when she graduated from 8th grade last year. I think we got her some jewelry and took her out to dinner.

 

[BrerLizzie]

We were going on the cruise anyway, so we just made it into a graduation thing.. I got a nice backet sent to the room with some candy, a plush mickey, and a photo albem with the year to put pics from school in..

 

[candykisses]

Ok, I just called my mother and told her she must have forgotten my 8th grade graduation gift. I suggested a cruise... in case she needed an idea.

She suggested I 'cruise' into bed because I must need some sleep!! Wished me a good night and hung up.

That's my family

 

[MUFFYCAT]

My DD bought a black dressy dress for her 8th graduation this year. even though I think the dress is a bit overboard, it's the usual in our neighborhood- middle class! I hadn't plan on getting her anything else.
She's also taking her confirmation next month. I didn't even think to give a present for that.

 

[nativetxn]

I got a new white dress and taken out to dinner. No gifts

 

[BostonTigger]

Wait, wait...they now have 8th grade graduation?

 

[4nana]

Altho I believe many do go overboard for grade and middle school graduation, for our kids it did not go unrecognized. Fifth and eight grade gradualtion is a big deal at our schools, a graduation ceremony in your finest attire, awards and eight grade incl a dance. Even 20-25 yrs ago, I can remember for ours there was always a few classmate friends invited over, a special dinner and cake, a card with a gift. We were very proud of their accomplishments and honors even at a young age. They seem to appreciate our effort and I don't think it caused any permanent damage.

Color us silly, but now we even give the grands a small token and card for KG, fifth and 8th grade graduations and are invited to their special dinner celebration . Can't wait for my DGS's HS grad this June.

 

[nativetxn]

Wait, wait...they now have 8th grade graduation?

The elementary school that I attended was kindegarten through 8th grade, after that was high school, so 8th grade graduation was a big deal.

That was way back in the olden days, though

 

[BostonTigger]

The elementary school that I attended was kindegarten through 8th grade, after that was high school, so 8th grade graduation was a big deal.

That was way back in the olden days, though

I always knew about kindergarden graduation, and am fine with that, but to have an 8th grade graduation, or 5th, 6th and what ever else comes down, I think, is a little too much.

 

[disneyjunkie]

My son graduates from 8th grade this year. I'm getting him a PSP for graduation.

 

[grlpwrd]

When I graduated from 8th grade from a Catholic school we had a ceremony and my mom gave me a floating heart pendant on a gold chain.

My dd is graduating 8th grade and they have a dance and celebration and I will give her a cute Disney graduation doll.

Different times - different values - different strokes ...

 

[chadfromdallas]

Actually, now that I think of it, we did have a dance at the end of my 8th grade year. Sort of a little graduation thing, I guess. They did a whole little class awards thing. I bet I still have my award for being class clown or something similar to that in a box at my parent's house

 

[geffric]

My oldest son is graduating from 8th grade this year.. we will have a nice family get togther as my neice is also graduating 8th grade. The school has a dance which my son is debating if he wants to attend. that's it!!


on the other hand my son is going to the National Boy Scout Jamboree and we are paying 1/2 so I guess one could consider that a graduation present..