8th grade graduation parties...

[Cruise04]

How "elaborate" do you go for the party? My daughter is graduating from 8th grade next month and we are planning a party/open house the Saturday after graduation. It will probably be mainly family and some close friends but she is also considering inviting her classmates as she is going to a different high school next year than most of them will be going to. Although she isn't that close with all of the kids she still would like to do it.

So what to do??? Just wanting to get suggestions on food, etc.

Thanks

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

8th grade graduation parties around here tend to be very casual, backyard/pool parties. you know, with heroes or pizza and chips and stuff like that.

 

[TimeforMe]

We took our DD out to dinner along with her best friend and her family for 8th grade graduation--right after the "ceremony". Some of the kids had bbq's or informal backyard get-togethers. I didn't have a family thing as I felt a little awkward if they would feel obligated to bring a present. Thought I'd save that for high school graduation

 

[Briar Rose 7457]

around here we have parties for 5th grade, 8th grade and high school graduations.

the 8th graders get a dinner dance right after their moving up ceremony, so their parties tend to be the weekend beofre or the weekend after graduation.

 

[CindyKansas]

When DD graduated from 8th grade last year we just did the family thing. The weather was perfect and we had a BBQ outside. The 8th grade class itself had a party that she attended at the school with all of her friends.

 

[monarchsfan16]

For my 8th grade graduation party we had a bbq/pool party. My friends came, and my aunts, uncles, and cousins came too. Here in Auburn, graduating from 8th grade is a pretty big deal, since you're at the same school for 8 years. I believe for our graduation we even had a red carpet with lights on the side of it down the middle of the gymnasium. We also had a dinner dance in the week before graduation, awards night, etc. They really made it a big thing. But my party was pretty simple. Just time to spend with my friends, since a lot of us were headed off to different high schools, and even those of us going to the same school barely see each other now, because it's so big, especially compared to our old school. My sister's party this year will probably be pretty similar. My mom left everything about what the party would be like up to me.

 

[FPgurl04]

i don't have any suggestions because i'm not sure what my parents are planning, but tell your daughter, Cruise04, that the class of 2004 rocks from a fellow 8th grader!!! i believe that we are going to just have a family party at my house. normally after our graduation at school, the entire class goes to a club type place and has a dance/party or (because some people in our class have huge properties) a classmate will throw a party. no matter what, i'm sure she'll have fun. (especially since she's an honorary 2004 classman! )

 

[BrinxFam]

My DD will be graduating from the 8th grade this year too but she is going to miss the ceremony! She's not too disappointed about it though because we'll be at WDW. Who better to celebrate with than the Big Cheese! We will have a nice family dinner when we return though.

 

[SyracuseWolvrine]

my 8th grade graduation "party" involved a couple of friends spending the night, a few pizzas, and a few bottles of soda.

 

[KimRaye]

We had an outdoor/indoor party for DS 2 years ago when he graduated. I felt it was deserved since he also was confirmed and, took first communion at that time. I ordered chicken (I think) and made side dishes. Snacks, pop, beer, etc. We borrowed a canopy/tent from a neighbor thankfully, it was pretty hot that day but, most people stayed outside under the canopy. Used several coolers, many lawn chairs and, had a cake also.

He got a LOT of gifts!

Congrats and {{HUGS}} to DD!!!!!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Don't know; this is new to me. They have a dance at the jr. high the last night. My kids get confirmed in 8th grade so they will have a party a month or two before that; then I will save my $ for HS graduation.
Robin M.

 

[Cruise04]

Thanks for the replies - I really appreciate it. I like the idea of a dinner/dance. These kids aren't getting a "class trip" like they have in the past and they a lot of money they have earned to spend. I might suggest the dinner/dance thing...that would be a good idea - and fun.

 

[stinkerbelle]

My parents let me have this huge backyard BBQ/pool party after my 8th grade graduation. (no gifts or anything - just friends over for fun)

I'll never forget the look of shock on my mom's face when a friend of mine started the cake fight...he walked right up to my mom (who had the video camera going) and caked her face! She then chased him down.

Needless to say...we never ate cake - we wore it...and then we all jumped into the pool to clean off. (man the pool was CLOUDY after that! heheh) My father was fishing fuit salad out of the pool for weeks...but they loved having all my friends over and letting us act like kids for a little bit longer before HS.

 

[caitycaity]

wow, i guess it is pretty common to have a graduation ceremony from 8th grade? my district only had high school graduations, not 8th grade graduations.