8th Grade Graduation?

Well this concept is foreign to me. The only graduations I know of are from pre school, from high school, and from college? Hmm learn something new everyday.

In Chicagoin the grades go from K-8th. So there was a graduation when you finished, but it was viewed as recognition of a transition. It was never viewed as the ultimate accomplishment. It should be celebrated not ridiculed.

Watched a newscaster interview parents of graduating 8th graders. A few parents said the reason they celebrated like a high school graduation was they might not see their child graduate high school. When my niece graduated kindergarten, one of her classmates took "senior pictures" at a photo studio, the parents had kindergarten graduation announcements printed and they rode to the graduation in a limo. I didn't understand either incident! I believe we need to parent our children and let them know what is expected of them. Passing 8th grade is just a stepping stone to graduating High School and College.

Couple nights back, our family attended a graduation ceremony for a boy who completed his pre-school course of study. He is on his way to kindergarten, with diploma in hand and much pride!

Ceremonies for children are esteem building events. These awards encourage children and teach children hard work and success lead to rewards in life. This is classic "positive reinforcement" for children. Besides, these graduation ceremonies are a lot of fun!

There are many ceremonies for children in many different ways; religion, culture, education, community service, scouts and other events. If we are to deny children this gift of recognition for achievement, we should also deny children birthday parties and Christmas celebrations.

Reads to me, Clay Cane, you do not much like children.

Okpulot Taha
Choctaw Nation

I totally agree with this article. I was talking to one of my colleagues about the significance a 6th grade promotion at the elementary school I work at. I really don't understand it. However, I think we have it because many of the students won't graduate from High School...not to even mention college. And yes, I work in the inner city with a huge population of African Americans and Hispanics.

Hmmm.. I take issue with this article somewhat. I live in a great suburban district that is 90% caucasian and my son, who is African American, will be graduating from the 6th grade in June. In this district, the elementary schools go from k-6, Middle School from 7-9 and high school from 10-12. Graduations are held for all 6th grades in this county and it is NOT because the population will not matriculate college. To the contrary, 80% of our students in this county matriculate and graduate from college. While I live in the suburbs I teach in the city and I do agree that the 8th grade graduation is such a celebratory event because some parents really do not expect to see their children graduate from igh school, mostly because they themselves did not make it that far. This is not something to criticize but something to work on as educators. Taking away an 8th grade graduation isn't going to provide further incentive to graduate from high school. It starts with their families, their education and the expectations they communicate to their children, our students. Of course we can back that up by reinforcing that this is just a transition. But without that message being given to them both day AND night, this whole conversation is moot.

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The interaction of Sun in Gemini, which Angelina has, and Sunlight in Sagittarius, which Brad has, is one particular of complimentary opposites. Each are outgoing and interested about daily life. They are each not specifically sensible and rational.