Fifth Graders Say Farewell to Elementary School

Eastchester’s fifth graders took centerstage—literally—this week, as both Anne Hutchinson and Greenvale celebrated the end of the school year with their annual Moving Up Ceremonies.

But even as the young students look forward to their ascension to the middle school ranks, one of the underlying themes of both events was the realization of just how much their time in their respective elementary schools prepared them for the challenges ahead. 

Greenvale was the first to celebrate the district’s fifth graders, as family and friends gathered in the EMS/EHS Auditorium on Tuesday afternoon to acknowledge the strides that next year’s middle schoolers have made over the last four years. 

Principal Joanna Sanese lauded the students for their maturation over the course of their time in Greenvale. 

“Moving up from fifth grade to the middle school is a really big deal; you have spent the last four years at Greenvale, growing, learning and working hard, and today is a moment to recognize all of your achievements,” said Sanese. “This year, your class motto was ‘This is our year to thrive,’ but I want to talk to you about what that really means. 

“Thriving is so much more than doing well in school,” she added. “Thriving is growing in every single part of your life: your mind, your heart and your spirit.”

Speaking to her students on Wednesday at the district’s second fifth-grade moving up ceremony, Anne Hutchinson Principal Laura Cappiello commended her students for their dedication to education as well as their ability to overcome adversity with grace and unity.

"Always remember you carry the heart of Anne Hutch wherever you go," said Cappiello. "You have learned that Anne Hutch "H.E.A.R.T" means facing challenges with courage, compassion and resilience; let that guide you when times get tough."

Assistant Principal Eleni Parisi cited the students’ response to the tragic October loss of fifth-grade teacher Arlene Connolly O’Neill as a reminder that the concepts of love, compassion, and community are ones that the fifth graders have embraced whole-heartedly.

“The passing of our beloved teacher was something no student or colleague should ever have to face,” said Parisi. “Yet, without warning, we were called to unite as a school community and begin the difficult climb through sorrow and healing.

“In the midst of this tragedy, one thing became clear to us: the remarkable resilience, compassion and unity of our staff and students,” she added. “This school year, every fifth grader will receive the Arlene Connolly O’Neill Award, recognizing their resilience. We are incredibly proud of their growth, their empathy, and their ability to persevere through one of the most challenging times our school has faced.”

As this latest group of fifth graders moves on to Eastchester’s secondary campus next year, said EUFSD Superintendent Dr. Ronald Valenti, the most exciting thing will be watching the journeys of these young learners unfold. 

“Two of the most important lessons you will learn are the lessons of gratitude and learning to admit your mistakes,” said Valenti. “That is truly the stuff of not only genius but of character.”