Off to summer…..

Dear LREI Families,

The school is virtually empty. The seniors graduated in a spectacular ceremony last Friday, the fourth graders moved up to middle school yesterday and the eighth graders became ninth graders this morning. All three ceremonies were lovely- a mix of reminiscences of days gone by and thoughts about the future. All three ceremonies featured songs written by some number of students in the room. A nice coincidence, though not a surprise.

Whether the high school students finishing on Friday or the lower and middle school students exiting today, the energy used in bursting out of the school was quite amazing. Some of our youngest students just began to run, willy-nilly, as they left the building. Others sulked out, clearly sad to say “Goodbye” to teachers and friends. It was likely that both groups shared a bit of both emotions. These are good things to feel on the last day of school. It is reasonable to feel excited about time to focus on other endeavors. It is reasonable to feel a sense of loss when the people and activities who populate your days–all day, every day, for most of the year,– just stop coming together. It won’t take long for the children to create their own summer rhythms. Longer days, different adventures, new friendships and many ways to grow and to learn. All should be savored as all too quickly the conversation will turn to the looming school year.

For this this evening, however, a pat on the back, or handshake or, more likely, a hug, or two, as congratulations for a school year well spent. You should be proud of your children. They worked hard and were quite successful. Well done, all.

Thank you to all LREI families for all that you did this year to support your children and to support the school. You are terrific partners.

Celebrate a year well navigated, enjoy whatever the summer brings for your family and we look forward to seeing you in September.

Best to all,

Phil