I must begin this letter with a heartfelt thank you for your grace, patience, and understanding (maybe even longsuffering) as you have awaited important information regarding end of the year information for your graduate. I acknowledge the difficulty this has likely created in your ability to plan accordingly so I am happy to be able to provide an update today.

As communicated previously, graduation will be held on Tuesday, June 11th at St. Andrew's Church. The time of the ceremony was not previously communicated and is now confirmed to begin at 2:00 pm. This date and time is firm and final regardless of construction or the last day of school. It may be an important note that this date and location was by far the preference of 8th grade parents as indicated on the parent survey sent in early April. I can also confirm that graduation practice for all 8th graders will be held on Monday, June 10th from 1:00-3:00 pm at St. Andrew's Church. This too is a firm and final date and time. All 8th graders are required to be at graduation practice and the ceremony but I am sure no one will want to miss it! Finally, I can also confirm the annual 8th grade trip to Knott's Berry Farm will be Tuesday, June 4th.

Additional important dates for the end of the year involve the 8th Grade Awards Ceremony as well as the parent Blessing. As we await the final decision on summer construction, I cannot yet provide the firm and final date and time for these. However, I can provide two potential dates so that you can reserve that time in your calendars. The date for these events will be confirmed next week after the Board's decision regarding summer construction. For the time being, please reserve both Monday, June 3rd and Monday, June 10th 8:15-9:30 for the awards ceremony. The awards ceremony is by invitation only and invitations will be sent tomorrow, Friday, May 10, so that you are aware as to whether or not those dates need to be reserved in your calendar. In addition, please reserve both Monday, June 3rd and Monday, June 10th 9:30-11:30 for the parent Blessing. More information regarding the Blessing is provided below. Again, both of these dates will be confirmed next week but please save both dates in the meantime.

The end of the year is coming so quickly. As an 8th grade parent myself, I imagine many of you might feel as I do about the year coming to an end. It's bittersweet and emotional but also a time of reflection filled with gratitude. When I look at my daughter and see the young woman she is becoming, when I look back and see how much she has grown, when I consider all the love and learning that has been poured into her over her years at MCS, I am grateful. I am blessed. I am overflowing with joy. And, I know, she is ready for the next chapter of the life journey that God has planned for her. I thank MCS, the staff, the community for being an instrumental part of her life, her growth, and her readiness for the next. I have a feeling I'm not alone in this reflection!

May the last weeks of your child's time here, and maybe even your family's time here if you too will be graduating with your child, be sweet and full in every good and perfect way!

In Him,

Heather Harrison Middle School Principal

8th Grade Academic Awards (invitation only)