Elementary End of Year Celebrations

This article was created with support from Dave Porreca, Communications & Social Media Specialist.

In addition to the graduation ceremonies during the last week of school, District 401 elementary schools also had exciting celebrations! On May 29, students from both John Mills and Elmwood were awarded for their milestones, as they capped their kindergarten and 5th grade experiences. Read the sections below to hear about how their last day of school went!

JOHN MILLS KINDERGARTEN & 5TH GRADE CELEBRATIONS

For the kindergarteners, the celebration took place outside the main entrance of school. Each student walked down a red carpet as proud family members cheered them on. Their teachers — Ms. Anaya, Ms. Barata, Ms. Black and Mr. Fiore — also walked the carpet to the applause of Trojan families. Afterward, students enjoyed popcorn and parents took plenty of photos before they all headed home. Good luck in 1st grade, Trojans!

For the 5th graders, the celebration moved indoors to the school gym. Family members packed the bleachers and settled in to listen to the entire 5th grade sing under the direction of music teacher Sarah Altshuler Jedwabnik. After the students took their seats, four 5th graders were recognized for perfect attendance during the 2025-26 school year: Paul Swiderski, Penelope Santos, Liv Lim and Mateo Reyes. Each student then walked the red carpet as their name was called, as did their teachers: Ms. Balleza Jasso, Ms. Gauthier, Ms. Graf, Ms. Murray, Ms. Rickenbrode, Ms. Krueger, Ms. McNichols and Ms. Morrison. When the ceremony ended, students exchanged hugs and wiped away a few tears as they said goodbye to elementary school. Good luck in 6th grade, Trojans!

5th grade students share an emotional moment after celebration

View all recent photo galleries, including individual portraits and candids from the events here: SmugMug Gallery

ELMWOOD KINDERGARTEN & 5TH GRADE CELEBRATIONS

Elmwood’s celebrations started with an assembly for the kindergarteners, where students were led by music teacher Meredith Dabbs in a few songs to close out their kindergarten experience. After their performance, students went back to their respective classrooms to participate in different activities for the last day of school. One highlight took place in teacher Sandy Katsantones’ classroom. This day also happened to be Ms. Katsantones’ last day before retirement, so she celebrated by crowning her students as forever “Kinder Kats” and watching a surprise video that the kids had put together for her.

Ms. Katsantones crowns her students as “Kinder Kats” with cat-ear headbands

Later that day, the 5th graders gathered in the gymnasium, where select students went up to the podium and shared their favorite memories from their time at Elmwood. Each student then received a certificate for the completion of their elementary school journey. After the assembly, a "Clap Out" was held, where families met on the school's field to congratulate students on their achievements.

This year's class holds a special distinction, as it is the first group of students that attended full day kindergarten at Elmwood. The celebration was an emotional moment for students, families, and staff as they reflected on the past six years and looked ahead to the next chapter.

These events would not have been possible without the help of Mr. Lerner, Mrs. Hagins, and the following teachers at Elmwood:

Kindergarten — Ms. Andrews, Ms. Ferrusquia, Ms. Hudson, Ms. Katsantones, and Ms. Marzillo
5th Grade —  Ms. Anderson, Ms. Caputo, Ms. Drugan, and Ms. White

Thank you all for making the day so special. Congratulations, Panthers!

View photos from both celebrations here:  Kindergarten SmugMug Gallery     5th Grade SmugMug Gallery