This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Schools

Defining Moments as Oakdale 5th grade Prepares to Graduate

 

It seems like just yesterday, that a fresh group of first grade students gathered together for the first time in the Oakdale Elementary School gymnasium. Parents stood by and watched anxiously, as their “little ones” were called together by class.

A hush came over the crowd as Principal Holli Armstrong announced her now famous “thumbs up if you can hear me” line, before welcoming these boys and girls in to the school and on the start of their journey.

Find out what's happening in Dedhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Five years have passed since that September morning in 2008. Those wide-eyed “little ones” are now the upper-classmen in the Elementary School.

They walk the halls today with a certain confident “swagger”, as their school-mates in grades 1-4 look up to them. We have watched, as these 5 and 6 year olds have transformed in to young men and women right before our eyes.

Find out what's happening in Dedhamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Glue sticks and crayons have been replaced by mechanical pencils and scientific calculators. Dora, Blues Clues, Princess, and Superhero backpacks, have given way to monogrammed L.L.Bean backpacks and messenger bags.

Bringing Webkins and Sili Bands in to share at recess has evolved in to a world of iPhones, iPods, iPads, and other electronic devices. BOGO sneakers are now Nike, Under Armour, and Jordans.

Public school education is basically divided in to four categories. You have: 1) Pre-K and Kindergarten, 2) Elementary School, 3) Middle School, 4) High School. With the end of the school year just days away, the town's 5th graders have reached the half-way point in their journey.

Principal Armstrong and the 5th grade teachers – Ruth Dorsey, Liz Tavalone, and Maryanne Beakes are getting ready to “put a bow” on another graduating class. Mrs. Dorsey has announced her retirement, and was recently honored by Governor Duval Patrick.

Out of 875 elementary schools in the State, Ruth Dorsey of Oakdale, Jodi Lucas of Springfield, and Erin Dukeshire of the Dubois Academy in Boston, were chosen as finalists to receive a Presidential Award for Excellence in Math or Science. This national recognition has been in place since 1983 and is quite an honor. Mrs. Dorsey's work with and love of, her fifth grade students has made an impact around town each year. Our best wishes to her.

The Oakdale students have had a field day at the Endicott Estate, along with a ferry ride on the Boston Harbor and an afternoon on Georges Island. These boys and girls have experienced every museum in the area, and have formed, what will be for many, lifelong friendships.

It is amazing how much they have learned and how far they have come – together. In a few short months, it`s off to Middle School and the start of another wide-eyed adventure on their journey through the Dedham Public Schools.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?