Tuttle Fifth-Graders 'Step Up' For JMMS

Tuttle School fifth-graders have “stepped up” and will be moving on to JMMS in the fall. Last Friday morning, Principal Laura Amato had her first taste of Tuttle students graduating and "stepping up" to middle school after taking the administrative position at the elementary school in December.

Teachers John Clifford (Big C), Dana Nelson and Alice Cleto worked tirelessly preparing student wards and an unforgettable program to send their students off with memories to last a lifetime. Art teacher Catherine McGarry aided the students in preparing decorations for the event, having them depict carousel horses that were child-sized to adorn the walls of the multi-media room at the school.

The well-dressed graduating class filed into the room in two orderly lines to the tune of “We’ve Only Just Begun.” A few boys wore dress shirts and ties; others dressed in suits; but Josh Miletty showed off in a black tuxedo sporting a blue bowtie.

The girls were mostly in dresses, looking quite like middle-schoolers already.  For a finishing touch, Amber Tatro accessorized with a tiara. There were tears and smiles on many faces ranging from the kids to faculty members to family members.

Fifth-grader Michael Moscato opened the ceremony by introducing Amato and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Anthony (the original) DeBenedet took the podium for some opening comments and thank yous and introduced Elizabeth Zembrowski who sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” without accompaniment, not missing a note or word.

Clifford directed the students to rise from their seats to sing “If Everyone Cared” along with the audience. Nelson, Cleto and Clifford presented stepping up certificates to all the children and recognized them for outstanding academic achievements throughout the year. 

Awards were highlighted by special categories for each separate class in the areas of citizenship and sportsmanship. Recognitions were given for perfect attendance, straight A's and most-improved student.

Anthony Parisi, Taylor Redding and Daniel Petroccio were cited for citizenship, showing their demonstrations of kindness, helpfulness and respect. The Fiorillo twins, Mackenzie and Sophia, were well up there on the ladder of success with commendations that brought tears to mother, Toni.  Sophia received the Superintendent’s Award and was treated to lunch by School Superintendent Anthony Serio. Sister Mackenzie (Mack) achieved the sportsmanship award and the honor of Amato’s Principal’s Award.

All during citations, Big C and the other teachers quipped about the kids having nicknames for them and making little jokes along the way such as "bad hair" for one student named Vinny, and "Jimmy Johnson" when it came to Lucas Giordano.

Jay Donaldson, an avid sports enthusiast and athlete, was awarded academically in reading, spelling, history, science and math. And on a grander scale was also granted the honor of the Superintendent’s Award.

Recipients for perfect attendance included Louis Dang, Maxwell Kwashie and Raphael Suarez. Albion (Albi) Koleci received many academic awards and just recently was awarded the top contender in Tuttle’s annual spelling bee, where he was given a blue ribbon.

Nearing the commencement of the ceremony, Clifford treated the audience and students to a slide show featuring highlights of the year from field trips, activities and class time using a musical background and featuring photographs taken by staff and parents during the school year.

Amato read her farewell speech to the class, thanking students, parents and staff for an incredible year.

“I have had the honor of serving as your principal. During this time, I have witnessed such a positive and energized spirit amongst you," Amato told the students. "You have shown student leadership, creativeness, and most importantly, kindness.”

Amato offered more personal thought and creativity to her speech, and highlighted many of the student accomplishments such as the first Tuttle News Team, community service projects and field trips. She closed with “best wishes, and don’t forget to always be a Tuttle citizen.”

The students performed “Firework” for the adoring and proud crowd before exiting the room.

At an after-celebration affair in the school gym, kids and teachers danced the afternoon away to tunes spun by a DJ and eating pizza and goodies sent in by parents, from Rice Krispie treats to pretzels, cheese curls and potato chips.

As parting gifts, each student received a backpack with an “EH” bee, a graduating T-shirt, Tuttle Turtle cookies from Sugar Bakery and a colorful yearbook for memories and autographs. Daniel Petroccio’s dad, Bill, borrowed Big C‘s copy of the slide show and burned a copy for each student’s memories.

Congratulations to all of you and good luck at JMMS.