Bell Top 5th graders received graduation certificates on Friday in front of their families at the Moving Up Ceremony in the school gym. Fifth grade teachers Alyssa Breznak and Sheri Valenti, along with other Bell Top teachers and staff, congratulated the students for successfully completing elementary school.
The students will move on to 6th grade at Howard L. Goff Middle School in September.
During the ceremony, Principal Martin Mahar recalled some of the fun Bell Top traditions that the students experienced during their elementary school years such as making apple cider and maple syrup in the Learning Barn, walking in the Halloween Parade, snowshoeing behind school in the winter, competing at the Pumpkin Run and Field Days, and developing a love for reading through the Bell Top Book Club.
“I commend you on all of your hard work and accomplishments during your years here,” said Mr. Mahar. “I am proud to celebrate your achievements.”
After performing the National Anthem and an opening song, students surprised Music Teacher Maggie Glennie by serenading her with a farewell song. Mrs. Glennie is retiring at the end of this school year.
At Bell Top’s 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony today, the students surprised retiring music teacher Mrs. Glennie with a special song. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/PXFa3sA0NU
— East Greenbush CSD (@EGreenbushCSD) June 16, 2023
Three students received special awards during the ceremony. Dragust Truong and Kylie Wood received the Attorney General’s 2023 Triple “C” Award that recognizes the “Commitment, Character, and Courage,” which was presented by Timothy Sicko, a detective with the NYS Office of the Attorney General. Gabriella Frempong received the NYS Comptroller’s Award which recognizes a student who has shown academic excellence and leadership within the school and community.
As part of the 5th grade teachers’ message, Mrs. Breznak said, “We hope that as you move on to middle school you carry some of the lessons you’ve learned here at Bell Top. This year we’ve been so impressed with what motivated students you are and with the way that you care for one another. We hope that you continue to work hard and look out for your fellow Bell Top classmates.”
Congratulations to the graduates!