Luau celebrates second grade students' achievements before sailing on

The Poughkeepsie City School District’s second graders are not yet graduating this June. That’s a decade away. 
They’re not moving up from the primary to secondary level. And, they’re not moving up from middle school to high school.
However, in less than two weeks they’ll say goodbye to their school buildings, just like their older counterparts in the fifth and eighth grades. That, Principal Alicia O’Connell said, is a milestone that needs to be recognized.
Truth Elementary School on Friday held its inaugural second grade moving up event, a luau-themed celebration titled “Sail into the Third Grade” that was much more party than ceremony, in recognition of the students’ work through this school year.
For many, this year was also their first at Truth, and not simply because Truth was known as Morse Elementary less than 12 months ago. Under the Elementary Reconfiguration initiative, the district’s five buildings were realigned to place all pre-K to grade 2 students in two buildings – Truth and Krieger – and all grades 3-5 students in Clinton, Smith and Warring elementary schools. That created the unique need for a second-grade celebration that will, in all likelihood, become a tradition.
The party began with 45 minutes that the kids had to themselves. Moving around to different stations in their classroom groups, the departing Hawks enjoyed Italian ice, had the option of receiving a temporary tattoo or dressing up with props for a photo booth, played with hula hoops, and engaged in a round of limbo.
Then, they took to the stage as their parents were allowed into the cafeteria – newly remodeled this year, as well – to perform “How Far I’ll Go,” from “Moana” complete with choreography while standing on risers.
Finally, the beaming students walked across the cafeteria in front of the stage, one-by-one, to receive a special certificate “celebrating a year of learning and growth.”
Each was signed by O’Connell and the student’s teacher, and reads “Your curiosity, determination, and positive spirit have helped you learn, grow and soar. We are proud of all that you have achieved and celebrate the unique contributions you have made to our school community.”
Truth has two more recognitions planned before the last day of school arrives. Its Pre-K Celebration of Learning is set for 9:15 a.m. June 16 and its Kindergarten Celebration of Learning Picnic will be 12:45 p.m. June 22.