The sound of roaring applause and cheering families filled the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School auditorium on June 18, 2026, as fifth-grade students took their places for the Northside Elementary School moving-up ceremony. Principal Dr. Christopher Peterson welcomed the audience and praised the students for their hard work, dedication, and resilience throughout their elementary school years. The milestone event also marked a special beginning for instructional associate William Ahrens, who celebrated his first moving-up ceremony with the district.
The celebration highlighted the profound growth, shared experiences, and tight-knit community of the graduating class. The audience enjoyed a retrospective slideshow capturing years of learning, laughter, and friendship. Following the presentation, the entire fifth-grade class took the stage together to perform a special musical piece they had spent weeks rehearsing, filling the green-and-white decorated auditorium with shared pride.
As these young learners look ahead to officially attending Weldon E. Howitt Middle School in the fall, they carry with them certificates, cherished memories, and the confidence to embrace their next academic chapter.