The Pura Vida Mommy: My Son's 6th Grade graduation Dance

Friday, November 29, 2013

My Son's 6th Grade graduation Dance

In Costa Rica, high school starts in 7th grade. Kids actually graduate in 6th grade, so it's a HUGE deal. Going to high school means you're now, pretty much, grown up (in the kid sense) and so it's one of those things kids look forward to. There really is no 'middle school' here. You start kindergarten then go onto 1st grade and then you don't graduate again until 6th. In the states, it's Kindergarten to 5th grade. Then you graduate to middle school, which is usually 6th to 8th. High school doesn't start until 9th grade. Schools here also don't have a 12th grade like the US... you're pretty much done with high school by 11th grade (again attend another graduation event).

Anyway, back to the 6th grade graduation. It is a HUGE deal. The schools here go all out organizing a big event, a party that is like a prom of sorts. Since P repeated the 6th grade, he missed his chance last year to partake in the end of year festivities. This year though, he was able to participate and attend his graduation dance.

His school, a public school, did an amazing job with the event. We paid $40 per person and I have to say, that 40 bucks included a lot. The kids had a wonderful time. Coincidentally, my son's graduation dance was held at the same hall as my wedding reception, so it was really a nice (familiar) place. They had so many fun things: Master of ceremony, Carnaval, Mariachi, a DJ, entertainment from what I call a Junkanoo (people in those huge masks that dance around). Beautiful decorations and centerpieces and a catered meal. There were appetizers and a full dinner which included, 2 types of meats (chicken and beef), rice, dinner roll, salad and dessert. Plus drinks on each table and endless ice. It was amazing.

Each student was able to take a picture at the beginning of the event (first by them-self, then with family). After the event got under way, each student was called by name to formally enter into the hall with their parent. I got to enter with my son, which was pretty emotional. We all toasted with a mocktail and then did the waltz. It was super fun, and a first getting to dance with P. And even though my son didn't dance after the waltz and barely moved from his seat (he did get up to get his mask for the Carnaval), he didn't want to leave.

It was a 5 hour event and it went by really quickly. All the girls were dressed up in lovely dresses and looked beautiful, you could tell they put a lot of effort into their appearances. The boys were boys, rowdy and playful. It was a night I know my son will never forget, as I know I won't. It's such a nice thing they do here for the kids. How much fun it must be to have that to look forward to all year. When I graduated from 8th grade, we had a ceremony yes, but not the big to do dance that they do here. And what I like the most is that parents are encouraged to attend, I think they have to since the kids are under age and the event is very much a family affair. But it's just a nice thing to do with your child: a fun night of bonding and getting to see them interact with their classmates in a different environment other than school. It was just nice to get dressed up and have a good time with my kid, something we don't do very often.