The Lower School Moving Up Ceremony brought a joyful close to the academic year on June 6 under the North Field Tent, celebrating student growth, resilience, and the connections made along the way.

Beginning with a lively processional, the ceremony honored students from Kindergarten through Grade 5, culminating in a special send-off for the rising Grade 6 students, the Class of 2032.

“To our fifth-grade students: Congratulations! Today is more than a moving-up ceremony — it’s your victory lap. And you rock! Throughout your years in the Lower School, you've grown in so many ways — intellectually, socially, and emotionally,” said Head of School Carol Maoz in her remarks. “To all our lower school students — this day is for you, too! You’ve had a vibrant year filled with learning and joy,” she added.

Following her remarks, Head of Lower School Dr. Sandy Lizaire-Duff offered a warm welcome to families and heartfelt thanks to parents, faculty, and staff. 

Lizaire-Duff spoke to the power of this year’s Lower School theme, Making Connections, and how it guided students in the classroom and beyond. “It’s always a joy for me to witness their growth, socially, emotionally, and academically. This year, I’ve watched them not only learn facts and skills but also make connections to their learning, to one another, to themselves, and to the world,” she said.

She offered both praise and a challenge: “Little Vikings, you are becoming incredible people. Every day, you show us what it means to be a kind friend. You persevere when things are hard. You are learning how to lead with compassion and how to work with purpose. You’ve shown us that just because you’re small doesn’t mean you don’t have big dreams."

The program featured musical performances by each grade, ranging from Kindergarten’s “Walk with Me” to Grade 5’s energized “Eye of the Tiger” and reflective “When I’m Gone.” Students across the Lower School joined together in singing “Teaching Peace,” reinforcing the school’s values of kindness, inclusion, and respect. Additionally, Student Council representatives and two students from Grade 3 shared reflections from the year, noting the impact their time at King had made academically and personally. 

Concluding the event, class speakers from Grade 5 reflected on their Lower School journeys and the friendships and lessons that have shaped them. MaryBeth Crupi, Director of Teaching and Learning, then read each student's name as they processed across the stage, where they were presented with a certificate by Lizaire-Duff before shaking hands with Head of Middle School Dr. Josh Deitch, marking their official transition to Middle School.