Rumson’s Deane-Porter School students recently celebrated “movin’ on up” to Forrestdale.

In accordance with tradition, what is dubbed the Movin’ On Up Ceremony 2016 celebrated the achievements of third graders and their transition to fourth grade at Forrestdale with students, family and schools staff in Deane-Porter’s cafeteria on June 9.

“I want to thank all of you for making this such a great year for me,” Deane-Porter School, Principal Shari Feeney said. “I know that you will accomplish wonderful things at Forrestdale.”

Feeney also presented her school’s Perfect Attendance Award to James Fernandes, Theresa Gettings, Sabrina Marciszewski, and Sophia Yockel.

Jennifer Gibbons, principal of Forrestdale, welcomed her newest students at the ceremony.

“I hope that you show curiosity in all that you do at Forrestdale, as curiosity results in rich learning,” said Gibbons.

The “Movin’ On Up” ceremony included a symbolic “Passing of the Keys to the Fourth Grade Wing.” The keys were passed by fourth graders Declan Fry, Ellie Mee, Sabina Murray, Dagny Robinson, and Caitlyn Smith-Ryland to third-graders Clara Lilley, Reese Malone, Mary Helen McCooey, Carson Memmott, and Parker Shenman.

Songs performed by the third grade students under the direction of Music Teacher Valerie Wagner were: Pass It Along, featuring seventh grader Hayden Marciszewski on piano and his sister, third grader Sabrina Marciszewski, as soloist/violinist; and The Deane-Porter School Song, with piano accompaniment by Hayden Marciszewski.

A slide show featuring a third-grade retrospective was also featured.

At the conclusion of the song- and memory-filled ceremony, third grade students made the symbolic journey across the brick pathway between Deane-Porter and Forrestdale schools.

Then, in the Forrestdale Gymnasium, they were given a formal welcome and introduction to school where they will continue and complete their primary school education.

— Edited press release from the Rumson School District