Since Crystal City Elementary School could not hold the annual kindergarten graduation because the building was closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, administrators and teachers decided to visit the youngsters at their homes and hand-deliver their diplomas.
On May 14, Crystal City Principal Shane Gordon; kindergarten teachers Sheri Klemert and Katie Brunner; special education teacher Megan McGinnis; counselor Stephanie Waites; and school secretary Mary Schaumburg, who dressed as a hornet, the district’s mascot, hopped on a school bus that drove to the 34 homes where graduating kindergartners live, including one with a set of twins.
"It was exciting," said Schaumburg, who is also a Crystal City councilwoman. "The kids just loved it."
She said school officials are considering continuing the kindergarten graduation home visits in the future.
"We're kind of thinking the families liked it more (than traditional stage-walk ceremonies) because it was more personal."
