Willow Glen Resident

Education

Galarza bids farewell to first class that graduates from its sixth grade

By Mayra Flores De Marcotte

For 31 sixth-graders at Ernesto Galarza Elementary School, this has been the only school they have known. After their June "promotion ceremony," they move into the next stage of their education.

"It's a milestone for us," says resource teacher Marilyn Powars. "These students have been at Galarza throughout. We get to see what a student looks like after six years at Galarza, what we've accomplished."

The group of 31 students out of 80 being promoted has been at the school since it first opened in 2001. Powars was unaware that almost 40 percent of the students had been part of the school since kindergarten until parents in the Parent Teacher Association pointed it out at a meeting and asked what was being done to celebrate this.

"We were surprised that there were that many," Powars says. "Usually, you think about schools where students are coming and going. We have had more stability than lots of schools out there and are pleased."

The teachers and parents held a promotion ceremony with certificates and pictures for their class. The 31 students performed a song for the audience.

"In a way, it's always hard to see them head off to middle school," Powars says. "The tears have come on stronger this year."

The effect this particular group of students has had on the school and faculty wouldn't have been possible without stability.

"These students have formed close bonds with one another since kindergarten," says teacher Kathy White. "They feel proud of their school and feel special because they've been here from the beginning."

White has seen the positive results that come from continuing an education at the same school.

"I taught two siblings in the Vargas family," White says. "It's what's really nice about staying in schools. It's fun to see two or three children from the same family. It forms a tradition and traditions are very important."

The Gallardo family knows this very well. All three of the Gallardo children have started out in the kindergarten. Their oldest, Gerardo Jr., is moving into middle school, daughter Arisbeth is in fourth grade and son Alexis is in first grade.

"I don't have words to describe my feelings about this school," father Gerardo Gallardo says.

He says the teachers have made their time at Galarza a memorable one.

"We're so happy about how they work with the kids," he says, "They're on top of everything. If he doesn't do his homework, they call; if he's not at school, they call. It's all those little things that make a difference."

The promotion was another reason why Gallardo says he will keep his children at Galarza.

"My wife and I are very happy," he says. "Seeing the kids crying today, I felt like doing the same. We've become a family."