Lydia and her family have been part of our community for many years. Because of this, Lydia shared with us her unique perspective when she spoke to us at her graduation. Her words say it all. ~ Suzanne Lawson

Wow! I have been at Bridgeview Montessori for 9 years, and I wouldn't change a thing about it. It felt like just yesterday I was sitting in a chair singing songs at the Kindergarten celebration, or when I was in third grade going up to EII for time for kids. I even remember that each year I would count down how many more years I had left at Bridgeview thinking it was so far away, and now it’s here.

Now let's talk about all my amazing experiences at Bridgeview from the beginning. I started at Bridgeview when I was three years old in the Yellow Room. The first day I walked into the school, I was really excited and nervous about how it would go. I remember meeting Diego [a fellow graduation 6th Year] hiding under a table and having Suzanne introduce me to Melanie [another fellow 6th Year]. Even though preschool was so long ago and that I was a tiny 3 year old, it has made a big impact on my life. My favorite part of Children's House that I remember so well was singing and dancing in a circle each day with Agnes and my classmates.

The next thing and one of the biggest things that happened at Bridgeview was going to kindergarten. At the time I had already made two big friendships with the kids in my grade and was ready to make more. The first day of kindergarten I already knew the year would be so fun. This year I met some of my best friends: Natalie, Cassidy, and Teddy. I had already known Melanie and Diego because I was in the Yellow Room with them, but rest assured that they are also my best friends as well. In kindergarten I had so much fun making time capsules and going to see glass get blown with Lucy and my classmates. My favorite moment from kindergarten was the kindergarten celebration. All of our families came. My friends and I all sat in a circle and sang songs and celebrated that next year we would go to EI.

In EI I was so scared that I wouldn't know anybody besides my kindergarten peers and that I wouldn't know how to do any of the work. But my teachers Danielle and Melissa didn't let that happen. In first grade I just started reading little chapter books and doing the addition and multiplication stamp game. Then in second grade I had two new teachers, Rebecca and Monica. Even though they were new, it felt like I had known them for a while, and I am so grateful for them. Then came third grade. Let’s just say in third grade I was more of a troublemaker than the rest of the years and went to Sandy's office a couple of times. Even though going to see Sandy didn't always seem fun or exciting, she taught me to learn from my mistakes and that the reason I was going to her office wasn’t because I was in trouble but because I was there to learn. I am so grateful for Sandy now. My favorite part of third grade was going up to EII and the big kids and reading time for kids with them.

Now we are already in 4th grade, and the years are just flying by. When I first came up to EII I was so excited that I got to finally become a real big kid. In EII everyone respects everybody else and that is one thing I will really miss about Bridgeview. In 4th Grade I just started long division, and the teachers taught it in such a fun way; I always wanted to keep doing it.  My favorite thing from 4th grade was doing little history skits with Kathleen on the patio. Now another year of EII has come upon us. All I’m gonna say is that in fourth grade I was so nervous about writing an autobiography the next year, but when it came, it was so fun thanks to Kathleen. In fifth grade I really started to like math. She has helped me with my math skills so much, and I wouldn't be where I am today without her. Fifth grade was so fun, and I improved so much in my writing and confidence.

Now, the moment we have all been waiting for 6th grade. This year has been so fun. I have enjoyed making many memories with my friends and always having a great time. This year I was trying to be my best self and enjoying everything even if I didn’t like it as much. I had so much fun this year hanging out with everyone and making great memories with them, and I couldn’t have asked for a better last year at Bridgeview. Even though I am sad to leave, I hope to have as much fun and excitement as I did here next year at Falmouth Academy.

I would now like to thank my teachers for making me who I am. Jolie, I am so thankful to you for teaching me math, and how to write good persuasive essays; without you my writing would not be where it is today. Kathleen, thank you so much for always making a history lesson fun and teaching me how to write properly with the correct grammar. Cathy, thank you for working with me on my math and always checking in on me to see if I’m doing alright or need help. I would like to thank Courtenay, Sandy, Britt and all the other specials teachers I have had for making each day so fun and memorable. And lastly I would like to thank my friends and family. I am so thankful for my parents for letting me go to this amazing school and giving me this opportunity. I thank all my friends and peers for helping me with works and always finding a way to make me laugh. Without you guys I would not have all these amazing memories.

I will really miss Bridgeview and all the things it gave me. I will miss using materials for math, and having big group lessons, but it is time for me to move on. Bridgeview has made such a big impact on my life, and I hope the years to come will too. Now that this chapter of my life has ended, I am ready to welcome the next chapter at Falmouth Academy. I am so thankful for this school and I will never forget it.