Is There Life After Elijah?

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

Photos (top to bottom): photo1: ISM's graduating 8th grade with their diplomas; photo2: Eyla & Hannah, jubilant after graduation; photo3: 7th graders Taylor, Zoe, Ari and Alexis, all former students in grades 2, 3 and 6; photo4: 7th grade Eliya walks to the stage to receive an Honors award; photo5: former ISMer Anna W and Spanish teacher Renee Candia; photos6-8: 8th grader Matty M and ISM PE teacher Robby Fabry demonstrate that really good friends do the buddy-body-bump.

CONGRATULATIONS to the 8th graders graduating from the International School of Monterey this week. I have many fond memories associated with this class, having worked with them in grades 2 (self-contained), 5 (science and math), 6 (self-contained), and 7 (pre-algebra). As a graduation gift, I compiled a video program for them, available for viewing on youtube: part1 part2. (Beware of the teacher who shoots video!)

Is there life after Elijah S, now over six feet tall and headed to Pasadena, where his mom will be taking a job as a music producer with Disney Studios? A record 12 students will be attending the Monterey Academy for the Oceanographic Sciences. Matty's headed to Stevenson, Andy's moving to Marin County in the San Francisco area, Robert's going to Everett Alvarez in Salinas, Will's headed to Carmel, Jacque-the-artist is going to Monte Vista, on and on.

They're a great group, and it's their time to break out of the nest that is ISM. Terrific seeing Aaron and Cat, too. They are most certainly a part of this sweet group, as are Sanka and Aaron S, both out of state.

And look who steps up to the plate next year: the first group to have attended ISM from Kindergarten through grade 8. An amazingly talent class.