The start of summer feels bittersweet for many at this Nashville elementary school

One child literally skipped into Inglewood Elementary School on Thursday with a grin on his face as others held back tears. The last day of school stirs up mixed emotions among students and staff alike.

School offers structure, reliable meals, and trusted adults for students from all walks of life. Not to mention friends, and — in the final weeks of the school year — sweet treats, movies and maybe some extra time on the playground.

More: Listen: The first day feelings at one Nashville elementary school

“Today is not a joyful day for every kid,” Inglewood principal Ashley Croft said. “But they know that no matter what, we’re there for them. And I think that’s really important.”

That’s why she ends the morning announcements each day with the words “you are loved.”

For several in the building, it’s the last time they’ll hear Croft say those words over the intercom.

Teachers say goodbye

“It’s bittersweet,” said Hannah Yerby Canant, a second grade teacher who will move out of state this summer.

“I’m super excited for summer break and definitely need it after all these months of teaching,” Yerby Canant said. “But I’ve had the best class this year I think I’ve ever had. This has been my most fun year of teaching and most rewarding, I would say. So I’m really going to miss this group of kids.”

First year teacher Devin Grahn is staying at Inglewood next year, but still feeling the tug on her heartstrings.

“It’s emotional for me because I am not going to have them next year,” Grahn said. “And it’s like me giving them away.”

Grahn said the class was challenging. Her first graders knew how to push her buttons with behaviors, and they also had a wide range of learning styles and needs. But Grahn said those challenges taught her valuable lessons, chiefly: the importance of building strong relationships with each student.

“At the beginning of the year, we couldn’t even sit on the carpet. And now, like, they’re sitting on the carpet. They’re listening,” Grahn said. “Obviously it’s not perfect, but I’m just proud of myself for not giving up. And I’m proud of them for being excited to learn after this year.”

Lessons learned

This time of year also prompts reflection. Kindergartener Prim said she enjoyed learning about shapes in her math class and the ways that letters team up to make different sounds. And just before field day, kids got a lesson on the red-eyed bugs that recently emerged from the ground.

“Teachers were nervous that we’ll scream because of the cicadas,” she said, but Prim seemed unbothered. “They just eat plants. Why are they so scary?”

Meanwhile, fourth grader Kennedi said she enjoyed a lesson on poetry. She also learned about the Japanese concept of kaizen, a practice of continuous improvement. She said that helped her work through difficult emotions.

“That just encouraged me to get 1% better [every day]” Kennedi said. “Even though I’m not like fully there, I keep trying and trying.”

Looking ahead to fifth grade, Kennedi is feeling ambivalent. She recognizes that she’ll be setting an example for younger students, and hopes that she’s up to the task.

Big changes ahead

Meanwhile, this year’s fifth graders are preparing to move up to middle school. It’s a major transition for the class of 18 at Inglewood. Croft said some of them had been at the school since pre-K, and several of them will be going to different middle schools around the district. So, Inglewood decided to give them a big send off.

Just before the end of school, teachers, staff and the lower grades lined the hallway. They cheered and chanted “go fifth grade!” as each member of the class walked the hall, giving high fives all the way down.

As parents arrived to pick up their kids, one teacher — dressed as a purple, inflatable tube a-la-car dealership — helped direct dismissal. A throng of teachers and staff stood at the doors to tell the students goodbye. They wished students a great break and helped console a few tears. Nearly every kid went in for a big hug before walking out into their summer vacation.

Alexis Marshall WPLN News

Three students leave Inglewood Elementary on the last day of school.