Principal's Weekly Message

Good Afternoon Chatham Park Elementary School 5th Grade Families,

The excitement is building, and we are thrilled to share that all is set for our 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony on June 15, 2026, beginning promptly at 10:15 AM. We look forward to gathering together to celebrate this special milestone and recognize the accomplishments, growth, and memories our students have created during their years at Chatham Park.

Due to seating capacity, each family has received four (4) tickets/seats for the ceremony.

To ensure a smooth and uninterrupted start, families may begin entering and seating at 9:45 AM. Tickets will be collected upon entry. We kindly ask that all guests be seated by 10:00 AM so that our students' procession into the ceremony can be enjoyed by all and remain uninterrupted. The ceremony will be held in the gymnasium/multi-purpose room.

Given our limited seating capacity and out of respect for all families in attendance, we ask that guests refrain from saving seats for family members who have not yet arrived. We strongly encourage all attendees to arrive early and enter together whenever possible. Punctuality is greatly appreciated and will help ensure that every family is comfortably seated before the ceremony begins. Any unoccupied seats may be used to accommodate guests who are present and ready to be seated.

Following the ceremony, we will host a reception outdoors (weather permitting), providing an opportunity for families, staff, and students to continue the celebration together. Additional details regarding the reception will be shared by the 5th grade teachers.

On the morning of June 16, 2026, we will continue our celebration of the Class of 2026 with a special Clap-In as students enter the building. This cherished Chatham Park tradition allows our 5th graders to be recognized and celebrated by staff members, former teachers, classmates, and siblings as they make their way to class. Please be sure to check your email for additional Clap-In details. We cannot wait to see our students looking their very best as we honor their remarkable elementary school journey and the bright futures that lie ahead.

Please note that we are unable to make accommodations for current student siblings to attend the Moving Up Ceremony during the school day. While we are in the final days of the school year, instruction remains a priority, and June 15 is still a regular instructional day for all students. Older siblings who are no longer enrolled students may attend at parent discretion, provided they are included within the allotted four tickets per family.

As a reminder, the 5th Grade Moving Up Ceremony is not a graduation, but rather a meaningful acknowledgment and celebration of our students' completion of their elementary school years at Chatham Park. We appreciate your understanding, partnership, and support as we work to make this event memorable for all of our students and families.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for being such an important part of our school community. We are incredibly proud of our 5th Grade Bulldogs and look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you very soon.

With love and gratitude,

Dr. Jabari Whitehead