Newtown Middle School students were at Western Connecticut State University's O'Neill Center the evening of Wednesday, June 8, for the school's Moving-Up Ceremony.

"This evening is our opportunity to celebrate and recognize our students," said NMS Principal Thomas Einhorn.

Students Virginia Hepp, Annelie Minor, Elizabeth Minor, and Shivani Mendiratta performed an instrumental rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" at the start of the event.

At last year's Moving-Up Ceremony, Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, said he shared ten tips for the eighth grade graduates facing high school careers. After the event, a parent approached Dr Erardi and jokingly asked for parenting tips.

"So therefore, ten random thoughts from a superintendent who is a dad and someone who has a deep belief that every action is either part of the problem or part of the solution," said Dr Erardi.

His advice for parents included "Do not sweat the small stuff," to save much and spend little as "the math will be daunting in four years," to pay close attention this summer as their child makes key decisions, to inject themselves at NHS as a volunteer and active parent, and, "It is okay, despite argument and popular belief from your child, for them to walk to the bus stop."

Finally Dr Erardi said, "Despite the support that we will have for your child, and I believe this, with high-quality administrators, instructors, mentors, advisors, and our coaches, no one will influence a student's success plan in any greater way than you."

Dr Erardi wished good luck to all the students before John Godino, Student Council president, spoke before his fellow eighth grade graduates.

NMS and the town worked diligently to make sure the eighth graders had a fun and meaningful youth, filled with exciting activities to add to the academics, John said. Throughout the rest of their educational careers, John said the students should continue to realize the importance of a broad edu-cational experience.

"We should absolutely include community service and giving back to others," John said. "Many times students who want to participate in community service just don't know where to begin; the opportunities are endless."

It is important, he said, to give back to a community when so much is given to them.

"No matter how hectic the future may be, it is always important to make someone else's life just a little bit better," said John. "Thank you and good luck to the Class of 2020."

Cluster academic awards and special recognition awards were announced during the ceremony, highlighting students for achievements.

"Did you ever wonder what you can be if you try? So spread your wings and fly," student Julie Hess sang while playing on a keyboard, a performance that earned her a standing ovation.

Finally, student representatives from each cluster shared reflections on time at NMS and what paths lay before their fellow eighth grade graduates, before cluster teachers announced the names of each graduate to walk across the stage for recognition of graduating middle school.

Dr Erardi, Mr Einhorn, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Jean Evans Davila, and members of the Board of Education all stood ready to shake hands with the students.