End-of-the-year parties wrap up the activities of the year or season with a get-together for all the children and adults involved. They give those who are parting ways one last opportunity to connect and enjoy each other’s company. They celebrate the achievements of the past and look forward to the events of the future.
Scenarios
End-of-the-year parties are great for schools and classrooms. It helps kids transition from one teacher and one set of classmates to the next one. It also celebrates a successful year. Sports teams, summer schools, after-school programs, daycare centers and other seasonal events can also use end-of-the-year parties to wrap up their activities. These parties work well even for activities that last less than a year.
Themes
Since most school years begin in the fall and end in late spring, a summer, beach or luau theme can end the school year and commence the summer. Graduation themes work for all ages, even those without traditional graduation ceremonies. Finishing third or seventh grade can be just as monumental as finishing kindergarten or eighth grade, which are often celebrated. Let the children know how much their work is appreciated with a graduation gala.
Gifts
Favors for the guests should be practical and memorable. Give the children photo albums filled with pictures of the year’s events. Yearbooks or photo albums with places for friends to write notes to one another will create excitement. A special note from the children’s teachers, assistants, coaches or mentors will mean a great deal to the children as they move on to the next level or grade. Students or kids can prepare a special gift for teachers and leaders, with a note of gratitude, and end the year with a bright touch.
Activities
Before the event, you can ask the children, especially older grade school students and junior high kids, to prepare a skit or presentation about the year or season. Prepare a video or slide show of pictures for the kids, teachers and parents to enjoy. Kick off the summer with some beach-inspired games, such as water balloon or beach ball relays.
Food
Graduation style food is great for an end-of-the-school-year party. You can roll cheese, deli meat, lettuce or leather fruit into a scroll to look like a diploma. For summer foods, serve fresh fruits and vegetables. End-of-year parties don’t require a gourmet meal; a few simple snacks will suffice.
Photo Credit
- young guy on a graduation day image by Galina Barskaya from Fotolia.com
