001I love you. All right. Oh my We are going to get started. >> Thank you so much for being here today. Thank you over on the side. I know the sightelines aren't great, but parents, welcome. Welcome to the last day of fifth grade. Fifth graders. Before we begin, I would like to introduce one of our KI kids representatives, melan. She's going to lead us in the pledge of allegiance. Will you please stand? To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. All right. So, before I say anything about our fifth graders, first of all, I'm Mrs. Cassidy. For those parents that we may not have met in person, but thank you for being
002here again. Um, I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible teachers and staff that make BIS such a special place. School is not just work, recess, lunch, and testing. It's the people who show up every single day with patience, with creativity, kindness, encouragement, and a whole lot of hard work to make this building a place where you guys feel safe, supported, and challenged to grow. That's what our staff does every day, and I am so proud to lead them. So, can our teachers and staff please stand? And let's give them a round of applause. [applause] >> [applause] >> I know today is a moving day for our students, but I think it's fair to say that even the teachers have been doing our own little countdown to summer right alongside them. We are
003all tired and ready for a summer slowdown. But thank you for the heart that you poured into our kids every single day. The is special because of you. All right, fifth graders. Now it's your turn. What a special day this is. Today we celebrate you as you wrap up your time here at BIS and prepare prepare for your next adventure at Gatesville Middle School. As I was thinking about this group, I realized something fun. Your time at BIS can almost be told through the themes that have been on our t-shirts that you've worn over the past three years. So, think back to third grade. Your theme was be the reason someone smiles today. What a perfect message for your students just beginning the journey at PIS. At the heart of that message was a simple
004but powerful reminder. Your words matter. Your actions matter. And even the smallest action of act of kindness, a smile can change somebody's day. Then came fourth grade. Kind kids are. And the answer to that statement could be so many things. Kind kids are inclusive. Kind kids are respectful. Kind kids help others. Kind kids stand up for what is right. Kind kids notice when someone's sitting alone. Kind kids choose encouragement over criticism. And now here you are in fifth grade with this year's theme, adventure and witness. That feels pretty pitty, doesn't it? Because life really is one big adventure. And in school, we spend a lot of time learning the important things. Reading, writing, math, science, and social studies. Some of those subjects might come easily to you, but some maybe not so much. But guys,
005when it's all said and done, the most important thing you can learn has absolutely nothing to do with a test score. The most important thing you can learn is how to be a good person. You do not have to be best friends with everyone you meet in life. You hear that from me a lot. That's just reality. But you do have to be kind. you have to do to be respectful and you have to choose empathy even when it's hard. So because the kind person you the the kind of person you become will matter far more than any grades you earn. As you head to med middle school, there's going to be new teachers, new expectations, new friendships, and even a few nerves over the next few years. And that's okay. Adventures usually come with
006a little uncertainty. But if you carry these messages with you, be the reason someone smiles, choose kindness, and embrace every adventure ahead of you, you're going to be just fine. Actually, you're going to be more than fine. You're going to be ready. Bulldog ready. And finally, to our parents, thank you so much for sharing your children with us. Thank you for partnering with with us, cheering them on, helping with homework, signing forms, packing lunches, and supporting them through every stage of these important years. As your child heads to middle school, I'll leave you with this. You truly have no idea the adventures that await you next. Middle school is going to be a whole new world. In fact, you probably will want to borrow that your child's BIS shirt to remind you to stay brave
007and embrace the adventures ahead. Fifth graders, we are proud of you. Thank you for the joy, laughter, energy, and memories you've brought to VIS. Adventure awaits. Let's make it a great one. Okay. So, let's start with our awards. Let me turn to the right page. Okay. All right. Spelling be participants are going to come up first. and fifth grader. We've we've practiced this. Okay? So, if you get called up, remember the way to come up on stage, Mr. Pizza, and Mrs. Stoking will be here to help you. So, our participants this year in the spelling be were Elelliana Bosler, McKenzie Borman, Ellie Caner, Isabelle Fitz Simmons, Lauren Leard, Claire Meyer, Brian Hiller, Penelopey Mitchell, Weston Morton, Cora Reeves, Alexander Serest, Leo Stuts, [snorts and clears throat] Harper Boland, Jace Bulmer, and our runner up this
008year was Gwen Lidle. And our spelling be champion who represented us at the Cincinnati B was Corey Lidle. Once we get everyone on stage, let's give them a round of applause for their hard work. >> And Kane >> Oh, Kate Fing. Thank you, Mrs. Stoning. [applause] I'm going to bring Mrs. Kaiser up who's going to talk about the reading challenge. Thank you. All right. The fifth graders who completed the BIS reading challenge this year are Meline Fallish, Ellie Bosler, Ellie Caner, Dylan Dunn, Andrew Kaiser, Annabth Knight, Grant Newman, Austin McFall, Ava McMullen, Ryan Miller, Anna Fiery, Jackson, Jace Spurlock, Sydney Stone, Cooper Todd, Jace Palmer, and Molly Walter. Congratulations to those of you that completed the reading challenge. [applause] The next award I want to present is for our young future book award challenge. Uh
009this award honors students who participated in our young future book award program. Each year 20 new titles are selected and there are different ways to participate in the program. One way is to read just five of this year's new titles to be able to vote for your favorite spring. Another way to participate is to read all 20 of this year's titles to be able to vote and then earn a trophy. Uh these readers explored stories by a variety of authors. They expanded their imaginations and embraced the challenge of reading across multiple genres. Their commitment to the young huser books show a true love of reading and a desire to grow as thoughtful, engaged readers. Students who participated in the young book program are Matthew Adams, Ellie Caner, Luna Paneo, [snorts] Isabelle Simmons, Nicole Garza, Andrew
010Kaiser, Zoe Herz, Emry M, Anna Oyer, Sydney Stone, Harper Bowen, and Molly Walter. Congratulations. [applause] Next up is Mrs. Cy club recognition. We have [clears throat] a lot of great clubs for our fifth graders to be a part of. And instead of calling you up one by one to get those certificates, you should have gotten those or you will get those in your classrooms. But we want to make sure you're recognized for your time. So when I call your club, please make sure you stand up to be recognized. And we'll give every club a round of applause. Okay. So if you are part of the archery team, will you please stand up? Congratulations. [applause] And fifth graders, since our parents are all behind you, when you stand, will you please turn around so the parents
011can see your faces, too. If you are a part of Artists Unite, please stand up and face him, please. [applause] Our students >> [applause] >> Thank you. What about our dog pack spirit club team members? There's a few of you in here. [applause] If you were a part of Embrace who you are this year, please stand. Our [applause] girls on the road participants, please. [applause] If you were in the hiking club, please stand. Our [applause] kids, will you please stand to be recognized? [applause] >> The Mini Dogs dance team, please stand. [applause] If you are a part of snap club, please stand. [applause] Almost done. Almost done. If you are part of steam club, please raise or stand up. [applause] And finally, those students who are on tech surface this year, will you please stand
012to be recognized? [applause] Thank you. You may have so many more ways to get involved in the middle school and high school and I hope you continue to get involved in your school and after school activities. All right, we're ready for some allied arts awards. So, first up today is Miss Brian who has been our substitute this um quarter for Mrs. Branch. So um this is the art achievement award and this student demonstrates a true passion for the visual [clears throat] arts. They approach each project with enthusiasm, curiosity and the willingness to explore new ideas and techniques. Their artwork demonstrates attention to detail and an expressive personal voice. Beyond their own work, this student contributes to the positive classroom environment by encouraging the creativity of the classroom, offering help when needed and embodying the spirit
013of collaboration, responsibility, and respect. This award recognizes two students who not only create beautiful artwork, but also bring beauty to our class community through their attitude, effort, and artistic drive. And these two students are of the artists of 2026 are Aya McMullen and Leo Stutch. [applause] >> [snorts] [applause] >> Next, I'd like to award two students with our bookworm award. This award celebrates students who've shown a true love for reading and made the most of their time in the library. Whether checking out stacks of books, exploring new genres, or always having an open hand, these students have demonstrated a passion for reading that inspires others. Their curiosity, dedication, enthusiasm for stories and become true bookworms. Our two fifth grade bookworms this year are Ann Beth Knight and John Cooper Todd. [applause and cheering] >> [applause]
014>> I'm Mr. and I'm here to present our PE award for today for the students who is for the student who is an inspiration to others through display exemplary drive resilience and empathy every day in being this person pushes to the best of their abilities to make themselves better and the people around them these awards go to Miss Morgan Camp and Grant Blumen [applause] >> [applause] >> Hello, my name is Megan Tester. I'm a music teacher and these are the two students who are receiving the promise and performance award for music. I will say I'm going off script for a second. Our entire fifth grade um they only in fifth grade they learn how to do the ukulele. So I wanted to mention that because I typically have a ukulele club. I just didn't this
015year. But I did want to recognize that all of our fifth graders put in a lot of work to learn how to play ukulele. So I'm really proud of you guys for that. Um, the promise in performance award is for students that show great potential to succeed in music performance. These students show eagerness to build upon their musical skills and knowledge while expressing a genuine appreciation for music as a whole. We have explored many genres, careers, instruments, and techniques over the last three years in music at EIS. As I reflected on those years, these two students stood out to me for having the best musical attitude and always willing to inquire more about the content discussed in class. I'm so excited to see how these two students and others will continue their pursuit of music
016performance. The Promise and Performance Award winners are Ryan Miller and Jace Wmer. [applause] >> [applause] [applause] >> Good morning. I'm Mrs. Ryan and I'll be presenting two awards. The first award is the called the STEM dynamic award. The STEM dynamic award acknowledges a student who consistently demonstrates the project lead the way transport transportable skills of communication, collaboration, ethical reasoning, problem solving, and critical and creative thinking. This student not only shows a willingness to learn but also makes decisions reflecting respect, honesty, and fairness towards others. They excel in teamwork, support of their peers, and approaching challenges with creativity and critical thinking. Furthermore, they possess a solid understanding of scientific principles, math concepts, and the scientific inquiry process, articulating their findings effectively both verbally and in writing. This award is presented to Ava McMullen and Jason. [applause]
017The second award is called the STEM envision award. The STEM envision award honors a student who thrives on exploring, experimenting, and finding solutions to practical challenges. This award celebrates a student who demonstrates a passion for scientific exploration and curiosity. It recognizes a student not only eager to learn during STEM class, but also actively seeks opportunities to learn in their free time and share their knowledge with others. This award is presented to Ellie Basler and Jackson. [applause] >> [applause] >> And I'd like to dance. Thank you, Mrs. Ryan. At Batesville Intermediate School, we believe in the values of hard work, dedication to school, and academic excellence. We want to take a moment to recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding academic success in the areas of growth, achievement, and effort for the 2025 2026 school year. Our
018first academic award will recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding academic growth for this school year. This award recognizes students who have shown a significant improvement in their academic performance over the course of the school year. To be considered for this award, students should have demonstrated outstanding personal growth in overall grades and/or standardized test scores as we as well as a willingness to take on challenges and work hard to overcome obstacles. Other factors that were considered were the students attitude, persistence, and growth mindset. When your name is called, please come to the stage to receive your certificate. Ava Christian, [applause] Olivia Collins, Corbin Fleek, Harrison Freeland, Men Guerrrell, Jason Kaiser, Avery Mick, Weston Morton, Annelise Moher, Cora Reeves, Leo Reman, Henry Rory, Molly Shran, and Sakias Dilking. Congratulations to our outstanding academic growth award winners. [applause]
019Our next academic award will recognize students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement for this school year. This award recognizes students who have excelled academically in a particular subject or across multiple subjects for this school year. To be considered for this award, students should have consistently earned high grades or test scores throughout the year, demonstrating mastery of the material and a strong work ethic. Other factors that were considered were personal creativity, critical thinking, and leadership skills. When your name is called, please come to the stage to receive your certificate. Elelliana Basler, Dominic Fetcher, Morgan Hulcamp, Eric Jensen, Annabth Knight, Serenity Laker, Kareem Lidle, Ava McMullen, Levi Mormon, Ansley Patterson, Jackson Ralph, Jonathan Spurlock, John Todd, and Jonah Trosman. Congratulations to our outstanding academic achievement award winners. [applause] Our final academic award will recognize students who have
020demonstrated outstanding academic effort for this school year. This award recognizes students who have shown exceptional effort and dedication to their academic work throughout the school year. To be considered for this award, students should have consistently demonstrated a positive attitude, resiliency, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to go above and beyond what is expected of them. Other factors that were considered were perseverance, responsibility, and teamwork. When your name is called, please come to the stage to receive your certificate. Olivia Army, Owen Badel, Elodie Caner, Kinsey Throwing, Macy Gunter, Brilan Kinker, Avery Kramer, Kirsten Cruzman, Zoe Curts, Josephine Lewis, Tilly Meyer, Penelopey Mitchell, Riley Farmer Bowling, and Ion Patel. Congratulations to our AC our outstanding academic effort award winners. [applause] Okay, up next We have our heart of gold award. This award is presented to students
021who demonstrate an extraordinary level of kindness, empathy, and thoughtfulness in all that they do. They go out of their way to help others without being asked. They offer a listening ear to classmates in need. And they always strive to include everyone. They treat others, their classmates, their teachers, and everyone they meet with respect. They encourage their peers. They're a shining example of what it means to truly have a heart of gold. Whether through a warm smile, a kind and encouraging word, or a thoughtful gesture, these two students make those around them feel like they have a friend. Their positive attitude in and out of the classroom along with their caring spirit uplift not only those around them but also our entire school. They continuously remind us all of the power of kindness through their words
022and their actions. They truly have a heart of gold and it shines so bright for all to see. This year, our heart of gold award goes to Raven Rooms in Austin. [applause] >> [applause] >> All right, we've got a few more to go over today and we are almost finished. The next one is the love of learning award and this is a very special award that means a lot to our school. This award is in named in honor of our retired librarian, Mrs. Anne Amrine, whose positivity and love of learning was evident in everything she did. Her zest for life was a blessing to our school and community. Mrs. Amrine announced her retirement in the fall of 2019 and little did we know what would happen in March of 2020 when CO closed our schools
023for the rest of the year. [snorts] Because we were unable to celebrate her legacy in person that May, we developed an award in her honor. A fifth grade student who embody student who embodies the characteristics that made her such a special member of our family. The love of learning award is given to a student who possesses an eagerness to learn. They are inquisitive and willing to ask questions. They are interested in learning about a variety of subjects. This student loves to read and takes advantage of the resources available to them. This student is an emerging leader, hardworking, self-motivated, and puts forth the required effort. Other students look to this classmate for help and follow their example. This student does the right thing even when no one else is watching. And finally, this student is compassionate
024towards others. They are open-minded. They listen to others, accept differences, and treat classmates with kindness. Students are nominated by the fifth grade teachers, and the entire VIS staff votes on the one winner who receives a bookshelf gift certificate, which was Mrs. Amarind's favorite store in Batesville. And his or her name is also engraved on the plaque along with the other winners, which hangs in the lobby of our school. This year, the 2026 Love of Learning Award goes to Ava McMullen [applause] Health and we are so proud to honor you with this award. >> [applause] [applause] >> All right. Bulldog Ready Award is an award that recognizes a very special group of students. One selected by each of our fifth grade teachers who consistently go above and beyond in what it means to be a Bainesville
025Bulldog. These students are not chosen simply for earning good grades, but for the character they demonstrate every single day. They lead by example. They show kindness in who they are. They treat others with in integrity and kindness. Stay authentic to themselves. Work hard with drive and determination. Show empathy for those around them. And demonstrate resilience when things get tough. Those words should sound familiar to you. Those are our attributes. Our bulldog ready attributes. In kid terms, these are the students who do the right thing even when no one is watching. They lift others up instead of tearing them down. And they keep going when something feels hard and make our school a better place simply by being in it. The Bulldog Ready Award honors students who are not just ready for middle school, but they
026are ready for life. So, the winners from each class, will you please come up when I call your name? Josie Garcia. >> [applause] >> Megan Grooms, Adeline PUA, Israel Laraka, Grace Schulty, Zack Stanger, and Zachary setting. [laughter] >> One winner was selected overall for the Bulldog Ready School Award and that winner this year is Sydney Stone King. [applause] Congratulations. [applause] >> All right, I'm going to go off script for a minute because something happened this year that I've never had happen um since I've been at this school, but actually since my 30 years in education. I had a group of three students who came to me when they knew awards the awards day was coming and said, "We know that the fifth graders are going to get awards, but our teachers deserve awards, too. Can
027we give them something?" >> And we talked about what that would look like. And I want the three students who came to me to stand up, please. It was their leadership that started this. So, thank you, girls. >> [applause] >> We worked together and they determined a representative from every class to give an a an award to their teacher. And we decided the best award for their teacher would just be a letter to represent all the wonderful things that they've done. And that letter represents not only their feelings, but the feelings of the students in your classroom. So, if you were a student who wrote a letter to someone special, will you go please deliver that to them now? >> [laughter] >> Um, I cannot thank our kiddos enough. This has been a beautiful fifth
028grade class. from things like that to the words that I got at the end of the fifth grade party earlier this week about the this respectful attitudes um just their when we had to switch to the rain date inside. Everybody was fine with it and the kids enjoyed the time. I have enjoyed your time here at BIS so very much and I can't wait to see what's next for you. But families, thank you so much for supporting your students today and every day leading up to this moment. Don't blink. The next seven years are going to go by quickly. And your kiddos need their support, guidance, and modeling. Wow, I got a little choked up. I didn't think I would. Um, BIS student or fifth grade, your teachers are so very proud of you. We've
029watched you grow in thoughtful, talented, and kind-hearted humans, and we cannot wait to see what's next for you. We're going to be cheering you on every step of the way, even if we secretly hope that you'll come back to visit visit us every now and then. Congratulations, fifth graders. Go be amazing. [applause] All right, so parents, if you have a student that received an award and you would like some pictures, most definitely you can do that. Um, students, stay seated until you see your parents get up to dismiss your class. Okay. Thanks so much for coming. Have a great summer. Excuse me, sir.