Final bell

When kindergartners arrive on their first day of school at Malta Elementary School, they ring a bell.

On the last day of fifth grade, the students ring the same bell to signify the end of their elementary school education.

With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, fifth grader Linnea Naftzger was disappointed that she wouldn’t be able to continue what has become a Malta Elementary School tradition.

To recognize the students and celebrate the end of the school year, fifth grade teachers Ryan Wood and Amy Hager, student teacher Rebecca Reppen and principal Kristi Baccheschi visited the homes of all 51 fifth graders at Malta Elementary School to distribute a certificate and a miniature bell.

After receiving their certificates, which signified the end of elementary school, the students could ring their miniature bells, which they could keep.

“When we were talking about the end of the school year, Linnea told me she’d miss the ringing of the bell, which gave me an idea to talk about with the other faculty,” Wood said. “Ringing the bell signifies the end of their childhood and the start of their teenage years, the start of middle school. So much has been taken from the students, from field trips to their STEM project, due to the coronavirus, we had to do something to commemorate their last day of school.”

Parents Krista and Neil Naftzger watched the certificate and bell-ringing ceremony that took place on their driveway.

“It’s important to recognize all accomplishments through the course of a child’s educational career,” Neil Naftzger said. “It means a lot to know that that tradition wasn’t pushed aside. It shows the students that they belong, matter and are valued.”

Mindy Bollow, mom of fifth grader Kylee Bollow, took photos as her daughter received her certificate on the sidewalk by their front porch.

“It’s nice that the teachers and principal came to our house to continue the tradition,” Mindy Bollow said. “All of the students were looking forward to the end-of-the-year tradition, and they were able to do it, safe at home with their family.”

Fifth grader Luke Villalobos said he never expected his teacher to stop by his house.

“I’m really glad that it happened, I just didn’t expect it,” he said. “I want to thank them for coming and for an amazing school year. I’m really excited for middle school to start.”

The happy ceremony of giving the students a certificate and bell was also bittersweet for the faculty.

“It was nice to see the students one last time, but it was sad to say goodbye,” Baccheschi said. “Teachers know students for that one year, but I’ve gotten to know the students through the years. I’m happy they could ring the bell, say goodbye and have closure to the school year. I wish them every luck in middle school and in the future.”