This year’s 5th graders entered kindergarten in the fall of 2020 during the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. At Spicewood Elementary, that meant virtual learning, masks when classrooms opened, and an absence of the many rituals that typically define early elementary school — things like reading circles, cafeteria lunches, and playground friendships.

Five and a half years later, the roughly 125 Spicewood students graduating this May have written a happy ending after that difficult opening chapter. They’ve done it with remarkable grit, deep friendships, and, as their teachers will tell you, a surprising amount of joy.

“This group of 5th graders has had a truly unique journey,” says Principal Melanie Solis, who arrived at Spicewood when the class was starting 2nd grade. “I often feel like we’ve grown up together.” She describes them as bright, energetic, and, above all, bonded: “They’ve formed strong, genuine friendships and created a supportive, family-like environment. They look out for one another, stand up for each other, and celebrate each other’s successes.” 

Fifth-grade teacher Jay Bhattacharyya has noticed something similar. What stands out to him most is this class’s innate kindness. During weekly visits with their kindergarten buddies, he says, “This is the first group I’ve ever had that gets down on their level without me having to ask.” Despite missing much of their own kindergarten experience, these kids have carried a playfulness forward. “They’re still very young at heart,” he adds. “They go and play tag during recess every day. It’s fun to see them actually play with each other.”

Ask the 5th graders themselves what they’ll remember, and one answer overwhelms all others: Outdoor School. The two-night trip dominated a recent class-wide survey, with students raving about cabin life, activities with friends, and the thrill of a little independence. Other memories reach further back: hatching chicks in 1st grade, Market Day in 2nd, the Living Museum and making ice cream in 5th. They’re proud of what they’ve learned, too: U.S. history, the UN Sustainable Development Goals, coordinate planes, and the endless wonder of science.

As summer begins, they leave Spicewood for good, carrying with them the activities, lessons, and friendships that made their time as Panthers so special. This is a class of students who, though they started apart, found their way together. Now they head to middle school — older, kinder, and unforgettable to everyone they leave behind.