Editor’s note: Karen Harris Tully is a writer who lives in Raymond and has agreed to keep a journal to share with Daily World readers during the odd and uncertain time we’re all navigating.

Dear Journal:

School’s out here in Raymond, after a very strange spring of forced home-schooling.

The schools and teachers went all out to try to make graduation special, given the social distancing. We couldn’t attend high school graduation as usual, but the school put together a sort of reverse parade. The turnout by family, friends, teachers and community members was huge. Mike said, “Now every class is going to want this!” He’s probably right.

Each graduating senior had a nice, printed banner with their name and picture lining the main street. They stood under their banners and a vehicle parade of what seemed like the entire community drove by, honking, waving and cheering for each senior. It was a heartwarming sight. I’m sure other schools and communities came up with a variety of ideas to make a socially distanced graduation special for their seniors.

The little ones weren’t left out, though it of course had to be different from the usual preschool promotion. Our preschooler, graduating to kindergarten next year, had a drive-through promotion, with a certificate and a pail of summer books and activities. We at least got to see her teachers, to say hi and bye.

There was also a caravan parade of teachers and staff one day, and one more drive through event sponsored by the Raymond PTO and elementary teachers. We got to say hi and bye to the teachers standing out in the rain, and the kids each got a summer goodie bag. There was a kite and a bug jar, a yo-yo and a jump rope, which our son said had to be from Mrs. Freeman, the PE teacher. He says he’s the fastest in his class, except for “that one kid who cheats.” At least half of elementary school is learning how to deal with people, an important lesson that unfortunately wasn’t covered nearly as well in home school.

The summer goodie bag included lots of fun things, but what the kids really missed was time with their teachers and classmates. We’ve had video calls with a few friends, which the kids love, but it’s not the same. It was good of Raymond schools to try to make the end of this strange year fun and special. I just hope next year the kids will be able to be back together, in person.

Song of the day: “School’s Out” — Alice Cooper

Karen Harris Tully is a novelist living in Raymond with her husband and two small children. She writes sci-fi/fantasy for teens and adults and can be found at www.karenharristully.com.