Just before noon on Wednesday, a collective cheer erupted from inside the West Tisbury School and then the students ran outside ready to start their summer vacations.
Guitars, tambourines, trumpets and boomwhackers accompanied the sounds of joyous shrieks, and bubbles drifted in the air.
One group of seventh-grade girls huddled together on the sidewalk, sharing memories from the year.
“We went to the oyster farm and we jumped in with all our clothes,” said Scarlett Stedman.
The group said the school’s ski trip was also a favorite.
When seventh grader Anya Kohler was asked about how she felt about going into her last year at West Tisbury School in the fall, she responded that she was “super excited but a little nervous.”
The group echoed her feelings, but also said they were especially looking forward to the eighth grade trip to England.
For librarian Stephanie Dreyer, the last day of school this year took on extra meaning.
“I’m also retiring, so it’s my last day of work,” she said. “It’s a Friday tomorrow — that’s what it feels like.”
She said she was proud of the way the school and students navigated hardships like Covid.
“I’ve seen them since kindergarten,” said Ms. Dreyer. “So for my eighth graders this year, I’ve had some of them for nine years.”
At the Edgartown school, principal Kate Campbell stood outside with her dog, bidding farewell to the students. Beside her, teachers blew bubbles and an inflatable tube man flailed his long tube arms.
“It has been an amazing school year,” said Ms. Campbell, who had completed her first year as principal. “The highlights for me are always about the students. It’s always about getting to know all 348 students and their names and bringing out the best in them.”
According to Ms. Campbell, the students at the Edgartown School had a busy year developing in academics and as members of the broader community.
“What has been great today is the kids are sad, which is a sign of how our year was, that the kids are sad to leave,” she said.
Dylan Long agreed that it had been a good year.
“My favorite thing was nature’s classroom, because it was my first overnight field trip,” he said, adding that he is looking forward to spending the summer at the beach and going to hockey camp.
Between farewells to students and teachers, Ms. Campbell said the support of the families and community as a whole was essential.
“There’s been such a strong sense of being welcomed and embraced, of being part of this very special place, so that’s been really, really nice for me,” she said. “It’s been a busy year, so I want to be able to take a minute and enjoy the Island that I moved to, which is great.”
At the Oak Bluffs school, teacher Patricia Hardy said one word that came to her mind is proud.
“I’m loving this community and the support. I’m feeling a lot of love today,” she said.
Jeremy Light, principal of the school, was feeling bittersweet.
“We’re excited for the summer. The kids are excited, but I think a lot of our kids actually are sad because they love school so much,” he said. “We had our last community meeting today and some were cheering, and some were sad because they’re going to miss their friends and their teachers.”
Sixth grade teacher Missy Smith is retiring alongside her husband, superintendent of schools Richard Smith, after working at the Oak Bluffs school for 24 years. She said she is looking forward to finally having beach days in September, but she’s sad about leaving the school community.
“The one thing I just love about the Oak Bluffs school is the camaraderie and the closeness of the staff. That’s one of the big things that really makes this place a home,” Ms. Smith said.
Students of Ms. Smith’s sixth grade class, Bianca DaSilva, Lilly Hayes and Kendall Holway said they were sad about Ms. Smith’s retirement.
“She’s always super kind to us and she’s so funny,” they all said.
Kendall pointed to a crown she wore made out of pencils that Ms. Smith gave her.
“She loves pencils and she even gave me this crown,” Kendall said. “She actually made me this.”
As the buses rolled out, students cheered and waved goodbye to their teachers and friends. Some kids sped off on bikes as teachers yelled “be careful” for the last time this school year.
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