Graduation from Preschool - Announcements Right Thing to Do?

I sure hope that preschool graduation announcements aren't the new "norm". What's next, announcements when little Johnny goes poo-poo in the big toilet for the first time???
I'm sure you are proud of your little one. You should be. But I really don't think a formal announcement is the way to go. A nice handwritten note from you telling about the event and other things that are going on in your life is fine, along with pictures from the graduation. If people want to send a gift, they will.
But to answer your question, a formal anouncement does seem like you are fishing for gifts. A family update with pictures, doesn't. People can then make their own decisions on whether to send a gift or not. Plus there are many more "firsts" to come, don't want to wear people out!! HAHA
Good luck!

I think sending the pictures only and not announcements is the way to go. If parents and immediate grandparents want to get a little gift, I think that is good, but do kids really need a bunch of gifts for graduation from aunts/uncles, counsins, etc. at such an early age? Most get so much already with Christmas and birthdays. There are SO many graduation ceremonies along the way through school, that by the time one graduates high school, they have had so many already. When I was in school (I'm 31), we only had our high school graduation and it was a really big deal. When I taught middle school, they had a big ceremony even with caps and gowns. I think a small ceremony for middle school is fine, but w/o caps and gowns. To me, it is like kids in middle school renting limos and buying formal dresses for a dance at the jr. high age--we only did that for Jr/Sr prom! Then you get into elementary graduation ceremonies every other year or so. Where does it stop with the huge ceremonies? By the time they get to the big high school one, I think it means more if they haven't had 10 ceremonies already! Certainly recognizing their accomplishments is good, but it just seems to be so much with announcements and everything.

Don't mean to across rude at all, but I do honestly think announcements for preschool is too much. Let your little one know how proud you are and give a nice little gift or special dinner out, and I think that should be great!

I agree with Lena. It would look like you were fishing. I know I would feel that way if I received a formal announcement.

I think you should email the pictures to those you are close to and let it be with that.

Just my .02.

T.

I agree with all the other posts....Sending pictures is ideal! I think anything other than High School/College announcements & parties is obnoxious, greedy and self serving. It is ok to be proud of our children but all these obligations can be expensive. I enjoy receiving pictures and updates and I am sure your family and friends will too.

I'm going to be 100% honest here.

If I were to get a preschool graduation announcement, I would think it was way over the top and a solicitation for a gift. High School/Grade School graduation is way different - the students actually had to maintain good attendance, post passing or better grades, and fulfill a set of requirements in order to receive a diploma or pass, in other words 'do something'. I'm not convinced that preschool has a set of standards that need to be met...don't kids basically show up to preschool and 'pass'? (Don't get me wrong, of course I know they learn a lot of wonderful and valuable skills but I think it would be absolutely horrible if preschool actually 'failed' kids or held them back because they couldn't met certain criteria).

I do think it is important for some people that they're child's preschool graduation be acknowledged, and like others have mentioned it would be most appropriate to send the family members a cute picture of the kid at the ceremony or the like. Let the recipient decide if they want to send a gift or not.

A nice hand-written update on everyone letter along with a few pictures would be wonderful. Formal announcement? Not necessary or needed.

My personal opinion is that preschool graduation is ovet the top and unnecessary. Our daughter just "graduated" too, next year Kindergarten. So, that graduation will be the fourth. I think that is ridiculous. A "graduation" is supposed to be a special time of passing from one level to another. I think it will be dissappointing every year after that will not be a "graduation".
That being said, I think a couple of picutures and a note are enough to keep them informed of their grandchild's accomplishment.

I agree with the other ladies...send a nice one pager of pics from graduation to your family. Sending a formal announcement is a bit much.

Rather than calling it an "announcement"

just send a snapshot signed by your child (not you) with a note.

"Thought you'd like this for the fridge, our little one is heading into the real world of "big boy" school next year.

P.S I teach PK

Hi W.,
I have some awesome announcements for graduation that you can custom design yourself along with graduation magnets. You can email me at ____@____.com

I have a mommy-owned business.
Thanks
D.

Hi W.!

You are right so be so proud of your "preschool graduate". First, parents do have bragging rights and if you did send an announcement, each person who receives one has a choice to make: they can send gifts if they want or don't have to. You are simply presenting an opportunity. Secondly, if you are concerned about looking like you are "fishing for gifts" then just send a card with a picture of your proud graduate to let people know of her wonderful accomplishment. With that, some will want to be part of the celebration, while others won't see the opportunity or see it as "fishing"!

They only graduate once from preschool. Those are memories that last a lifetime. Some children never have special celebrations for special accomplishments. I say ~ go for it and have fun doing it! Good Luck!
Sue T. in New Lenox

Everyone likes pictures - even if you want to buy some business card magnets at Office Max or Office Depot and attach a wallet size picture to it, so that people can put this on their fridge....that's a nice idea. I wouldn't do an announcement. Congratulations!