In our town, 8th grade graduation is a big deal. Even so, we are not having a huge open house or party like some, but a cookout for our family following the ceremony. We're inviting the family who live in town, as well as my dd's dad, wife and kids (who live out of town), and his wife's parents (who live out of town and regard my dd as their own granddaughter, which is nice). Hope you followed that. The other grandparents and family who live out of town and won't be attending, do I send them an invite out of courtesy, or just an announcement? And then how far into the group of family and friends to I go for announcements? I don't want to end up sending announcements to everyone, like I will for high school or wedding! But at the same time, I don't want to step on toes. Ugh! Any words of advice? TIA

By Rayanne on Thursday, April 1, 2004 - 10:41 am:

I know how important this is because I went to a private school and grduated from 8th grade, which was a big deal. I would send it to everyone, if it was my DD. That's just me, but if you don't want to do that, then just send to the people who you are closest to.

By Ilovetom on Thursday, April 1, 2004 - 10:56 am:

Not sure about how far to go into the family thing, but do send out of town family an invitation. I live far away from family and never get invited because they assume we "can't come".

By Amecmom on Thursday, April 1, 2004 - 11:41 am:

Always better to invite and leave the regrets up to them. If it's a cook out, then you really don't have to worry about the number of guests. If you just send announcements, your relatives may feel you're looking for gifts without inviting them - even though that is not the case.
I often invite relatives who won't come. At least they know we're thinking of them and would like them to celebrate with us. Occasionally, I'll be surprised and they will come, and it's so nice to see them.
Ame

By Janet on Thursday, April 1, 2004 - 03:34 pm:

Thanks, ladies!

By Coopaveryben on Thursday, April 1, 2004 - 03:49 pm:

When we our boys were baptised I invited everyone because I didn't want anyone to be hurt. I did call the people who lived out of town and tell them that I don't expect them to be here but if they want to come and can make it that would be great but not to feel presured.

By Palmbchprincess on Thursday, April 1, 2004 - 08:13 pm:

We had family and friends over for my 8th grade graduation, also a big deal in my hometown. I don't recall any invitations or anything, just a bunch of us getting together for a BBQ and party. Announcements sound fine, just don't go over the top. You don't want it to take away from the specialness of high school graduation.

By Lorebunde on Saturday, April 3, 2004 - 11:07 am:

Any suggestions on what I can do for my sons 8th grade graduation? We have a very small family.
He is in a private school and we don't know too many people in the neighborhood. I know all his friends will probably be having big family partys.
Its just 5 of us and I want to do something special without it being boring for him.

By Lorebunde on Saturday, April 3, 2004 - 11:42 am:

I also wanted to find out do all the boys wear suits? My husband just mentioned we have to go out to buy him a suit for graduation.

By Dawnk777 on Saturday, April 3, 2004 - 12:21 pm:

My child's school didn't have an 8th grade graduation. They have a big dance at the end of the year, which meant we took her to get her hair done at a beauty shop. We never had a party, either.

By Rayanne on Saturday, April 3, 2004 - 12:23 pm:

For my brother's 8th grade grad. he had to wear a suit.

By Coopaveryben on Saturday, April 3, 2004 - 05:56 pm:

Joan, We moved here to Tennessee from where we lived (700 miles away) and when I was growing up I didn't have any extended family around, so it was just the 5 of us too (since we've grown up that has changed to 15!). My mom would just do everything like anyone else would who was having lots of people over, she would decorate, lay out food, etc. Just knowing she cared enough to do that for us, with no one else coming was enough to make it special. Or you could take him out to his favorite restaurant, find out if he has maybe one friend who isn't doing anything and they could come too. I think as long as you do something it will make it special.

By Lorebunde on Saturday, April 3, 2004 - 06:29 pm:

I was thinking of going out to a restaurant.
I just want it to be special for him. That is a good idea too, to decorate, etc. Thanks!

By Texannie on Saturday, April 3, 2004 - 06:56 pm:

My son is "graduating" from 8th grade too, but we aren't doing anything special. The school has a dance, but that's about it. I have a hard time with all this pomp..all he did was pass middle school! I mean, how many drop out and don't go on to high school? LOL I don't pay for grades either, but give an end of year gift rewarding their hard work for the year. I guess I would rather save all the pomp for a real accomplishment like when he gets his Eagle scout badge or graduates high school. BUT, with all that said, rather than have a family party (that if your son is like mine would really rather not suffer through! LOL) why not have some of his friends over for a party? We have a neighborhood pool with a club house and some of of our thinking of going into together and having an end of school swim party and cook out.