PHOTOS: 'Clap Out' at Jefferson School

The "Clap Out" is a longstanding tradition at Jefferson School. Fifth graders and, this year, retiring teacher Mrs. Ianetti, are the last to leave the building on the final day of school. They pass through two long lines—the entire student body, faculty and staff—who clap as the rising sixth graders walk from the school doors to Ridgewood Road. The last day ritual is particularly poignant at Jefferson, where the student body is comprised of South Orange and Maplewood residents. Students from each community attend their own middle school, which makes for sad farewells. "We'll go to different schools next year," said fifth grader Elijah of his friends. "It won't be same until we get to high school."  Watching parents, the crossing guard and runners who stopped to watch weren't the only ones feeling the pull of emotions.

Once the silly string came out, however, summer began.