Our school district is against anything for the 5th graders and our principal has followed that rule although some schools still do things. We tries last year to do something for these kids through the PTO but we were not allowed so my wife and I had a party for the entire class at our house (we had a graduating 5th grader). We will probably try again this year but who knows, good luck with whatever you do.

Our elementary school ends at 4th grade so we have a fourth grade "graduation".
We do a pool party at a local swim club during the school day in June. We hire the DJ and the kids vote on pizza or hot dogs and burgers. The PTO foots the bill for the party. Teachers and kids are all invited. Last year we charge the parents a nominal fee to go, just to keep the cost down. The kids look forward to this treat from the time they start school.

We have a fantastic fifth grade program. Our fifth graders travel to Ellis Island at the years end (immigration is studied heavily all year) They also hit a museum in NY. We then do an extended lunch time pizza party, a few days later. Each student recieves a T-shirt for the trip,and a yearbook for signing at the party. The PTO sponsers a portion and the fifth grade committee fund raises for the rest.

Our school usually holds an annual fifth grade dance for the kids who will be moving on to the middle school. However this year our superintendant has put the brakes on any "dance" for elementary students...(she say's the kids are going through too many hormonal changes and dances promote early dating situations...although each year in the past the girls were on one side and the boys on the other...but anyway she is standing firm) My question to all of you great people is what kinds of things does your school do?? We would like the 5th graders to have their own fundraiser to raise some of the money...but are at a loss as to what we can do. Thanks for your help:)