Spotted: 5th graders “clapping out” at Menlo Park schools

The 5th Grade Clap Out is a longstanding end-of-year tradition at elementary schools in the Menlo Park City School District (MPCSD).

This milestone celebration bids graduating 5th graders farewell as they prepare to transition to middle school.

Specific details of the tradition vary from school to school but generally include:

• The Walk: Graduating 5th graders typically take a final ceremonial walk through the school hallways or around the campus field.
• The Crowd: Students from all other grades, along with faculty, staff, and cheering parents, line the sidewalks and hallways.
• The Celebration: The crowd claps and cheers to congratulate the students as they make their way toward middle school.

Photos by Parke Treadway show Encinal, following by Oak Knoll and Laurel. (c) 2026