Van Buren Elementary turned back the clock this week to give its current fifth graders a long-overdue milestone moment — their very own version of the Kindy 500. Originally planned for May 2020 during their final month of kindergarten, the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But this week, the Class of 2032 finally got their chance to cruise the halls in style.
The Kindy 500 is a beloved elementary tradition where students design and decorate cardboard “cars” they wear and “drive” through the school. For this special event, the fifth graders were challenged to decorate their cars to reflect what they loved when they were kindergarteners — from dinosaurs and Paw Patrol to princesses and superheroes.
Teachers and staff cheered as the students paraded through the building, their creativity and nostalgia on full display. Some students included favorite snacks, toys, or sports teams from their early years, adding an extra layer of personality and fun to their designs.
The event was a joyful way to recognize what this group of students missed out on due to the pandemic--a way to give them back a piece of that experience they never got. Plus, two former Plainfield graduates and 2025 500 Festival Princesses were on hand to wave the green and checkered flags!
The hallways were filled with laughter, smiles, and a few happy tears — proof that it’s never too late to celebrate childhood milestones.
Check out the photos below!