Ask for parents' help in organizing the menu. Students can bring potluck dishes for the picnic. Order a variety of sandwiches through the school cafeteria or a local sub shop. Hand out awards for achievements like honor roll, best attendance, best storyteller, most musical or even for the clumsiest student. Make sure everyone is included in the awards ceremony.
Organize a day of fun and rowdy activities outside for celebrating the end of the school year. Set up stations for a three-legged race or a wet sponge toss. When establishing which games will be played, chose those that combine entertainment with physical activity. Arrange for craft tables where students can make items for their parents, such as decorating picture frames for the class photo.
Planning a pizza party is another option for an end-of-the-year gathering. Mix a fun beverage such as sparkling water with juice for a fun, fizzy drink for the kids. Make the party fun and educational by planning a dessert game. Have the students recite multiplication tables for sundaes. With each right answer they get an ingredient for their bowl.
Give each student a beach ball and have the students autograph one another's beach balls in lieu of a yearbook. Play Caribbean themed music in the background and serve ice cream floats. Organize a group volleyball game or have chairs set out by a "beach" with a storytelling station. Set up a craft station with sunglasses that students decorate and take home.