Preparations for Senior Ceremonies Underway

During Monday night’s School Committee meeting, Superintendent Lisa Howard shared a plan that is in place for senior celebratory events. Howard is working alongside High School Principal Matt Crombie and the senior class advisors to ensure the 128 graduating seniors have an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, and a final determination will be made following the plan that Governor Baker is scheduled to reveal on May 18^th.

“We are hopeful the governor will reveal his plan for lessening the restriction for gatherings and once he does that we are prepared and have several options on the table,” said Howard, who hopes to have a plan by May 22^nd.

Depending on the Governor’s recommendations, several plans have been put in place, a virtual graduation being the last option. Other potential plans include an in-person graduation where students will gather on Miller Field or in the gymnasium, in either small groups or the full graduation class with family members. Regardless of the event, socialdistancing will be a priority and Howard will rely on the help of the police and fire departments to maintain control.

“We believe that waiting a little longer and being patient will give our students the best opportunity to have a type of graduation, class night, and other activities that will be meaningful to them.”

Principal Crombie and class advisors have been proactive by conducting outreach to the seniors, asking for preferences. With a smaller class size than bigger districts, Howard is grateful that Winthrop has the ability to do things differently and provide a special event for the seniors. Regardless of the format of the event, graduation is set for June 5^th and students have decided to keep the date versus moving it further down the road. As soon as a decision is made on May 22^nd, the information will be conveyed to seniors and their families.