May 13, 2020

Re: 2020 Graduation Ceremony Plan Proposal

To Whom It May Concern:

We represent a group of interested parents of the class of 2020 Swampscott High School students. We are writing to express our united views and opinions about the upcoming graduation festivities. While we are certainly aware of the challenges of hosting a graduation during these uncertain times, our main focus is on our graduates, giving them the best possible celebration of their accomplishments and a proper send off as they go on to new endeavors. It has been a pleasure to work with Principal Kohut and the administrators at the school to try to figure out the best possible plan. After much discussion, we all believe strongly that a virtual graduation ceremony is not the best option and would be much less than what our students deserve. To that end, our proposal is to hold a hybrid graduation at Blocksidge Field whereby students would attend in person with two guests, and the ceremony would be broadcast so that people not in attendance could watch the ceremony as it was occurring. We also propose a Class of 2020 graduation car procession or parade through town to help the rest of the Swampscott Community show their support. Attached please find a slide presentation setting out high level details of the plan and how we accomplish it.

Our preeminent concern in drafting this proposal was the safety of the students, guests and other attendees. Thus, the plan takes into account proper social distancing of 6 feet between non-family members and requires each attendee to wear a mask. Given the size of the football field, students could be seated on the field with 6 feet distance, and guests could be seated and standing around the field, again with the requisite 6 feet distance. Entrances and exits would take place through four different locations and would be staggered in time to enter /exit to eliminate any crowding issues. We have carefully thought through many of the logistical issues and would be happy to address any questions or concerns.

Our goal in presenting this proposal is not to usurp the leadership of Principal Kohut or other school officials but is to express our sincere concern for our students and to show our support for our school. We are not seeking to plan the actual graduation ceremony; that responsibility rightfully belongs to school administrators and the student council. Instead, we want to make it clear that we, as class of 2020 parents, are here to take on the responsibility of aiding in organizing the logistics of a modified in-person graduation ceremony and ensuring that it is safe. With so many parent volunteers, our belief is that this hybrid ceremony could take place on the originally scheduled weekend of June 6-7, but, if those dates are not feasible, we would be amenable to considering alternate dates. We do propose the SHS 2020 Graduate car parade occur on that weekend no matter the date of ceremony to ensure those who can’t attend at a later date can enjoy some community support.

We sincerely hope you will give our proposal due consideration, and representatives from this group of parents would be happy to meet to discuss the proposal in further detail and answer any questions. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Parents, Friends, and Supporters of the SHS Class of 2020