Last Day Of School, Graduation Dates Set For Greenwich Schools

GREENWICH, CT — The Board of Education voted to approve June 22 as the last day of classes for Greenwich Public Schools this year, as well as two tentative graduation dates, during their meeting Thursday.

All eight board members voted unanimously to approve June 22 as the last day of school and set aside June 21 and 22 as possible graduation dates.

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The board also briefly discussed whether one of two graduation ceremonies will be necessary this year, which is dependent on social distancing needs and coronavirus safety protocols in place.

Superintendent Toni Jones said if holding one graduation ceremony is feasible this year, it will take place June 21 and the following day will be a rain date.

Karen Hirsh, the board's secretary, asked whether Gov. Ned Lamont's recent guidelines for outdoor events could affect whether the district is able to hold one graduation ceremony this year, however Jones said it would not have much of an impact.

"Right now, what governor has put forth is really not impacting schools a great deal because we are based on the Connecticut Department of Health," Jones said, "however we are still hopeful that we can get a plan where we could socially distance and have one graduation. [Greenwich High School] is working on that right now, but I would say it's going to be another few weeks. And also because we are seeing a spike right now locally, and it is with this particular age group."

Hirsh noted having one graduation ceremony, if feasible, would be ideal for some students.

"I just know the students would really like to be able to walk out of the school together," Hirsh said, "but more importantly, families just need to have the timing to plan if they're inviting guests or what have you."

In an update posted to the district website Friday, Jones again noted the district hopes to have one ceremony on June 21 but will hold both dates should two ceremonies be deemed necessary.

"We are monitoring health guidance and are hopeful that we will have a ceremony on June 21 with a rain date of June 22, but will continue to hold both dates should we need to spread out for health and safety purposes," Jone said in Friday's update. "We continue to work with our school administration and PTAs on end of year celebrations, and schools will be sharing more information soon. We are anticipating that larger, outdoor moving up ceremonies will be possible, stay tuned!"

According to a tracker on its website, there are currently 30 active reported cases of the coronavirus within the district as of Tuesday. Of those active cases, 16 are at Greenwich High School.

A full video of Thursday's Board of Education meeting can be viewed on the board's website.