Tolland HS Grad Ceremony Petition Part Of 'Ongoing Discussions'

TOLLAND, CT — Education officials in Tolland were to discuss senior activities for the Class of 2021 at a school board meeting Wednesday evening, including a request to conduct graduation ceremonies via the traditional large outdoor ceremony.

The meeting is slated to take place virtually at 7 p.m.

Tolland Board of Education chairwoman Ashley Lundgren said the board was made aware of a petition being circulated by members of the Tolland High School senior class on Friday. It called for the traditional outside ceremony.

She said administrators have had ongoing conversations with students about the possibilities, which would be subject to state coronavirus protocols anyway. She said it made sense to invite Tolland High School principal Thomas Poland to Wedneday's meeting for an update.

Tolland Superintendent of Schools Walter Willets praised the THS staff for its efforts. He said everyone wants to get back to traditions, but it's a matter of what the state will allow.

"Everyone's had a tough pandemic year, and they are ready for something uplifting," Willett said. "I think everyone relates to that desire. The principal has done a great job, offered meetings to all seniors in early March, invited all seniors to serve on the planning committee for senior events."

The first meeting was staged March 11, with the second March 18. There is another slated for next next week, Willett said. More 100 parents/guardians attended a Zoom meeting hosted by Poland on Feb. 25, and he has scheduled another session for March 25, he added.

"Mr. Poland and the team that includes staff and students are doing a great job of finding the best way forward in holding events that are deeply rewarding for our senior students while adhering to state and health district guidelines," Willett said. "We are all working hard to provide events that allow our senior students to be able to make memories of a lifetime together, rather than experience the disappointment that quarantines could yield at this important time."