Seymour sets date for high school graduation, last day of school

SEYMOUR — The Board of Education voted Monday to set June 18 as the graduation date for Seymour High School.

But exactly what the ceremony will look like remains to be seen.

Superintendent Michael Wilson said Tuesday that school officials are planning for an outdoor graduation of some sort, with two guests allowed per graduate.

In the age of the coronavirus pandemic, however, long-term preparations are tough, and the town’s plans will be dependent on any regulations set out by the state.

Last year the school held a drive-thru graduation ceremony in July. Students had their gowns and masks decorated for the occasion, while their friends and family decorated their cars with supportive messages.

Wilson said he hopes to have more definite info on a more traditional high school graduation — and prom — in the coming weeks.

“We are still meeting with the high school administration team to finalize plans within the next month,” he said.

In addition to graduation, the school board also voted unanimously to set June 18 as the last day of school in town, provided there are no further closings this year.

There was no discussion prior to either vote.

Monday marked the day students in grades six through 12 returned for in-person learning full-time following the school district’s spring break.

Earlier in the meeting, Seymour High School student representative Zachary Braca told board members Monday felt like a “second first day” of school.

“It was awesome to see some of the faces that others and I haven’t seen for over a year now,” Braca said.

Associate Superintendent Vonda Tencza said that work is underway at the town’s other schools to send off students after a challenging year.

“It is exciting that all of our buildings are planning some of their end-of-year celebrations and activities, field days and things like that,” she said. “They’re going to look different, and different is OK. We’re really excited that these things are going to happen for our kids because we know they need them.”