FINAL FAREWELL

Students, families say goodbye to district

As they celebrate their Last Day Parade, smiles and bittersweet tears filled the eyes of students and staff of the Newbury School District. School administration, along with teachers and staff across the district, pulled together for students and families.

Staff assembled in each school’s parking lot at around 11 a.m., except for the high school, who gathered around noon. All families and community members were welcome to stand outside and cheer for the students as the parade passed, giving them their proper sendoff.

The district will be defunct by fall, following a territory transfer into West Geauga Schools.

Low enrollment and other financial and educational issues prompted the move. June 3 was the actual last day of school for the hundreds of students, teachers and staff.

“The pandemic has led to a unique and unprecedented school ending for all schools, but it is a little tougher for Newbury since the district will be joining the West Geauga School District on July 1,” said Newbury Superintendent Jacqueline Hoynes.

“We feel our students need to say good-bye to their teachers and school to give them some closure,” she added.

“The parade is a celebration of our district, our staff, and our students. We are celebrating the rich history of Newbury Schools.”

Families and students enjoyed some spirited music by the marching band.

Students even got to enjoy some fun Newbury sunglasses and pom-poms.

Keeping this safe and fun for all involved, the school administration put several protocols in place. Families and students were asked to maintain safety by social distancing.

“We are being socially responsible. Students and families will be in their cars, and the teachers will be socially distancing from one another,” Hoynes said.

So what’s next for the former staff and students of the tiny district?

“The majority of the staff will be going to the West Geauga School District,” said Hoynes.

Even though these are challenging times, Hoynes is focused on pushing forward. The most critical piece was for the staff and students to feel appreciated.

“We just wanted to give the kids a good send-off,” she added.

ALEXIS OATMAN — THE NEWS-HERALD Students and families smile and wave as they say their last goodbyes at the Newbury School District Last Day Parade.

ALEXIS OATMAN — THE NEWS-HERALD Students and families came together for a Last Day Parade at Newbury Schools.