Dear Parents/Guardians:
I am pleased to announce the Class of 2018 will be graduating from Essex Technical High School on June 1st at 6:00 pm. We want the graduation ceremony to be an event that our graduates and their families remember fondly. This year, we plan to hold the graduation ceremony outdoors at the Essex Technical High School Stadium. However, in the event of inclement weather, we may be required to move the ceremony inside the gymnasium. If we do end up holding the ceremony inside, the students and parents will be notified shortly after 1:00 pm on graduation day, by telephone, through Blackboard Connect. We will also post a notice on our website.
Tickets will be distributed to seniors in their Academy Offices both before and after school during the week of May 21st . Each student will receive the following tickets:
- Up to four (4) tickets per graduate for seating if the ceremony is held outdoors. The outdoor tickets are for seats in the press box side of the stadium (this includes handicap seating). There is standing room space available for those without a ticket on the perimeter of the stadium.
- Unfortunately, if the ceremony is held inside the gymnasium, capacity limits us to only two (2) tickets per graduate. Two (2) of the tickets each student receives will be labeled with an “R” outlined in a red box in the lower left hand corner of the ticket. These specially labeled tickets (good for both outdoors and indoors) will be the only ones allowed for gymnasium admission. For everyone else, the graduation ceremony will be streaming in the Main Cafeteria for those who would still like to observe in this way.
In addition for those who are unable to make the event, we will be streaming the ceremony live on our website at www.essextech.net.
An important reminder is that tickets must be presented for seating. If you would like to be put on a waiting list for additional graduation seating that may become available, please email Deb Scarfo at dscarfo@essextech.net. Please include your graduate’s name, your name, and the number of tickets requested in the email.
It is always best to arrive early (by 5:00 pm) to allow time to park and be seated well before the procession begins. There will be designated parking for those guests with handicap plates. Please let us know in advance if anyone in your party requires a sign language interpreter. In addition, it is highly recommended the graduation guests wear either sunglasses or a protective hat to the graduation ceremony to assist with the glare.
Graduates should dress appropriately—men should wear collared shirts and slacks; women should wear dresses, skirts, or dress slacks, so that caps and gowns fit properly. We ask that no student wear tank tops, shorts, or blue jeans, as these will detract from the dignity of commencement. Also, graduates should wear dress shoes or sandals. Please be advised, because of the delicate nature of both the synthetic field and track, heels are not allowed. If a student arrives with footwear that is deemed inappropriate by the administration, the student will be given a pair of flip-flops. By following these guidelines, our graduation and awards ceremonies will reflect the dignity and recognition our students deserve.
Additionally, our Class of 2018 Senior Activities Week begins on Tuesday, May 29, 2018. On that day, seniors should report to the Main Cafeteria at 8:00 a.m. for a mandatory Graduation Rehearsal meeting. After rehearsal, students will receive their caps and gowns and enjoy a BBQ that will be held across the street from the high school. Students should wear school appropriate, casual, comfortable attire. Hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, salad, dessert and beverages will be served. This event is free for all seniors.
Later that day, Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m., Awards Night will be held in the school’s gymnasium. Many members of the Class of 2018 will be recognized for achievement, merit and service through scholarships and awards. Parents/guardians of those students will receive a personal invitation. All parents and friends of the members of the Class of 2018 are cordially invited to Awards Night.
On Wednesday, May 30, 2018, students will enjoy a school outing at High Meadow in Granby, Connecticut. Students should report to the Main Cafeteria at 7:45 a.m. as buses will be departing promptly at 8:00 a.m. Students should bring bathing suits, towels, sunscreen, bug spray etc. and are encouraged to bring t-shirts to tie-dye (supplies will be provided). This event is free for seniors as all food, beverages and activities have been paid for by the class. However, if any students are interested in horseback riding, please have your child bring a check made payable to High Meadows in the amount of $25.00.
On Thursday, May 31, 2018, Essex Technical High School will be hosting the Senior Prom at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel located at 50 Ferncroft Road in Danvers. The prom will take place between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Students must arrive at the DoubleTree Hotel no later than 7:00 p.m. If any student decides to leave the prom at any time they will not be allowed to return. Furthermore, students must depart prom promptly at the conclusion. Parents must arrive by 9:45 p.m. to pick up any child attending prom.
Lastly, as outlined above, the Class of 2018 Graduation Ceremony will be held on Friday, June 1st at 6:00 p.m. Seniors should report to the Main Cafeteria by 5:00 p.m. with their cap, gown and tassel.
Our graduation ceremony and Awards Night formally recognize the accomplishments of our seniors—all of whom have worked hard and succeeded in many ways throughout their high school years. Please help your graduate reflect on the importance of both these occasions. We want these memories to be special for everyone.
If you have any questions, please contact your son’s or daughter’s Academy Office.
Sincerely,
Brad M. Morgan
Principal
