https://youtu.be/qe4e84qWmbE
Event Photos: Available online here
July 28, 2020
Dear Class of 2020 and Caregivers:
The graduation committee has been busy planning, and we are excited that the commencement day is fast approaching. With our big event just a few days away, I wanted to provide some additional information and a few important reminders.
- Graduation will be held on Saturday, August 1st at 9:00 am at the Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical School stadium.
- Each graduate can have two guests. These guests will sit on the field with their graduate.
- The ceremony will be streamed via Youtube at this link for all other friends and family. This link is also available on our website.
- All graduates should have received an invitation in the mail and with it a seating assignment. We will be able to tell you the seating assignment upon arrival if you have forgotten it.
- Tickets will not be needed for this event; however, graduates and their guests should arrive at the field together and check-in with the attendant at the West-End Zone Gate (closest to the school building) or at the East-End Zone Gate (behind the concession stands).
- Here is a map of the seating arrangement. Please plan to enter at the end zone closest to your seat.
- Graduates and guests must arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 am to ensure everyone is checked in and that the ceremony starts on time.
- National Honor Society cords will be available for National Honor Society members at check in.
- Parking will be available in all of the parking lots on the Main Campus. There will also be designated parking for those guests with handicapped plates.
- All attendees must maintain social distance and wear masks while on campus. The only exception to this rule will be when students are posing for photographs with their diplomas.
- Due to the delicate nature of both the synthetic field and track, high heels are not allowed for graduates or guests.
The Administrative team, faculty, and staff are looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2020 and their many accomplishments.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 1-978-304-4700 ext 3105.
Sincerely,
Shannon B. Donnelly
Principal
July 14, 2020
Dear Class of 2020 Students and Caretakers,
As promised in our earlier correspondence about graduation, I would like to provide more information and details about the upcoming ceremony. After much planning and discussion, we have decided to alter our previous plan and will hold one graduation ceremony on Saturday, August 1st at 9:00 am. We determined that we will be able to seat each graduate with two family members on the football field and maintain 6 feet between each group. This will allow the senior class to enjoy their graduation together as a whole, and we will not have to split the group in two. In addition, having one ceremony at 9:00 am avoids potentially those hotter midday temperatures, especially on the stadium turf, during what would have been the second ceremony. Given the circumstances, we will not be holding a practice ceremony as is customary, but instead will give clear with directions throughout the ceremony.
That said, the graduation ceremony will be held outdoors at the Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School Stadium. However, inclement weather may require us to hold graduation on the rain date, Sunday, August 2nd at 9:00 a.m. If a decision is made to move graduation to Sunday, students and parents will be notified by 7:00 am. on Saturday, August 1st, via the telephone number you provided for the school’s Blackboard Connect phone message system. In the unlikely event of rain on both Saturday, August 1st and Sunday, August 2nd, we will have the graduation ceremony on Monday, August 3rd at 7:00 pm.
This year each graduate will be allowed two guests. Each graduate and their two guests will be seated on the field together. The location of your seating assignment will be sent with the graduation invitations that will be mailed over the next week. Tickets will not be needed for this event, however, graduates and their guests should arrive at the field together and check-in with the attendant at the West-end Zone Gate (closest to the school building) or at the East-end Zone Gate (behind the concession stands). Once you arrive, the attendant will direct you to your seat. We will be maintaining social distancing from the moment you get out of your car through the close of the graduation ceremony and the return to your car. All graduates and guests are required to wear face masks or coverings while on campus, including during the ceremony per the Department of Elementry and Secondary Education (DESE) graduation ceremony requirements. The only exception to this rule will be when students are posing for photographs with their diplomas.
We ask that all graduates and their guests arrive in one car to minimize parking issues. Graduates and guests must arrive between 8:00 and 8:30 am to ensure everyone is checked-in and that the ceremony starts on time. Parking will be available in all of the parking lots on the main campus. There will be designated parking for those guests with handicapped plates.
Our graduation ceremony formally recognizes the accomplishments of our seniors—all of whom have worked hard and been successful in so many ways throughout their high school years. Please help your graduating senior reflect on the importance of this event as we prepare for this important milestone in their lives. In keeping with the decorum of this event, seniors should dress appropriately under their graduation gown—men should wear collared shirts and slacks; women should wear dresses, skirts, or dress slacks so that gowns fit properly. We ask that there be no tank tops, shorts, or blue jeans, as these will detract from the dignity of commencement events. In addition, graduates must wear dress shoes or sandals. Please be advised: due to the delicate nature of both the synthetic field and track, high heels are not allowed for graduates or guests. If a student arrives with footwear that is deemed inappropriate by the administration, the student will be given a pair of flip flops. Guests are advised to wear flats or wedges. By following these guidelines, our graduation will reflect the dignity and recognition our students deserve. Please note that family members or guests will not be allowed on the field if they are wearing high heels.
The Administrative team, faculty, and staff are looking forward to celebrating the Class of 2020 and their many accomplishments.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 1-978-304-4700 ext 3105.
Sincerely,
Shannon B. Donnelly
Principal
