What Arlington High School's 2020 Graduation Will Look Like

ARLINGTON, MA — Arlington High School will celebrate its seniors over two days in place of a traditional graduation ceremony next month. In a letter to families, Principal Matthew Janger said there will be a streaming ceremony June 6, followed by a car caravan in town June 7. The district still plans to hold an in-person celebration in the future when it is safe to gather, said Janger.

"We know that some communities have decided to postpone graduation and set a date later in the summer in hopes that social distancing restrictions will be lifted," Janger wrote. "Given the fact that the restrictions have already been extended several times, we feel it is not practical to plan such an important event with so much uncertainty."

The district felt a late summer graduation would exclude students who might already be leaving Arlington to start their post-graduate plans. Administrators also wanted to celebrate the graduation at the time when the diplomas are being conferred.

The Arlington Public Schools worked with the Board of Health, police and fire departments, student government and the Last Blast leadership to develop a rough plan for graduation.

The three-part plan is as follows:

Part I: A safe location is being arranged for a formal presentation of the diploma booklet with immediate family members present. This will happen between May 22-30. APS will video the presentation and a professional photographer will be present to record the event. Caps, gowns, and diplomas will be delivered to all seniors prior to this event. Sign-ups, expectations and details will be out early next week.

Part II: ACMI is working with the district to create a live-streaming ceremony that will include the diploma presentation, speeches, traditional graduation components, and some exciting additions. This streaming, which will take place on June 6, gives the entire community and all of your relatives the opportunity to share in this special occasion. Time will be determined by the results of the survey.

Part III: A caravan through the town is being planned for seniors and their immediate families to gather and celebrate in a socially distant manner. The procession route has been developed by the Arlington Police Department. Cars will assemble on June 7 at noon and the caravan will begin at 1:00 pm. More details will follow.

"We are excited about this unique plan for graduation, but we know that it is bittersweet and there are many other events that we will miss," Janger wrote. "We are planning other senior events during the spring. In addition, we are prepared with support from Last Blast and Senior Officers to plan a future celebration when we are able to gather again. This will be planned as appropriate and with input to incorporate elements of traditional events like the graduation, prom and Last Blast."