The Medford High School Commencement Ceremony that had been rescheduled to Aug. 15 was canceled after several of the school’s seniors scheduled to participate in the ceremony tested positive for COVID-19.
“Local health officials notified the Superintendent that in addition to these multiple positive tests, there is significant evidence that individuals who tested positive have failed to comply with the public health guidance regarding isolation and quarantining,” the school said in a statement. “For these reasons, and for the safety of all community members, the graduation ceremony has been cancelled.”
Instead, the statement said, the school will notify families and students in the coming days of how it plans to distribute diplomas.
“We are devastated not to have the opportunity to congratulate and commend our seniors upon the completion of their high school careers,” said Superintendent Marice Edouard-Vincent, Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn and Director of the Medford Board of Health, MaryAnn O’Connor in the statement. “The failure to comply with the restrictions and advice of public health officials is simply unacceptable. It is critically important that all community members, including the students of the Medford Public Schools, adhere to public health guidance. The safety and well-being of all community members will continue to be our highest priority.”
Graduations, which were allowed to be held starting July 19, have been a difficult event to host for many schools over the past month.
Easthampton High School also canceled its graduation yesterday because of “the uptick in health metrics and the recent changes on phases from Governor Baker’s office,” assistant principal Susan Welson told MassLive.
Earlier this month, Cohasset High School’s graduation was canceled due to a prom-like party with high schoolers and parents. Maynard High School had to cancel its graduation ceremony that was set to take place July 24 after someone tested positive for COVID-19. Falmouth High School also canceled its in-person graduation and a parent who attended the Quincy High School graduation on July 25 tested positive for coronavirus, Interim Superintendent of Schools Kevin Mulvey said.
This week Gov. Charlie Baker added new restrictions to Phase 3, which impacted indoor and outdoor gatherings. He also spoke out against continuing to host graduations during a press conference.
Speaking as a parent of three, Baker said he knows the importance of celebrating such moments as graduation but said “too many people are letting their guard down.” He urged residents, “Don’t spread this virus to your family.”
State education officials also issued new guidance on back-to-school reopening plans along with the color coded map tracking COVID-19 cases.
Corresponding to the metrics on the map, districts coded red should use remote learning; districts coded yellow should utilize a hybrid model, or remote if extenuating circumstances; and districts shaded green or white should return to school full-time in-person or hybrid if extenuating circumstances, according to the guidance.
Related Content:
- Easthampton High School cancels graduation after Gov. Charlie Baker adds restrictions to phase 3 of Massachusetts reopening plan
- Massachusetts releases new map tracking COVID in communities across state: Chelsea, Everett, Lynn and Revere deemed high risk
- Massachusetts issues updated back-to-school guidance recommending return of in-person learning or hybrid models for majority of state
- Massachusetts high school graduation: Cancellations, positive coronavirus tests and new plans make for tricky celebrations as schools go forward with commencement