FRAMINGHAM – It’s on to Plan C for Framingham High School’s graduation, and what that will be is up to the Class of 2020.
Less than 72 hours before they are set to graduate, the Class of 2020 has to make a decision about whether they will attend a graduation without any guests.
Scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday on Bowditch Field, high school administrators are proposing that the planned commencement be limited to graduates and designated speakers only. Guests, including parents and family members, would not be allowed.
On Monday, Superintendent Robert Tremblay said Vice Principal Greg Lagan is surveying high school seniors to see how many students would actually attend a ceremony with no guests. If it is determined that there is not enough interest from students to attend without guests, then a drive-through alternative will be developed by the Framingham High administration.
“More to come after the survey results have been compiled. I wanted to keep everyone in the loop as conversations and social media chats will likely ensue if they haven’t already,” said Tremblay in an email.
The suggestion came at the behest of Samuel Wong, the city’s public health director, during a meeting with Tremblay, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education Anne Ludes, Principal Carolyn Banach, Lagan, and Director of Safety and Security Scott Penrod.
Wong made the “strong recommendation” in light of Gov. Charlie Baker reducing the outdoor gathering limit from 100 to 50 due to an uptick in COVID-19 cases. He did exempt educational activities from the order. Baker said he was authorizing all state and local police to enforce the orders, and that people who host events — even on private property — that exceed gathering limits will be subject to fines.
Baker issued the order on Friday to become effective on Tuesday.
The graduation was originally set for June 7 on Bowditch Field, but was cancelled and rescheduled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Zane Razzaq writes about education. Reach her at 508-626-3919 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @zanerazz.
