Graduation Plans Announced For Stamford Public School Students

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Public Schools announced Monday all district high school graduations will be celebrated virtually, through pre-recorded school-specific videos, in the coming weeks. They will also be celebrated around mid-July in small, in-person groups, district officials said.

In an emailed announcement, Superintendent Tamu Lucero acknowledged the unique nature of this year's graduation festivities. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

"While this year's graduation is not what any of us envisioned earlier this school year, nor would it ever be our first choice for celebrating this milestone for our students, it is the safest, most equitable option we have during this ongoing health crisis," Lucero said in a statement. "After careful consideration, including reviewing our survey results, speaking with student and building leaders, class advisors and the Board of Education, as well as conferring with Stamford's health, safety and security officials, this hybrid option is our best choice."

The pre-recorded virtual graduations for each school will closely resemble that school's typical graduation ceremony and reflect its "unique personality," district officials said. Each small, in-person group event will be held by appointment only and limited by the most recent state and health department guidelines, officials said.

Exact dates for the release of the video and the in-person sessions will be shared with each school community by the end of the week, officials said.