Belmont School Officials Mull Graduation Alternatives For Seniors

BELMONT, MA — Belmont seniors, like many others around the Commonwealth, are anxiously waiting to see how their district will handle graduation amid the new coronavirus pandemic. The district hasn't outlined concrete plans for graduation yet, but the Belmont High School calendar still reflects graduation taking place on June 7, with the caveat that the date may be revised based on guidance from the state.

While physical, in-person classes have been canceled for the remainder of the year and made virtual, that doesn't mean graduation is canceled. In his latest letter to the school community, Superintendent John Phelan said the high school administration, district and PTO have been discussing graduation plans.

Phelan said the team is assessing all of its options and reviewing ideas from other districts and community members, with safety as the priority. "Our hearts goes out to our seniors and their families at this time," Phelan's letter reads, "The patience of the Belmont High School community is much appreciated while we work through this challenge."

Seniors are still being celebrated in the community as "Class of 2020" lawn signs were delivered to homes across town in the last two weeks. The district sold 140 signs as of April 17.

"The Belmont community is very special and makes this difficult time a little easier," Phelan's letter reads.