Coronavirus: Milton Superintendent Talks 'Heartbreaking' Closure

MILTON, MA — Gov. Charlie Baker's announcement Tuesday afternoon that Massachusetts schools will be closed through the end of the school year due to the new coronavirus health crisis hammered home with a thud the reality that had become more and more apparent to most high school seniors in recent weeks.

All the proms, the awards nights, the senior athletic dinners and state tournaments, the pomp and the circumstances involved with the lead up to graduation and the ceremony itself, and the celebrations of putting a punctuation mark on one chapter of life will all either be canceled, or take place in a foreign, remote and perhaps pared-down, socially distant way that was never part of the plan.

On Tuesday, it became the unfortunate reality.

"I know that this has been an uncertain and difficult time for students, families, teachers and staff," Milton Superintendent of Schools Mary Gormley said in a letter to the school community Tuesday afternoon. "The end of the school year usually brings much joy for all in the MPS community — from field days and talent shows, to sporting events and grade-level activities.

"The loss of the end of our school year for our seniors is especially heartbreaking."

Gormley confirmed that "many nights of recognition, prom and finally graduation will not happen as planned."

"There are no words to describe what this means to our seniors, their families and the administration and staff of Milton High School," Gormley said. "I am certain that MHS Principal James Jette and his staff are planning for creative ways to give our seniors and their families meaningful and memorable experiences in the safest way possible."

"We in the Milton Public Schools are grateful for our collective partnership, and we remain committed to our students, staff and their families. The health and safety of all the members of our community are our priorities."

Gormley said State Commissioner of Education Jeff Riley will be issuing additional guidance on this extended date in regard to remote learning. She said she will be meeting with the MPS leadership team and staff, and we will provide you with updates to the MPS Remote Learning Plan through the end of the school year.

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