Point Beach Superintendent Offers Update On Graduation Ceremonies

The following is a letter from Point Pleasant Beach School Superintendent William T. Smith who provided an update Wednesday on in-person graduation ceremonies:

Dear Members of the Point Pleasant Beach School District Community,

The governor has spoken! A silver daylight was cast through the clouds by Tuesday’s announcement that in-person graduation ceremonies would be permitted (with restrictions) beginning July 6. What the announcement provided in excitement left behind for us an equally high number of unanswered questions. We hope to have those in the near future.

For now, here is the important announcement for parents of 8th grade and 12th grade students:

1. Both G. Harold Antrim Elementary School and Point Pleasant Beach High School plan to offer outdoor ceremonies on July 6, subject to social distancing and public gathering restrictions. If you have students at both schools, fear not, the ceremonies will not be offered at conflicting times.

2. Both G. Harold Antrim Elementary School and Point Pleasant Beach High School will offer all families a personalized opportunity for recognition on June 17 (Antrim) and June 18 (High School), as previously announced.

There are many more details to follow this letter, and I respectfully request your patience as we await a more comprehensive document containing the rules and regulations promised by the NJDOE. Once we receive that document, we must then convene with our local officials to interpret those rules, apply them to our unique scenario, and prepare an announcement for families. You will receive future updates about graduation and promotion from your building principal.

For now, you have an Antrim student, mark June 17 and July 16 on your calendar. If you have a high school senior, mark June 18 and July 6 on your calendar. This is exciting news, and we look forward to turning that sliver of light into a true Beach Day!

Stay kind. Stay healthy. Go Beach!

Sincerely,

William T. Smith, Ed.D.