Governor Ned Lamont on Tuesday ordered all in-person classes at the state’s public schools to remain closed for the rest of the academic year. West Haven Public Schools will continue their distance learning programs until June 12.
The school closures, which come in response to the global coronavirus outbreak, have left WHHS staff and senior-class officers trying to figure out how to give seniors a fun send-off.
“Today was a difficult day for everyone, but the hardest for you,” Principal Dana Paredes said in an email to seniors. “You have worked for thirteen years to get to this point, and it’s devastating that you won’t end the year with your friends in the typical way.”
Mrs. Paredes said the plan is to wait to have an in-person prom and graduation when it’s safe and to plan a virtual graduation for June 12. More information about how to participate in the virtual graduation will come later, she said.
The school is also organizing a Westie Senior “Don’t Rush Challenge” video, which will debut on May 21 (the night prom was supposed to have been held). Details on how to submit the videos will be coming soon. They will be due by May 12.
“While it doesn’t come anywhere close to taking the place of a real prom, I hope it will at least be fun to get dressed up for the video,” Mrs. Paredes said in her email to seniors.
Superintendent Neil Cavallaro said in a letter to the community that the district will continue to provide student meals. Information about this program is at whschools.org.