What comes to mind when I think about the Arlington High School Class of 2021? Resilience. That's one. A few more that come to mind? Role Model, Flexibility, and Determination too. Collectively, the Class of 2021 has really shined over these past four years - but never more than this last calendar year plus that we've spent meeting challenge after challenge this pandemic has thrown at us. As we prepare to close the book on the 2020-21 school year, it's the perfect time to reflect on just how this class will be remembered. This fall will be the start of my 10th year as a high school principal and my 5th here at AHS. Simple math alerts you that this is the FIRST graduating class that I've led from start to finish - from their 9th grade Link Day, all the way to June 10, 2021 at 7p when we host graduation at John C. Larson Stadium right here at Arlington High School. This graduating class has done so much for AHS and you can be rest assured that I will share their collective impact in my commencement address where I plan to highlight our 4 year journey together. I am so excited to celebrate this class!

While we've outgrown this venue for graduations years ago, we now have the ability to Live Stream the ceremony and we will share that link via our website, email and social media as soon as it's available from the production company. We will have approximately 350 graduates in attendance and each student will have two tickets for family. Yes, we are aware that the governor made a change to large stadium events late last week -- moving from 25% to 50% capacity, but we are already significantly over the official 25% capacity in our planning (we are bringing in 200 additional chairs for seating on the field along side the graduates) and thus we do not have the ability to expand fully to "50%" by doubling the available tickets. To address special circumstances for some families, we have started a list of requests for 1 or 2 additional tickets. We truly do appreciate your understanding and flexibility, we want to host this graduation in compliance with the protocols from the state - as well as keeping the ceremony as visible as possible for all in attendance. We only have 100 additional seats for the ceremony available on a first come, first served basis with a final special circumstance review date of Monday, June 7. Again, if you have a special circumstance that prompts the need for a spare ticket, please email Michelle Warner at mwarner@asd.wednet.edu. We are building a list to quantify our ability to accommodate families where the Live Streaming aspect may not suffice for other viewers.

Together, we've had two drive-in style choir and drama events, our upcoming stadium outdoor medley performance "Curtain Call," a senior dinner celebration event, and later this week, we will have our annual Moving Up Assembly and field day too (seniors only this year). All live and in-person, despite the myriad of hurdles, hoops and challenges...Through it all, we found a way! When it comes to this school and this community, one thing is certain: We've been creative and resourceful all year, and this Commencement Ceremony will be no different! I cannot wait to celebrate the Class of 2021 with you...

Thank you for all of your support and flexibility throughout this entire year, Arlington is an amazing place to live, learn and grow!

Every Eagle,