Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 4/26/2021
SOUTH HADLEY – South Hadley Schools Interim Superintendent Diana Bonneville received a mix of both positive and negative comments from parents on the cancellation of prom after the committee had moved to cancel the event at the April 15 School Committee meeting. The prom had been cancelled due to concern of COVID–19 numbers rising.
A portion of the South Hadley School Committee meeting allowed for public comment. Two parents spoke up about possible solutions so that their children would be able to have a prom.
One parent addressed her concern of prom being denied by stating, “I understand graduation is the most important, and we are in the middle of a pandemic, but we have children that have missed out on memories and are going to miss out on really life skills because they have been home for a year and a half.”
Another parent began to work with other parents to project a solid plan that consisted of an outdoor venue, having two separate photo areas, no slow dancing, a marked dance floor and more. The group of parents proposed a date that would be three weeks before graduation. The committee, however, informed the parents that the decision of prom being cancelled was final.
Bonneville addressed the issue by stating, “My heart breaks for senior prom, I totally understand that, I was very clear in my emails the reasons why, but through medical guidance, it was in the best interest of the safety of the students and town. I appreciate the effort senior moms put in, I read the plan, I liked it a lot, but with the numbers increasing, it wasn’t safe at the time.”
Newly appointed School Committee Chair Allison Schlachter specified that the School Committee doesn't have to vote on the decision of the prom and it is up to the superintendent and public officials of the town who have that final call.
Schlachter said, “I know it is hard for these students to lose these milestones, this is really a time to find out how resilient we are and that we are going to move forward and have variances when it is safe to do so.”
Following the discussion of prom cancellation, a recap of the senior events to occur was discussed:
• May 26 is the senior’s last day and will also be for a reverse parade for cap and gown pick up. All school administrators and district have been invited to have them be part of the reverse parade at high school. Students will be given time slots to pick up their caps and gowns. Students will also be given the chance to celebrate their work throughout their years of education.
• June 1 will be the Scholarship Award Ceremony, prior will be a pre-registration. Each student will be able to have two guests with them and a strict protocol to be in the auditorium will be followed.
• June 3 will be the Baccalaureate – a student-only event. This event takes place in honor of the students’ time at the high school, and student speakers will be present to talk about their education experience. The class officers have also chosen a guest speaker from the faculty. The event will be streamed live for parents to view. A slide show of students will feature photos of students’ experiences at the high school. The event will take place in the gymnasium, where students will be seated six feet apart. The dinner portion will be at the high school with six feet regulations or food is taken to go.
• June 4 will be graduation and will be at the MassMutual Center. Students will be shown on the Jumbotron. The number of guests and times are still to be announced. Students can expect to have more guests as there are more seats and space. Final contracts were sent in on April 15 and are waiting on approval before tickets can be sent out and registration can happen.
• Field day and prom will both not move forward.
By the end of the committee’s discussion a second reading of the civility policy was announced and agreed upon. Bonneville brought upon the committee to initiate the civility policy even though a mutual respect clause is already in place. She highlighted how the policy addresses the orderly conduct of employees, caregivers and the public. She noted that everyone should be a positive role model and encourage positive communication. Undisrupted conduct that prohibits a students ability to learn won’t be tolerated. The policy explains that all students should have appropriate role models in the matters of problem solving and respect for everybody. No physical threats should be addressed and zero offensive and demeaning language should interfere with the operation of the school.
If someone feels they have been subjected to uncivil behavior there is a solution format to be followed. By citing the policy to the person, that they are not following it and removing themselves from the issue, but no retaliation is to be tolerated.
The school website will feature the new policy and it will be placed inside the policy menu.