Important Update on Parade 5/29/20

I hope you are looking forward to tonight’s parade.  I’m looking forward to it as well; however, I need to address an issue that has come to my attention regarding the rules for participation.  We understand that many of you want to ride with your friends, and we get that completely.  Many of you have been in the same quarantine “bubble” together for the past several weeks, and we get that as well.  When we first issued the guidance for this parade, and allowed for kids to ride together with masks on, it was well intentioned.  Since then, however, we were advised by the Town Health Department that this is not allowed.  It is the expectation of all public safety officials, town officials, and school officials that this matter of safety is strictly followed.  Please understand that the people making these decisions are working tirelessly to keep our community safe.  This is a school-sponsored event, and we need to follow this important guidance, or we cannot move forward with the parade.   

I am asking you to respectfully understand these rules and adhere to them.  They were implemented for a reason, and all of us want you to be celebrated and to have a great time – safely.  This event is also about our entire community and their collective desire to recognize and celebrate all of you.  There will be hundreds of younger kids around town, and we need to set the right example.  Your teachers, administrators, and our community is doing everything we can to support you through this difficult time, and it would be really unfortunate if everything positive about tonight is diminished because some of you are not allowed to participate.  

If for nothing else, please also know that we are hosting this parade alongside the first responders of our community.  Police officers and firemen – the very people putting their lives on the line everyday to combat the spread of this virus – they will be in attendance, for you.  If for no one else, respect them and their efforts.  Respect this rule.  Respect them. 

If you choose not to participate because of this rule, I am disappointed but recognize your decision.  If you are going to participate tonight, the public safety rules need to be followed.  

Thanks,

Matthew Paquette
Principal