Rye Graduation for 2020 Will Remain on Nugent Field, Held Early
After the uproar when Rye schools announced plans to move graduation to Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, the school administration has reversed course.
Rye High graduation will be held on the field at Nugent Stadium, in a nod to tradition. However, in order to accommodate the renovation of the football field, graduation will be held on Sunday, May 31, at 2:00 p.m. (well before the conclusion of school).
After parents when nuts over the Capital Theater plans, the school surveyed the senior class and found – not surprise – the versus The Cap "82.6% of the seniors who took the survey preferred to have graduation on Sunday, May 31, at 2:00 p.m. on the field at Nugent Stadium".
(PHOTO: Rye High graduation on Nugent field, 2017.)
The school system told families Friday it was looking at a couple of options before reporting on the final decision to return to Nugent field.
Last Friday's correspondence follows:
"Dear Seniors and Parents/Guardians,
We have heard your feedback that it is important to celebrate graduation on the Rye High School campus. While Nugent Stadium will not be available on June 20, 2020, based on additional research, we have identified two alternatives for which we are seeking student input:
1. Graduation on the Field at Nugent Stadium at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2020
We have determined an early graduation is acceptable under New York State Education Department requirements and that the videographer, photographer, and sound technicians are available on May 31. Students will receive their official diplomas at a breakfast the RHS Parent Organization generously agreed to sponsor on June 20.
Several factors led to this date. Saturday, May 30, would not be ideal as Senior prom is scheduled for Friday, May 29. An afternoon ceremony on Sunday, May 31 also avoids conflicts with religious services. Other weekends in May conflict with college graduations.
If this option is chosen, the standard Rain Plan for graduation would still be in effect: the ceremony would take place inside the High School gym and each family would receive 2 tickets for the gym with overflow seating and video feed in the Performing Arts Center.
2. Graduation on the RHS Upper Field Under a Tent on Saturday, June 20, 2020
Rain or shine, graduation would take place on the upper field behind the high school building under a large tent with chair seating, at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2020. The tent would allow for unlimited guests, and would also provide some protection from the elements.
Construction Timetable Inquiries
In response to inquiries about delaying construction, the District’s engineering/construction professionals determined the extensive nature of the work on the track and turf requires a minimum of three months (with favorable weather) to complete. Construction on the turf and track, used daily for physical education classes due to limited gym space, must begin by June 1 to be as complete as possible for the fall. Several modified, JV, and varsity athletic teams and the community’s Rye Youth Soccer program also utilize the field in the fall.
Survey Information
We wanted to give families the opportunity to discuss these options together. Students can express their preference via an electronic survey, through their school email, between Friday, Oct. 5, at 7:00 p.m and Monday, Oct. 7, at 5:00 p.m. We will share the results with parents and seniors.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Eric Byrne Patricia B. Taylor
Superintendent of Schools Rye High School Principal"
